instrument panel VOLVO XC90 2011 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06

149 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 running
The 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, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The
brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving 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 ABS warning lamp lights up there is a
malfunction in 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 sys-
tem "senses" impending lockup, braking pres-
sure 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
vehicle first reaches a speed of approxi-

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
153
DSTC-related messages in the text
window
•TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF – The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake temperature
and will automatically switch on again
when the brakes have cooled.
•"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" – the
system has been automatically disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician should check the
system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator lightThis light indicates different condi-
tions, depending on how it illumi-
nates.
The Stability Control indicator light
illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a
self-diagnostic test when the ignition is
switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light
flashes
This indicates that the stability system is
actively functioning to help counteract wheel
spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily
ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED will be dis-
played in the text window at the same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
•Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch
off the engine.
•Restart the engine.
•If the indicator light goes out, the fault was
temporary and no further action is
required.
•If the indicator light remains on, drive to an
authorized Volvo workshop as soon as
possible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily
If DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF is displayed in
the text window at the same time, this is a
reminder that spin control has been disabled
by the driver.
The warning symbolThe warning symbol glows
steadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off
due to high brake temperature. "TRACTIONCONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF
" will be dis-
played. The system will automatically switch
on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help
improve driving safety. It supplements, but
can never replace, the driver's judgement
and responsibility when operating the vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
163
If you wish to check your vehicle before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:
•Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture
will reduce freeze protection. This gives
protection against freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
•The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not
approved by Volvo. Different types of
antifreeze must not be mixed.
•Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to protect your vehicle dur-
ing cold weather.
•Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation in
the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.
•The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard drivingor in warm weather. See section "Engine
oil" for more information.
•The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an antirust oil on
the battery posts.
•Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."
•To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 217 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This
is important since dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving,
requiring the frequent use of the washers
and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should
be diluted as follows:
•Down to 14 ° F (–10 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 4 parts water
•Down to 5 ° F (–15 ° C): 1 part washer sol-
vent and 3 parts water
•Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):1 part washer sol-
vent and 2 parts water
•Down to –18 ° F (–28 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water
•Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.
•Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.
•An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 58).
•This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System*
06

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.165
G020295
BLIS camera
Indicator light
BLIS 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.
Areas monitored by BLIS
Distance 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 167) 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 167).
When does BLIS functionThe system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07

195
The tire pressure monitoring system1 uses sen-
sors mounted in the tire valves to check infla-
tion pressure levels. When the vehicle is mov-
ing at a speed of approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit
inflation pressure data to a receiver located in
the vehicle.
USA – FCC ID: MRXG403MA4A
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected,
TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning
light (also referred to as a telltale) in the
instrument panel (see page 61), and will dis-
play a message in the text window. The
wording of this message is determined by
the degree of inflation pressure loss.
AOn certain models, the FCC code is MRXTG315AM04
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS
will light up the tire pressure warning light
(also referred to as a telltale) in the instrumentpanel and will display one of the following mes-
sages in the text window:
LOW TIRE PRESS.
CHECK TIRES or VERY LOW TIRE
PRESSURE.
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure
warning light will flash for approximately
1 minute and
TIRE PRESS SYST
SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflatedtire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
1This system is standard on U.S. models and optional on Canadian models

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil09

215
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a
low oil level or pressure. Some models have
an oil pressure sensor, in which case a
warning symbol (see page 60) is used to
indicate low oil pressure. Other models have
an oil level sensor, in which case the driver
is alerted by the warning symbol in the cen-
ter of the instrument panel and a text in the
information display. Some models use both
systems. Contact a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for more informa-
tion.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 214 for oil specifications and page
285 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and
Service Records Information booklet for infor-
mation on the oil change intervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil
additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance inter-
vals except at owner request and at addi-
tional charge. Please consult a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)
The oil level should be checked at regular inter-
vals, particularly during the period up to the
first scheduled maintenance service.
•The vehicle should be parked on a level
surface when the oil is checked.
•If the engine is warm, wait for at least
10-15 minutes after the engine has been
switched off before checking the oil.
Checking the oil
•Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
•Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
•Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
•Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•Switch off the engine and wait for at least
10-15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If
necessary, add oil until the level is near the
mark.
•Oil level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.
G030881

09 Maintenance and servicing
Fuses 09
236* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Fuse box in the passenger compartment, behind the plastic cover, driver's side
G028412
This fuse box is located behind the plastic
cover below the steering wheel. When replac-
ing a blown fuse, be sure to replace it with a
new one of the same color and amperage (writ-
ten on the fuse).
NoA
1Heated passenger's seat15
2Heated driver's seat15
3Horn15
4–
NoA
5Audio system10
6–
7–
8Alarm siren*5
9Break light switch feed5
10Instrument panel, climate sys-
tem, power driver's seat,
Occupant Weight Sensor10
NoA
1112-volt sockets – front and rear
seats, refrigerator* (XC90
Executive)15
12–
13–
14–
15ABS, DSTC5
16Power steering, Active Bend-
ing Lights*10

