lights VOLVO XC90 2009 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and drivingBlind Spot Information System
06``159
G020295
BLIS cameraIndicator lightBLIS symbol
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an
information system that indicates the presence
of another vehicle moving in the same direction
as your vehicle in the side-view mirror's "blind
area."
The system is based on digital camera tech-
nology. The cameras (1) are located beneath
the side-view mirrors.
When one (or both) of the cameras have
detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to
approximately 10 ft. (3 meters) from the side ofyour vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft.
(9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), see
the illustration, the indicator light in the door
panel (2) illuminates. The light will glow contin-
uously to alert the driver of the vehicle in the
blind area.
WARNING
•
BLIS is an information system, NOT a
warning or safety system.
•
BLIS does not eliminate the need for
you to visually confirm the conditions
around you, and the need for you to turn
your head and shoulders to make sure
that you can safely change lanes.
•
As the driver, you have full responsibility
for changing lanes in a safe manner.NOTE
The door panel indicator light illuminates on
the side of the vehicle where the system has
detected another vehicle. If your vehicle is
passed on both sides at the same time, both
lights will illuminate.
A B
G020296
Areas monitored by BLISDistance A = approx. 10 ft. (3 meters)
Distance B = approx. 31 ft. (9.5 meters)
BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the
driver if a fault should occur with the system.
For example, if one or both of the system's
cameras are obscured, a message ( see the
table on page 161) will appear in the informa-
tion display in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary,
the system can be temporarily switched off (for
instructions, see page 161).When does BLIS functionThe system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

06 Starting and drivingBlind Spot Information System
06160
When you pass another vehicle:
The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.
When you are passed by another vehicle:
The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.
WARNING
•
BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
•
BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.
•
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and
darknessDaylight
BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.
Darkness
BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, avehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
•
BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.
•
BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.
•
The function of the BLIS cameras may
be affected by intense light, or when
driving at night in areas where there are
no external sources of light (e.g., street
lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such
cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.
•
In both of the above mentioned condi-
tions, a message will appear in the infor-
mation display.
•
When driving in such conditions, the
system can be temporarily switched off.
For instructions, see page 161.
•
When the message is no longer dis-
played, BLIS will return to normal func-
tion.
•
The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, dense fog, etc.

06 Starting and drivingBlind Spot Information System
06``161
Cleaning the BLIS camera lensesIn order to function optimally, the BLIS camera
lenses must be kept clean. They can be wiped
clean with a soft cloth or wet sponge.
CAUTION
•
Clean the lenses carefully to avoid
scratching.
•
The lenses are electrically heated to
help melt ice or snow. If necessary, gen-
tly brush away snow from the lenses.
LimitationsIn certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s)
may illuminate even when there are no other
vehicles in the area monitored by the system.
NOTE
If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occa-
sionally even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the blind area, this does not indicate
a fault in the system.
In the event of a fault,
Blind spot syst.
service required
will be displayed.
The following are several examples of situa-
tions in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may
illuminate even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the area monitored by the system.
G018176
Light reflected from a wet road surface
G018177
The vehicle's own shadow against a large, light,
smooth surface such as barriers between lanes on
a highway
G018178
Sunlight directly in the camera when the sun is low
on the horizon
G026955
Switching BLIS on and offBLIS is automatically activated when the igni-
tion is switched on. The indicator lights will
provide confirmation by flashing 3 times.•
The system can be switched off by press-
ing the BLIS button in the center console
(see the illustration). The indicator light in
the button goes out when the system is
switched off, and a text message is dis-
played.
•
BLIS can be switched on again by pressing
the button. The indicator light in the button
will illuminate and a new text message will
be displayed. Press the READ button (see
page 58) to erase the message.

08 Car careWashing and cleaning the vehicle
08194
Washing•
The vehicle should be washed at regular
intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar
spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage. It is particularly important to wash
the vehicle frequently in the wintertime to
prevent corrosion, when salt has been
used on the roads.
•
When washing the vehicle, do not expose
it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to
soften the dirt before you wash with a
sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid
scratching.
•
Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as
soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may
be permanently damaged.
•
A detergent can be used to facilitate the
softening of dirt and oil.
•
A water-soluble grease solvent may be
used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use
a wash place equipped with a drainage
separator.CAUTION
Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-plated
wheels using the same detergents used for
the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheel
cleaning agents can permanently stain
chrome-plated wheels.
•
Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and
remember to clean the drain holes in the
doors and rocker panels.
•
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene
or tar remover after the vehicle has been
washed.
•
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy
water can be used to clean the wiper
blades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-
shield and wiper blades improves visibility
considerably and also helps prolong the
service life of the wiper blades.
•
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel
housings, fenders, etc.).
•
In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-
quent washing is recommended.
•
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug
wells should be inspected for water and
blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergentsSpecial vehicle washing detergents should be
used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz.
(8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of
warm water. After washing with a detergent the
vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water.
CAUTION
•
When washing or steam cleaning the
engine, avoid spraying water or steam
directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
•
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
•
During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Special moonroof cautions:
•
Always close the moonroof and sun
shade before washing your vehicle.
•
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on
the moonroof.
•
Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the moonroof.
Exterior componentsVolvo recommends the use of special cleaning
products, available at your Volvo retailer, for
cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental
components such as chromed strips on the
exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for
using these products should be followed care-

