tow VOLVO XC90 2009 Owner´s Manual

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 careWashing and cleaning the vehicle
08196
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-
life or durable paint protection coatings,
some of which may claim to prevent pitting,
fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have
not been tested by Volvo for compatibility
with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them
may cause the clear coat to soften, crack,
or cloud. Damage caused by application of
paint protection coatings may not be cov-
ered under your vehicle's paint warranty.Mirrors with the water repellent glass
coating•
Do not apply wax, degreasing agents, etc
to this glass. This could damage the coa-
ting.
•
Clean the glass surface with care to avoid
scratching.NOTE
The water repellent coating is subject to
natural wear•
In order to maintain the coating's water
repellent characteristics, it should be trea-ted with a special compound that is avail-
able at your Volvo retailer.
•
This treatment should be carried out for the
first time after three years, and thereafter
once a year.
Cleaning the upholsteryFabricClean with soapy water or a detergent. For
more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream,
shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric
stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.Interior plastic componentsCleaning interior plastic components should
be done with a cleaning agent specially
designed for this purpose. Consult your Volvo
retailer.Alcantera™ suede-like materialSuede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a
soft cloth and mild soap solution.Leather careVolvo's leather upholstery is manufactured
with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time,
sunlight, grease and dirt can break down the
protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and
fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy
leather care kit formulated to clean and beau-tify your vehicle's leather, and to renew the
protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner
removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream
protectant restores a barrier against soil and
sunlight.
Volvo also offers a special leather softener that
should be applied after the cleaner and pro-
tectant. It leaves leather soft and smooth, and
reduces friction between leather and other fin-
ishes in the vehicle.
Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and
conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four
times a year. Ask your Volvo retailer about
Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Soft-
ener 943 7429.
Cleaning leather upholstery1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge
and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.
2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the
sponge with circular movements.
3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the
sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain,
do not rub.
4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a
towel, and allow the leather to dry com-
pletely.

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
08
197
Protecting leather upholstery1. Put a small amount of protectant cream on
a cloth and apply a thin coating of cream
to the upholstery with light circular move-
ments.
2. Allow the leather to dry for 20 minutes.
This will help the leather resist staining and
protect against sunlight's harmful UV rays.
CAUTION
•
Under no circumstances should gaso-
line, naphtha or similar cleaning agents
be used on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
•
Take extra care when removing stains
such as ink or lipstick since the coloring
can spread.
•
Use solvents sparingly. Too much sol-
vent can damage the seat padding.
•
Start from the outside of the stain and
work toward the center.
•
Sharp objects (e.g. pencils or pens in a
pocket) or velcro fasteners on clothing
may damage the textile upholstery.
•
Clothing that is not colorfast, such as
new jeans or suede garments, may stain
the upholstery.
Cleaning the seat beltsClean only with lukewarm water and a mild
soap solution.Cleaning floor matsThe floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed
clean regularly, especially during winter when
they should be taken out for drying. Spots on
textile mats can be removed with a mild deter-
gent.

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 servicingEngine oil
09208
Oil specificationsEngine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC
specification GF-4, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1.
Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel
economy, engine performance, or engine pro-
tection.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or
synthetic oils may provide superior fuel econ-
omy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo
retailer or a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician for recommendations on premium
or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance serv-
ices. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please con-
sult a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient
temperatures)
G023491
Operation in hot climatesWhen temperatures exceed 104° F (40° C) in
your area, Volvo recommends, for the protec-
tion of your engine, that you use a heavier
weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W-40 or
0W-40. See the viscosity chart.Operation in temperate climatesIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life.
Under normal use when temperatures do not
exceed 104 ° F (40 ° C), SAE 5W-30 will provide
good fuel economy and engine protection. See
the viscosity chart.Extreme engine operationSynthetic oils meeting SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40
and complying with oil quality requirements arerecommended for driving in areas of sustained
temperature extremes (hot or cold), when tow-
ing a trailer over long distances, and for pro-
longed driving in mountainous areas.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
symbol
G022917
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbolThe API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into
three parts:•
The upper section describes the oil's per-
formance level.
•
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
•
The lower section indicates whether the oil
has demonstrated energy-conserving
properties in a standard test in comparison
to a reference oil.

09 Maintenance and servicingFluids
09212
WARNING
•
Never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is warm. Wait until the vehicle
cools.
•
If it is necessary to top up the coolant
when the engine is warm, unscrew the
expansion tank cap slowly so that the
overpressure dissipates.
Brake fluid reservoir
G000000
The brake fluid should always be above the
MIN mark on the side of the reservoir. Check,
without removing the cap, that there is suffi-
cient fluid in the reservoir.Fluid type: DOT 4+ boiling point >536 °F
(280 °C), P/N 9437433.
Replace: Every second year or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). The fluid should be replaced once
a year or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) when
driving under extremely hard conditions
(mountain driving, etc.).
Always entrust brake fluid changing to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Power steering fluid reservoir
FULL
ADD
G026991
The fluid level should always be between the
ADD and FULL marks.Fluid type: Volvo synthetic power steering fluid
(Pentosin CHF 11S) P/N 1161529 or equiva-
lent.
Replace: No fluid change required.
If a problem should occur in the power steering
system or if the vehicle has no electrical current
and must be towed, it is still possible to steer
the vehicle. However, keep in mind that greater
effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.