11 Specifications
Overview of information and warning symbols
11
290
Introduction
The symbols in the vehicle's various displays
are divided into three main categories:
•Warning symbols
•Indicator symbols
•Information symbols
The following tables list the most common
symbols, their meaning and the pages in this
manual that provide more detailed information.
Warning/information symbol
This symbol () lights up and glows red if
the condition is related to safety and/or driva-
bility or yellow to alert the driver to e.g., fill the
washer fluid reservoir, etc. In either case, a
message will be displayed in the instrument
panel display.
Symbols in the main instrument panel
Indicator and warning symbols
SymbolDescriptionPage
Warning59
Malfunction indi-
cator light61
SymbolDescriptionPage
Fault in the ABS
system61
Rear fog light60
Stability system
DSTC61
Trailer turn signal
indicator61
Parking brake
applied60
SRS airbag sys-
tem59
SymbolDescriptionPage
Oil pressure warn-
ing light60
Seat belt reminder59
Generator warn-
ing light60
Brake failure
warning light60
High beam indica-
tor58

12 Index
12
295
Charge air cooler..................................... 286
Check Engine warning light....................... 61
Child restraint anchors......................... 47, 49
Child restraints
recalls and registration......................... 50
Child restraint systems.............................. 39
Child safety................................................ 37
Child safety locks....................................130
Climate system.......................................... 94
refrigerant............................................. 94
Clock reset button..................................... 58
Coat hanger............................................. 116
Cold weather precautions........................ 163
Compact disc care
CD care............................................... 263
Convertible seats....................................... 43
Coolant.................................................... 217
changing............................................. 212
Courtesy light........................................... 111
Cup holder
rear seat.............................................. 115
Curb weight............................................. 182
Current fuel consumption.......................... 75D
Defroster
rear window and door mirrors.............. 74
rear window and mirrors..................... 100
windshield............................................. 99
Detachable trailer hitch............................ 161
Dimensions.............................................. 278
Disabling the passenger's side front air-
bag............................................................. 28
Display, instrument panel.......................... 58
Dolby Pro Logic II (DPL II)........................ 247
Door mirrors............................................... 84
defroster............................................... 74
Door mirrors, folding.................................. 64
Driver distraction warning.......................... 15
Driving conditions, difficult......................143
Driving economically................................ 142
Driving through water..............................143
E
Economical driving.................................. 142
Electrically operated moonroof.................. 86Electrical system...................................... 287
Emission inspection readiness................ 209
Engine
specifications...................................... 286
starting................................................ 139
Engine oil................................................. 214
checking............................................. 215
specifications...................................... 285
Environment............................................... 14
F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 208
Flat tires
changing............................................. 191
repairing with tire sealing system....... 186
Fog light..................................................... 60
Fog lights
front*..................................................... 68
Folding door mirrors.................................. 64
Front airbags.................................. 24, 25, 28
Front seat
folding backrest.................................. 104
manually adjusted............................... 104

12 Index
12
296
Front seats
power.................................................. 105
ventilated.............................................. 97
XC90 Executive.................................. 107
Front suspension..................................... 284
Fuel.......................................................... 134
Fuel filler cap........................................... 137
Fuel filler door
opening manually...............................137
unlocking.............................................. 68
Fuel system.............................................. 286
Fuses.......................................................230
G
Gasoline................................................... 134
Geartronic – manual shifting.................... 145
Generator................................................. 287
Generator warning light............................. 60
Glove compartment................................. 115
Grocery bag holder.................................. 121
Gross vehicle weight (GVW).................... 182
H
Hand brake.............................................. 151
Hazard warning flashers............................ 74
HD digital radio........................................ 251
Headlights.................................................. 67
Active Bending Lights............. 64, 68, 223
Dual Xenon........................................... 64
Headlights, high and low beams............... 70
Heated front seats..................................... 99
High/low beams – replacing....................223
High beam bulb, replacing...................... 228
High beam flash......................................... 70
High beam indicator.................................. 58
Hoisting the vehicle.................................211
Home safe lighting..................................... 70
Hood, opening/closing.............................. 80
I
Ignition switch.......................................... 141
Immobilizer (start inhibitor)...................... 124
Important information................................ 10Indicator and warning symbols.................. 58
indicator light............................................. 60
Infant seats................................................ 41
Inflatable Curtain........................................ 33
Inflation pressure, checking..................... 175
Inflation pressure table
Canadian models................................ 178
Information and warning symbols, table
of.............................................................. 290
Information display.................................... 58
Inspection readiness................................ 209
Instrument overview.................................. 56
Instrument panel........................................ 58
Instrument panel lighting........................... 68
Interior lighting......................................... 111
ISOFIX/LATCH anchors............................. 47
J
Jack.........................................................191