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
08``195
fully. Solvents or stain removers should not be
used.
CAUTION
•
Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rub-
ber components
•
Polishing chromed strips can wear
away or damage the surface
•
Polishes containing abrasive sub-
stances should not be usedNOTE
When washing the vehicle, remember to
remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors
and sills.
WARNING
•
When the vehicle is driven immediately
after being washed, apply the brakes
several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
•
Engine cleaning agents should not be
used when the engine is warm. This
constitutes a fire risk.
Automatic washing – simple and quick•
We do NOT recommend washing your
vehicle in an automatic wash during thefirst six months (because the paint will not
have hardened sufficiently).
•
An automatic wash is a simple and quick
way to clean your vehicle, but it is worth
remembering that it may not be as thor-
ough as when you yourself go over the
vehicle with sponge and water. Keeping
the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some automatic
washers do not have facilities for washing
the underbody.
•
Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary
lamps, etc, are secure, and that any
antenna(s) are retracted or removed. Oth-
erwise there is risk of the machine dislodg-
ing them.
Exterior lightingCondensation may form temporarily on the
inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as
headlights, fog lights, or tail lights. This is nor-
mal and the lights are designed to withstand
moisture. Normally, condensation will dissi-
pate after the lights have been on for a short
time.
Polishing and waxing•
Normally, polishing is not required during
the first year after delivery, however, wax-
ing may be beneficial.
•
Before applying polish or wax the vehicle
must be washed and dried. Tar spots can
be removed with kerosene or tar remover.
Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing
compound.
•
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
•
Several commercially available products
contain both polish and wax.
•
Waxing alone does not substitute for pol-
ishing a dull surface.
•
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes
can be purchased today. These waxes are
easy to use and produce a long-lasting,
high-gloss finish that protects the body-
work against oxidation, road dirt and fad-
ing.
•
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct
sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should
not be warmer than 113° F (45° C).

09 Maintenance and servicing
Maintaining your vehicle
09``203 Owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter-
vals are described in your vehicle's Warranty
and Service Records Information booklet.
The following points can be carried out
between the normally scheduled maintenance
services.Each time the vehicle is refueled•
Check the engine oil level
•
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers,
headlights, and tail lights
Monthly•
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect
the tires for wear.
•
Check that engine coolant and other fluid
levels are between the indicated "min" and
"max" markings.
•
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass
cleaner and soft paper towels.
•
Wipe driver information displays with a soft
cloth.
•
Visually inspect battery terminals for cor-
rosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose ter-
minal connector, or a battery near the end
of its useful service life. Consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician for
additional information.
As needed•
Wash the vehicle, including the undercar-
riage, to reduce wear that can be caused
by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that can
be caused by salt residues.
•
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake
vents at the base of the windshield, and
from other places where they may collect.
•
Complete service information for qualified
technicians is available online for purchase
or subscription at www.volvote-
chinfo.com.
Emission inspection readinessWhat is an Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II)?OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized
engine management system. It stores diagnos-
tic information about your vehicle's emission
controls. It can light the Check Engine light
(MIL) if it detects an emission control "fault." A
"fault" is a component or system that is not
performing within an expected range. A fault
may be permanent or temporary. OBD II will
store a message about any fault.How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?Many states connect a computer directly to a
vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can
then read "faults." In some states, this type ofinspection has replaced the tailpipe emission
test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion for any of the following reasons.•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your
vehicle may fail inspection.
•
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit,
but went out without any action on your
part, OBD II will still have a recorded fault.
Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending
on the inspection practices in your area.
•
If you had recent service that required dis-
connecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic
information may be incomplete and "not
ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not
ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II
emission inspection?•
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – or
was lit but went out without service, have
your vehicle diagnosed and, if necessary,
serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
•
If you recently had service for a lit Check
Engine light, or if you had service that
required disconnecting the battery, a
period of driving is necessary to bring the
OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A
half-hour trip of mixed stop-and-go/high-

