tow VOLVO XC90 2009 Owner´s Manual

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm
05
125
The alarm is automatically armed whenever
you lock your vehicle.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors
a number of points on the vehicle. The follow-
ing conditions will set off the alarm:•
The hood is forced open.
•
The tailgate is forced open.
•
A door is forced open.
•
The ignition switch is tampered with.
•
If there is movement in the passenger com-
partment (if the vehicle is equipped with
the optional movement sensor).
•
The vehicle is lifted or towed (if the vehicle
is equipped with the optional inclination
sensor).
•
The battery is disconnected (while the
alarm is armed).
•
The siren is disconnected when the alarm
is disarmed.
Arming the alarmPress the LOCK button on the remote control,
lock the vehicle using the key in the driver's
door or press the central lock button on the
driver's door with the door open. One long
flash of the turn signals will confirm that the
alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarmPress the UNLOCK button on the remote con-
trol or unlock the doors with the key.Turning off (stopping) the alarmIf the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by
pressing the UNLOCKbutton on the remote
control or by unlocking the driver's door with
the key.Visual alarm signalThe visual alarm signal is given by flashing all
turn signals and turning on the interior lighting
for approximately 5 minutes.Audible alarm signalAn audible alarm signal is given by a battery
powered siren. One alarm cycle lasts for
25 seconds."Panic" buttonIn an emergency situation, this feature can be
used to attract attention.
Activate the "panic" button by pressing the red
button on the remote control ( see page 119 for
illustration) for at least 3 seconds or by press-
ing this button twice within 3 seconds. The turn
signals will flash, and the vehicle's horn will
sound.
The function can be turned off by pressing any
of the buttons on the remote control or will stopautomatically after 25 seconds. When a button
is pressed, there is a 5 second delay before the
panic alarm is deactivated.
NOTE
This button will NOT unlock the vehicle.LED alarm status signalsThe status of the alarm system is indicated by
the red LED at the top of the dash:•
LED off – the alarm is not armed
•
LED flashes once per second – the alarm
is armed
•
LED flashes rapidly before the ignition is
switched on – the alarm has been triggered
•
Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has
been detected in the alarm system, a mes-
sage will be displayed in the text window.
Contact a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician.
Automatic re-lock/re-arm systemIf the vehicle is unlocked with the remote, the
vehicle will re-lock and the alarm will re-arm
after 2 minutes unless a door or the tailgate has
been opened.

G020912
126
General information............................................................................... 128
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 129
Refueling............................................................................................... 131
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 133
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 135
Economical driving................................................................................ 136
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 137
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 138
Jump starting........................................................................................ 141
All Wheel Drive (option)......................................................................... 142
Brake system........................................................................................ 143
Stability system..................................................................................... 145
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)............................................. 147
Towing................................................................................................... 149
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 151
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 155
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 156
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 157
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 158
Blind Spot Information System............................................................. 159

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06``129 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium for best perform-
ance, but using 87 octane or above will not
affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated
horsepower, torque, and fuel economy per-
formance using premium 91 octane fuel.Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize yourengine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol systems on your vehicle, lead has been
strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take
precautions. These may include:•
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
•
refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth
of the filler neck during refueling
•
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-
ers, or other store-bought additives to your
vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.
Overuse may damage your engine, and some
of these additives contain organically volatile
chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself
to these chemicals.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes
inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger
compartment is ventilated, and immediately
return the vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correction.

