towing VOLVO XC90 2010 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
154
Points to keep in mind when towing a
trailer
•When towing trailers without brakes, the
maximum permissible trailer weight is
1,700 lbs (750 kg).
•If necessary, redistribute the weight of any
cargo in the trailer to avoid excessive
weight on the trailer hitch.
•The maximum trailer weight listed in the
table for All Wheel Drive models, 5,000 lbs
(2250 kg) is only applicable when there are
not more than two occupants in the vehi-
cle, in the front seats, with a combined
weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with no other
cargo in the vehicle.
•The maximum weight listed for Front
Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg) is
only applicable when there are not more
than four occupants in the vehicle, in the
front seats and second row of seats, with
a combined weight of 600 lbs (270 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
•Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a reg-
ular basis, or for long-distance highway
towing should be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's
automatic self-leveling system for the rear
suspension. Consult your Volvo retailer.
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
•All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.
•Increase tire pressure to recommended full
inflation pressure. See chapter "Wheels
and tires."
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watched
when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.
•If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the text window.
•Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.
•It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a
safe stop (check and observe state/local
regulations).
•Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.
•Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.
•Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.
NOTE
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. When
starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking brake.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.
•If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make
sure the gear you select does not put
too much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
155
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must
not be used on Volvos, nor should
safety chains be attached to the
bumper.
•Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle
rear axle must not be used.
•Never connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to the vehicle
brake system, nor a trailer's lighting
system directly to the vehicle lighting
system. Consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
•When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
wire must be correctly fastened to the
hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch
on the vehicle. The safety wire should
never be fastened to or wound around
the drawbar ball.
Smoother starts with a trailerModels equipped with the V8-engine and the
6-speed automatic transmission have a built-
in function that reduces acceleration slightly in
first gear when the vehicle is towing a trailer.
This is done to help avoid wheel spin and to
make starting off smoother.
•This function is activated when the trailer's
electrical connector is plugged into theelectrical socket mounted near the trailer
hitch.
•The function is automatically deactivated
when the trailer's wiring is disconnected
from the socket. The vehicle will then
accelerate normally.
NOTE
Since this function is activated when a con-
nector is plugged into the electrical socket
near the trailer hitch, it will be activated by
any electrical equipment (e.g. bicycle racks
with lighting, etc) that is plugged in, and will
remain active until the equipment is unplug-
ged from the socket.
LevelingIf your vehicle is equipped with automatic lev-
eling, the rear suspension always retains the
correct ride height regardless of the load.
•The system adjusts the rear suspension to
the correct level after the vehicle has been
driven a short distance.
•When the vehicle is stationary, the rear
suspension lowers, which is normal.

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System
06

161
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
darkness
Daylight
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 162.
•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.

07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
07
176
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi-
mum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determining your
vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a
trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/
CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-
tion placard.
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank
of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional equip-
ment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, including
cargo and optional equipment. When towing,
trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargo
weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to
the section "Towing a trailer."
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear). Thesenumbers are shown on the Federal/Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/
CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must
never exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-
gers.
A table listing important weight limits for your
vehicle, is in chapter "Dimension and weights".
For the location of the various labels in your
vehicle, see page 264
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
•Locate the statement "the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-
cle's placard.
•Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
•Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX pounds.
•The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
•Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual
1 to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
•Exceeding the permissible axle weight,
gross vehicle weight, or any other
weight rating limits can cause tire over-
heating resulting in permanent defor-
mation or catastrophic failure.
•Do not use replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the tires
that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehi-
cle's GVW rating. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating
limitations.
1For "Towing a trailer" see page 153.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07
186
4. Put on the gloves included in the tire seal-
ing system.
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may
cause skin irritation. If contact occurs, wash
the affected area immediately with soap and
water.
5. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle
holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle
of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This
occurs automatically when the bottle is
screwed into the holder.
6. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep
it securely in place and help prevent sealing
compound leakage. Once in place, the bot-
tle cannot be unscrewed. This must be done
by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
7. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s infla-
tion valve and screw the tire sealing sys-
tem’s hose connector onto the valve as
tightly as possible by hand.
8. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest
12-volt socket in the vehicle.
9. Start the vehicle’s engine.
10. Start the tire sealing system’s compressor
by pressing the on/off switch to position I.
WARNING
•Never stand next to the tire being inflated
when the compressor is in operation.
•If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,
switch off the compressor immediately.
•If there is visible damage to the sidewall
or the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.
The vehicle should not be driven if this
occurs. Contact a towing service or
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance if
applicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily
show an increase in pressure to approxi-
mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealing com-
pound is being pumped into the tire. The
pressure should return to a normal level
after approximately 30 seconds.
11. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to
between 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch
off the compressor briefly to get a clear
reading from the pressure gauge.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi
(1.8 bar) after approximately seven minutes,
turn off the compressor. In this case, the
hole is too large to be sealed and the vehicle
should not be driven.
12. Switch off the compressor and disconnect
the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.