09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
09``217
When replacing bulbs, keep the following
points in mind:•
Never touch the glass of bulbs with your
fingers. Grease and oils from your fingers
vaporize in the heat and will leave a deposit
on the reflector, which will damage it.
•
The optional Active Bi-Xenon headlight
bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury.
These bulbs should always be disposed of
by an authorized Volvo retailer.
•
The following bulbs should only be
replaced by a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician:
– Active Bi-Xenon headlights,
– Courtesy (dome) lighting,
– Reading lights,
– Glove compartment lights
– Turn signals and courtesy lights in the side
door mirrors
– High-mounted brake lights
Replacing high/low beams/turn signal/
parking light bulbs
WARNING
•
The engine should not be running when
changing bulbs.
•
When changing in the headlight hous-
ing, if the engine has been running just
prior to replacing bulbs, please be
aware that components in the engine
compartment will be hot.
G027081
The entire lamp housing must be lifted out
when replacing these bulbs.
To lift out the lamp housing:1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Open the hood.
3. Pull up the retaining pins (see the illustra-
tion).
4. Lift out the lamp housing.
G027083
WARNING
Active Bi-Xenon headlights (option) - due to
the high voltage used by these headlights,
these bulbs should only be replaced by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian.

09 Maintenance and servicingReplacing bulbs
09218
Location of the bulbs in the headlight
housing
G027082
Low beam headlight/Active Bi-Xenon
headlight (option)High beam headlightTurn signalParking lightSide marker light
Replacing the low beam bulb (Halogen
headlights)
G027088
1. Remove the plastic cover over the bulb (1)
by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Pull the connector from the lamp housing
(2).
3. Loosen the bulb's retaining spring by first
moving it to the right and then moving it out
of the way.
4. Pull out the bulb from the holder.
5. Insert the new bulb (without touching the
glass) in the holder.
6. Move the retaining spring up and push it
slightly to the left until it seats properly.7. Press the bulb holder into place on the
headlight housing.
8. Reinstall the plastic cap. The letters
"HAUT" on the cap must be upward.
Replacing the high beam bulb (Halogen
headlights)
G027085
1. Remove the rubber cover (1) by pulling it
off.
2. Pull the connector from the lamp housing
(2).
3. Loosen the bulb's retaining spring by first
moving it to the right and then moving it out
of the way.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs
09``219
4. Pull out the bulb from the holder.
5. Insert the new bulb (without touching the
glass) in the holder.
6. Move the retaining spring up and push it
slightly to the left until it seats properly.
7. Press the bulb holder into place on the
headlight housing.
8. Press the rubber cover into place.Replacing the high beam bulb (Active
Bi-Xenon headlights)
G027090
1. Remove the rubber cover over the bulb (1)
by pulling it off.2. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise and
pull it out of the headlight housing.
3. Remove the connector from the bulb unit
(2) by pressing the lock tab out and pulling.
4. Connect the connector to the new bulb unit
until it clicks into place.
5. Press a new bulb unit into the headlight
housing and turn it clockwise into place.
6. Reinstall the plastic cover.
Replacing parking light/side marker
light bulbs
G028409
1. Turn the lamp holder approximately 1/4
turn counterclockwise and pull it out of the
headlight housing.
2. Pull the bulb straight out.
3. Align the guide lugs on the side of the base
of the new bulb in the grooves in the holder
and press it into place.
4. Press the lamp holder into the place in the
headlight housing and turn it approxi-
mately 1/4 turn clockwise.Replacing the turn signal bulb
G027089
1. Turn the lamp holder approximately 1/4
turn counterclockwise and pull it out of the
headlight housing.

09 Maintenance and servicingReplacing bulbs
09220
2. Press in the bulb slightly and pull it out of
the holder.
3. Align the guide lugs on the side of the base
of the new bulb in the grooves in the holder.
Press it in and turn it slightly clockwise.
4. Press the lamp holder into the place in the
headlight housing and turn it approxi-
mately 1/4 turn clockwise.Front fog lights
G027078
NOTE
Avoid touching the glass on the bulb with
your fingers.
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Turn the bulb holder slightly counterclock-
wise to release it.
3. Replace the bulb. The shape of the foot of
the bulb corresponds to the shape of the
bulb holder.
4. Reinstall the bulb holder by turning it
slightly clockwise. The side of the holder
markedTOP should face upward.Location of tail light bulbs
G027094
Parking lightTurn signal
Back-up lightParking lightBrake lightNOTE
If the message indicating a burned out bulb
remains in the information display after a
bulb has been replaced, consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.