06 Starting and driving
Difficult driving conditions
06
137 Driving on rough/unpaved surfaces
The Volvo XC90 is designed primarily for on-
road driving, and it has excellent handling cha-
racteristics on very rough or unpaved roads.
When driving on poorly maintained or unpaved
roads, please keep the following in mind:•
Reduce speed on rough surfaces to mini-
mize possible damage to the vehicle's
underbody.
•
When driving on soft surfaces such as dry
sand or snow, try to avoid stopping if at all
possible.WARNING
Avoid driving diagonally across steep
inclines as this could increase the risk of a
roll-over. Try to drive straight up or down the
slope.•
If the road is very steep, avoid turning
the vehicle around to help avoid the risk
of rolling over. Back the vehicle up or
down the incline instead.
NOTE
Avoid driving on steep inclines if the fuel
tank is nearly empty. If the flow of fuel to the
engine is interrupted due to the vehicle's
angle of inclination, this could result in dam-
age to the three-way catalytic converter. We
recommend keeping the fuel tank at least
half full when driving on steep inclines.Driving through waterThe vehicle can be driven through water up to
a depth of approximately 16 inches (40 cm), at
a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flow-
ing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wir-
ing after driving in mud or water.
When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
•
Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.
•
If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than 18 in (48 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. This reduces the oil's lubricating
capacity and may shorten the service
life of these components.
•
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in
water up to the door sills longer than
absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
•
If the engine has been stopped while the
car is in water, do not attempt to restart
the engine. Have the car towed out of
the water.

06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
06``139
NOTE
The gear selector must be in the D (Drive)
position for kickdown to function.Manual shifting – GeartronicYou can move the gear selector freely between
theMAN (Manual) and D (Drive) positions to
select forward gears while driving. Gears 3, 4,
5, and 6 have a "lock-up" function which
reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be
selected in Geartronic mode.•
A "lock-up" feature
1 reduces engine speed
and help saves fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in
the instrument panel (see page 54).
•
To access the MAN shifting position from
D, move the gear selector to the left to
MAN.
•
To return to the D positions from MAN,
move the gear selector to the right.
While drivingIf you select the MAN position while driving, the
gear that was being used in the D position will
also initially be selected in MAN position.•
Move the gear selector forward (toward
"+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward
(toward "–") to shift to a lower gear.
•
If you hold the gear selector toward "–", the
transmission will downshift one gear and
will utilize the braking power of the engine.
If the current speed is too high for using a
lower gear, the downshift will not occur
until the speed has decreased enough to
allow the lower gear to be used.
•
If you slow down to a very low speed, the
transmission will automatically shift down.
•
When starting in the MAN position, 3rd
gear is the highest gear that may be
selected.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode –
enhanced vehicle traction
G030859
Press the W button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode (see illustration). The
W symbol will
appear in the display (see page 54) when the
function is activated.
This mode may be selected for starting/moving
off on slippery roads. The vehicle starts off in
3rd gear to help maintain traction. First and
second gears will only be used during kick-
down.
1Six-speed transmission: gears 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06``143 BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-
rate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in
one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop
the vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pressure,
the stopping distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light
up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a
Brake failure – Service
urgent
message is displayed in the text
window:DO NOT DRIVE
. Have the vehicle
towed to a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician and have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the
engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and the
brake pedal is depressed, the pedal may go
down slightly. This is a normal function of
the power-assisted brake system.Power brakes function only when the
engine is runningThe power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with the
engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake
pedal must be pressed approximately four
times harder than usual to make up for the lack
of power assistance. This can happen for
example when towing your vehicle or if the
engine is switched off when the vehicle is roll-
ing. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects brakingDriving in rain and slush or passing through an
automatic car wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a
delay in braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay when the
brakes are needed, depress the pedal occa-
sionally when driving through rain, slush etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes.Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or
when towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the
brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes,
shift into a lower gear and let the engine help
with the braking. Do not forget that, if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to
a greater than normal load.Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there
is a malfunction of the ABS system
(the standard braking system will
however function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician
for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop-
ping and steering) during severe braking con-
ditions by limiting brake lockup. When the
system "senses" impending lockup, braking
pressure is automatically modulated in order to
help prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self-diagnostic test
when the engine is started and when the