11 Specifications
Fluids
11
271
CategorySpecification
Washer fluid reservoirUse washer fluid solvent in cold weather conditions 6.9 US quarts (6.5 lit-
ers)
Air conditioning systemRefrigerant – R134aB
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
12
280
1, 2, 3 ...
12-volt sockets.......................................... 75
A
A/C (air conditioning)...........................94, 95
ABS.......................................................... 145
Airbag system............................................ 20
Air cleaner................................................ 207
Air conditioning.......................................... 90
Air distribution...................................... 92, 95
Air quality sensor....................................... 94
Air vents..................................................... 92
Alarm........................................................ 127
All Wheel Drive......................................... 144
All Wheel Drive – towing.......................... 152
Anti-lock brake system
warning light......................................... 56
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 145
Ashtray..................................................... 110
Audio
system introduction............................ 238Audio system
HD digital radio................................... 246
Rear seat entertainment..................... 259
AUTO (climate control)......................... 95, 96
Automatic transmission........................... 140
Autostart..........................................135, 137
AUX (audio system).................................253
Average speed........................................... 71
AWD......................................................... 144
B
Bass......................................................... 241
Battery..................................................... 205
maintenance....................................... 214
specifications...................................... 275
Battery – replacing................................... 215
Belt check................................................ 206
Black box................................................... 11
Black Box (Vehicle Event Data)............... 202
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 160
Blower (fan)................................................ 96Booster cushion
accessory............................................. 42
integrated.............................................. 47
Brake fluid................................................ 212
Brake system........................................... 145
Bulbs........................................................ 217
Bulbs, replacing....................................... 217
C
Capacities, fluids..................................... 270
Capacity weight....................................... 176
Cargo area cover..................................... 117
Cargo grid................................................ 116
Cargo net................................................. 114
Catalytic converter, three-way................. 277
CD Pause................................................. 255
Center console buttons............................. 60
Central locking system - remote key....... 121
Changing a wheel.................................... 182
Changing coolant....................................206
Charge air cooler..................................... 274
Check Engine warning light....................... 57

12 Index
12
284
S
Safety defects, reporting
Canada................................................. 17
USA....................................................... 16
Safety locks, child.................................... 126
Seat belt..................................................... 18
Seats........................................................ 100
Service.....................................................202
Shiftlock................................................... 135
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags....... 28
Snow chains............................................ 178
Snow tires................................................ 178
Spare tire................................................. 179
Spare tire – accessing.............................181
Spare wheel, lowering.............................181
Speedometer............................................. 54
Starting the car........................................ 135
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)...................... 120
Steering wheel lock.................................137
Stone chips, touching up......................... 198
Storage compartments............109, 111, 112
Studded tires........................................... 178Sun visor.................................................... 84
T
Tachometer................................................ 54
Tailgate
locking/unlocking................................ 124
opening................................................. 77
Tailgate wipers......................................... 213
Technician certification............................ 278
Temperature control.................................. 96
Temperature gauge................................... 54
Temporary spare tire............................... 179
Three-way catalytic converter................. 277
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE................. 58
Tire inflation pressure table
Canadian models................................ 172
US models.......................................... 171
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 189
Tires.........................................................166
age...................................................... 166
changing............................................. 180
changing from summer to winter........ 167
designations....................................... 173improving economy............................ 166
inflation............................................... 169
inflation pressure, checking................ 169
inflation pressure tables..................... 171
rotation............................................... 167
spare................................................... 179
storing................................................. 167
tire sealing system.............................. 184
tread wear indicator............................ 168
Tire sealing system.................................. 184
Towing a trailer........................................ 153
V8-engine........................................... 155
Towing - cars with All Wheel Drive.......... 152
Towing the vehicle................................... 151
Trailer hitch - detachable......................... 156
Trailer towing...................................153, 155
Transmission, automatic.......................... 140
Tread wear indicator................................ 168
Treble....................................................... 241
Trip computer............................................ 71
Trip odometer............................................ 54
Turn signals............................................... 66

12 Index
12
285
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................177
Unlocking fuel filler door............................ 64
Unlocking the car..................................... 124
Unpaved roads, driving on...................... 139
V
V8 engine and trailer towing....................155
Vanity mirror............................................ 108
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 266
Vehicle Event Data............................. 11, 202
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)......... 265
Vehicle loading........................................ 176
Vehicle weights........................................ 268
Ventilated seats......................................... 93
Volvo Inflatable Curtain.............................. 29
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance........ 278
W
Warning symbol......................................... 54
Warning symbol in center of dashboard.... 54
Warranties................................................ 202
Washer fluid reservoir......................207, 211
Washing the vehicle................................. 194
Water, driving through............................. 139
Waxing..................................................... 195
Weights.................................................... 268
Wheels.....................................................166
storing................................................. 167
Windshield
IR coating............................................. 69
Windshield washer fluid reservoir............211
Windshield wipers.................................... 213
Winter/Wet driving mode......................... 158
Wipers...................................................... 213
W – Winter............................................... 141