10 Audio
Radio functions
10
243
Starting autostore1.
Choose a frequency band with the AM/
FM button.
2.
Press and hold down the AUTO button
until
AUTOSTORING
is shown in the
display.
When
AUTOSTORING
is no longer displayed,
the autostore process is complete. The auto-
matically stored stations can be selected withe
the preset (number) keys If there are no stations
with sufficient signal strength,
NO AST
FOUND
is displayed.
Stopping autostorePressEXIT.Selecting an autostored station1.
PressAUTO (1) briefly. AUTOwill be dis-
played.
2. Press one of the preset buttons (0 – 9).
The radio will remain in Autostore mode until
AUTO, EXIT, or AM/FM is pressed.
SCANThis function automatically searches the cur-
rently selected waveband (AM, FM1, or FM2)
for strong stations. When the radio finds a sta-
tion, it will pause for approximately 8 seconds,
after which it will continue scanning.Activating/deactivating Scan1.
Choose a waveband by pressing the AM/
FM button.
2.
PressSCAN
.SCAN will be shown in the
display.
3.
PressEXIT to stop scanning.
Storing a station found by SCANStations can be stored on the preset buttons
while the SCAN function is activated.•
Press a preset button and hold it down until
Station stored is displayed.
This deactivates SCAN and the stored station
can be selected by pressing the preset button.
Radio textCertain stations broadcast program informa-
tion, which can be shown in the display.
1.
Press the MENU button.
2.
Select
RADIOTEXT
in the menu and press
ENTER.
Select
RADIOTEXT
again to deactivate.

11 SpecificationsFluids
11266
Category
Specification
Washer fluid reservoir
Use washer fluid solvent in cold weather conditions 6.9 US quarts (6.5 lit-
ers)
Air conditioning system
Refrigerant – R134a
B
AThe transmission oil does not normally need to be changed during the service life of the vehicle. However, it may be necessary to replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven in areas of sustained
temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, for prolonged driving in mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often driven short distances in temperatures under 40 °F
(5 °C).BSee page 90 for volumes

12 Index
12274
1, 2, 3 ...12-volt sockets.......................................... 75AA/C (air conditioning)...........................93, 94
ABS.......................................................... 143
Active Bi-Xenon headlights (ABL)........60, 64
Airbag system............................................ 20
Air cleaner................................................ 207
Air conditioning.......................................... 90
Air distribution...................................... 92, 94
Air quality sensor....................................... 93
Air vents..................................................... 92
Alarm........................................................ 125
All Wheel Drive......................................... 142
All Wheel Drive – towing.......................... 150
Anti-lock brake system
warning light......................................... 56
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 143
Ashtray..................................................... 109Audio
system introduction............................ 236
Audio system
Rear seat entertainment (option)........ 253
AUTO (climate control)......................... 94, 95
Automatic transmission........................... 138
Autostart..........................................133, 135
AUX (audio system).................................248
Average speed........................................... 71
AWD......................................................... 142
BBass......................................................... 239
Battery..................................................... 205
maintenance....................................... 214
specifications...................................... 270
Battery – replacing................................... 215
Belt check................................................ 206
Black Box (Vehicle Event Data)............... 202
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 159
Blower (fan)................................................ 95Booster cushion
accessory............................................. 42
integrated.............................................. 47
Brake fluid................................................ 212
Brake system........................................... 143
Bulbs........................................................ 217
Bulbs, replacing....................................... 217
CCapacities, fluids..................................... 265
Capacity weight....................................... 175
Cargo area cover..................................... 115
Cargo grid................................................ 114
Cargo net................................................. 112
Catalytic converter, three-way................. 272
CD Pause................................................. 249
Central locking system - remote control. 119
Changing a wheel.................................... 182
Changing coolant..................................... 206
Charge air cooler..................................... 269
Check Engine warning light....................... 57
Child restraint anchors......................... 43, 45

12 Index
12278
Shiftlock...................................................133
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags....... 28
Snow chains............................................ 177
Snow tires................................................ 177
Spare tire – accessing.............................181
Spare wheel, lowering.............................181
Speedometer............................................. 54
Starting the car........................................ 133
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)...................... 118
Steering wheel lock.................................135
Stone chips, touching up......................... 198
Storage compartments............108, 110, 111
Studded tires........................................... 177
Sun visor.................................................... 84TTachometer................................................ 54
Tailgate
locking/unlocking................................ 122
opening................................................. 77
Tailgate wipers......................................... 213
Technician certification............................ 273Temperature control.................................. 95
Temperature gauge................................... 54
Three-way catalytic converter................. 272
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE................. 58
Tire inflation pressure table
Canadian models................................ 171
US models.......................................... 170
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 190
Tires
changing............................................. 180
designations....................................... 172
improving economy............................ 167
inflation............................................... 168
inflation pressure, checking................ 168
inflation pressure tables..................... 170
rotation............................................... 179
tire sealing system.............................. 185
tread wear indicator............................ 166
Tire sealing system.................................. 185
Towing a trailer........................................ 151
V8-engine........................................... 153
Towing - cars with All Wheel Drive.......... 150
Towing the vehicle................................... 149
Trailer hitch - detachable......................... 155
Trailer towing...................................151, 153Transmission, automatic.......................... 138
Tread wear indicator................................ 166
Treble....................................................... 239
Trip computer............................................ 71
Trip odometer............................................ 54
Turn signals............................................... 66
UUniform Tire Quality Grading................... 176
Unlocking fuel filler door............................ 64
Unlocking the car..................................... 122
Unpaved roads, driving on...................... 137VV8 engine and trailer towing....................153
Valet key.................................................. 118
Vanity mirror............................................. 107
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 260
Vehicle Event Data................................... 202
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)......... 259