06 Starting and drivingBrake system
06144
vehicle first reaches a speed of approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will
pulsate several times and a sound may be
audible from the ABS control module. This is
normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system,
constant pressure should be kept on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be
audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during
braking. Please be aware that ABS does not
increase the absolute braking potential of the
vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS
will not shorten stopping distances on slippery
surfaces.ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system.
EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the
rear brakes to help provide optimal braking
capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate during
braking, which is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on
at the same time, this could indicate a fault in
the brake system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and
switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
•
If both warning lights go off, no further
action is required.
•
If both lights are still on after the engine has
been restarted, switch off the engine again
and check the brake fluid level (see
page 212 for the location of the brake fluid
reservoir).WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a
Brake failure – Service
urgent
message is displayed in the text
window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle
towed to a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician and have the brake system
inspected.
•
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN
mark, drive carefully to a trained and quali-
fied Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)The EBA function is designed to provide full
brake effect immediately in the event of sud-
den, hard braking. The system is activated by
the speed with which you depress the brake
pedal.
NOTE
•
When the EBA system is activated, the
brake pedal will go down and pressure
in the brake system immediately increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.
•
When the vehicle has been parked for
some time, the brake pedal may sink
more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will
return to its usual position when it is
released.

06 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)
06``147
G020294
Front/rear park assistThe park assist system is designed to assist
you when driving into parking spaces, garages,
etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sensors located
in one or both bumpers to measure the dis-
tance to a vehicle, object, or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.
Park assist is available in two versions:•
Rear bumper only
•
Front and rear bumpers
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a
safety system. This system is designed to
be a supplementary aid when parking the
vehicle. It is not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judge-
ment.FunctionThe system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates.•
The front park assist system is active from
the time the engine is started until the vehi-
cle exceeds a speed of approximately
10 mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the
vehicle is backing up.
•
Rear park assist is active when the engine
is running and reverse gear has been
selected.
Rear park assistThe distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes
from the rear speakers.
The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc, which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.Front park assistThe distance monitored in front of the vehicle
is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible sig-
nal comes from the audio system's front
speakers.•
It may not be possible to combine auxiliary
headlights and front park assist since
these lights could trigger the system's sen-
sors.
Activating/deactivating park assistThe system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started.•
Press the Park assist button on the center
console (see page 60) to temporarily deac-
tivate the system(s). The indicator light in
the button will go out when the system has
been deactivated.
•
Park assist will be automatically reactiva-
ted the next time the engine is started, or if
the button is pressed (the indicator light in
the button will illuminate).

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06``149
G027042
Positions for attaching towing eyeletsEmergency towingThe towing eyelet is located in the tool bag,
under the floor of the cargo area. This eyelet
must be screwed into the positions provided
on the right sides of either the front or rear
bumper (see illustrations).To attach the towing eyelet:1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of
the cover (A)
2. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B),
first by hand and then using the tire iron
until it is securely in place.After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet
should be removed and returned to the tool
bag. Press the cover back into position.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.Precautions when the vehicle is in tow•
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn
the ignition key to position I or II.
•
The gear selector must be in position N.
•
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not
exceed the maximum allowable towing
speed.
•
Maximum distance with front wheels on
ground: 50 miles (80 km).
•
While the vehicle is being towed, try to
keep the tow rope taut at all times.
•
The vehicle should only be towed in the
forward direction.

06 Starting and drivingTowing
06150
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the
front wheels off the ground should not be
towed at speeds about 50 mph (70 km/h) or
for distances longer than 30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•
Please check with state and local
authorities before attempting this type
of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maxi-
mum towing speed, length and type of
towing device, lighting, etc.
•
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not
attempt to start the vehicle by pushing
or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The
engine must be jump started using an
auxiliary battery (see page 141).
•
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
•
Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but the
brake pedal pressure required is
3 – 4 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•
The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or
for any similar purpose involving severe
strain.
•
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/
All Wheel DriveVolvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please
use extreme caution to help avoid damage to
the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on the ground
if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels on the ground, please
refer to the towing information on the previous
page.
CAUTION
•
Sling-type equipment applied at the
front will damage radiator and air con-
ditioning lines.
•
It is equally important not to use sling-
type equipment at the rear or apply lift-
ing equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may
result.
•
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.