warning light VOLVO XC90 2012 Owner´s Manual

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System*
06
166* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
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 168) 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 168).
When does BLIS functionThe system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

06 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System*
06

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.167
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 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, intense light directly into the
camera, dense fog, etc.
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.
Light reflected from a wet road surface

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07

191
WARNING
When raising or lowering the spare wheel,
please keep in mind that components in the
exhaust system may be very hot.
To lower the spare wheel:1. Fold down the lower section of the tailgate.
2. Fold up the rear section of the floor in the
cargo compartment.
3. Connect the two sections of the jack's
crank.
4. Insert the hooked end of the crank in the
spare wheel retaining attachment.
5. Lower the spare wheel under the vehicle by
turning the crank counterclockwise until it
is not possible to turn it further.
6. Pivot the toggle at the end of the cable 90
degrees to release it from the spare wheel
CAUTION
When the spare wheel is mounted on the
vehicle, the retaining cable could damage
the underside of the vehicle if it is not retrac-
ted.
7. Crank up the cable again by turning the
crank clockwise.8. Place the wheel with the flat tire in the vehi-
cle's cargo compartment.
NOTE
The space under the vehicle is designed to
hold the special spare wheel only. Other full-
size wheels will not fit in this compartment.
G026996
Returning the spare wheel to the storage
compartment
1. Use the crank (turn it counterclockwise) to
lower the spare wheel's retaining cable.
2. Pass the toggle at the end of the cable
through the center hole in the spare wheel.Pivot the toggle 90 degrees so that when
raised, the wheel will rest on the toggle.
3. Retract the retaining cable slightly by
slowly turning the crank clockwise several
times.
4. Position the wheel so that it is not obstruc-
ted by components in the exhaust system.
5. Continue to raise the wheel by turning the
crank clockwise. Raise the wheel a little bit
at a time and guide it around the rear axle
until it is securely seated in the storage
area.
6. When it is no longer possible to turn the
crank any further, check that the spare
wheel is securely in position in the storage
compartment.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07
194
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

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

195
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does
not replace normal tire maintenance. For
information on correct tire pressure, please
refer to the tire inflation pressure table in this
chapter or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has
been displayed, and the tire pressure warning
light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the
inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure
(consult the tire pressure placard or the
table see page 177).
3. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at a
speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
> This will erase the warning text and the
warning light will go out.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire
failure, resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
Changing wheels with TPMSPlease note the following when changing or
replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/
tires on the vehicle:
•Only the factory-mounted wheels are
equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
•If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary
spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS
sensor.
•If wheels without TPMS sensors are moun-
ted on the vehicle, TIRE PRESS SYST
SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed
each time the vehicle is driven above
25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes or more.
•Once TPMS sensors are properly installed,
the warning message should not reappear.
•Volvo recommends that TPMS sensors be
fitted on all wheels used on the vehicle.
Volvo does not recommend moving sen-
sors back and forth between sets of
wheels.
NOTE
If a tire is changed or if the TPMS sensor is
moved to another wheel, the sensor’s seal,
nut and valve core should be replaced.
CAUTION
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press
the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the
valve to help avoid bending or otherwise
damaging the valve.
Recalibrating TPMS (Canadian models
only)
In certain cases, it may be necessary to reca-
librate TPMS to conform to Volvo's recom-
mended tire inflation pressures (see the infla-
tion pressure table on page 177), for example,
if higher inflation pressure is necessary when
transporting heavy loads, etc.
To recalibrate:
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Inflate the tires to the desired pressure and
turn the ignition key to position I or II (see
page 141 for additional information).
3. Turn the thumb wheel on the left-side
steering wheel lever until
Tire pressure
Calibration appears in the display.
4.
Press and hold the Reset button on the
left-side steering wheel lever until
TIRE
PRESSURE CALIBRATED is displayed.

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
08

201
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 used
NOTE
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 few 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
Battery 09
220
Battery maintenance
The battery in your vehicle is located under the
floor of the cargo compartment.
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the
number of starts, etc. all affect the service life
and function of the battery. In order for your
battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the fol-
lowing in mind:
•Use a screw driver to open the caps or
cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
•If necessary, add distilled water. The level
should never be above the indicator.
•The fluid level should be checked if the
battery has been recharged.
•After inspection, be sure the cap over each
battery cell or the cover is securely in
place.
•Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and properly tightened.
•Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running, or when the key is in the
ignition. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
•The battery should be disconnected from
the vehicle when a battery charger is used
directly on the battery.
•To help keep the battery in good condition,
the vehicle should be driven for at least 15minutes a week or connected to a charger
with an automatic charging function.
•If the battery is fully discharged a number
of times, this may shorten its service life.
Keeping the battery fully charged helps
prolong its service life.
•The service life of a battery is affected by
factors such as driving conditions and cli-
mate. Extreme cold may also further
decrease the battery’s starting capacity.
•Because the battery’s starting capacity
decreases with time, it may be necessary
to recharge it if the vehicle is not driven for
an extended period of time or if the vehicle
is usually only driven short distances.
•
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
•Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.
•Do not smoke near the battery.
•Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes,
skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If con-
tact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
NOTE
Used batteries should be properly disposed
of at a recycling station or similar facility, or
taken to your Volvo retailer.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery 09
222
4. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable
first.
G027075
5. Disconnect the positive cable and pull the
ventilation hose from the battery.
6. Lift out the old battery and put a new bat-
tery into place.
7. Connect the positive cable first.
8. Connect the negative (ground) cable.
9. Be sure that the ventilation hose is securely
connected to the battery and that the other
end of the hose is properly routed through
the ventilation opening in the floor of the
battery compartment.
G030884
Ventilation hose
10. Reinstall the cover and retaining bracket
and screw it securely in place.
NOTE
After the battery has been disconnected or
replaced, lock and unlock the vehicle with
the central locking system's remote key to
reactivate such features as the power win-
dows, moonroof, courtesy lighting, etc.
WARNING
•The battery generates hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. The
battery is fitted with a ventilation hose
which vents hydrogen gas out of the
battery compartment through a ventila-
tion opening in the bottom of this com-
partment. If the battery must be
replaced, it is essential that the ventila-
tion hose is properly connected to the
battery and that it is routed through the
ventilation opening provided (see illus-
tration).
•Be sure the ventilation hose is free of
debris.
•Only use replacement batteries equip-
ped with a ventilation hose. Consult a
trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Replacing bulbs09

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.223
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 Bending Light 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 techni-
cian:
•Active Bending Lights
•Courtesy (dome) lighting
•Reading lights
•Glove compartment lights
•Turn signals and courtesy lights in the side
door mirrors
•High-mounted brake lights
See page 230 for a list of bulb specifications.
Replacing high/low beams/turn signal/
parking light bulbs
WARNING
•The engine should not be running when
changing bulbs.
•If the engine has been running just prior
to replacing bulbs in the headlight hous-
ing, please keep in mind that compo-
nents in the engine compartment will be
hot.
WARNING
Active Bending Lights* - due to the high
voltage used by these headlights, these
bulbs should only be replaced by a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.
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.

11 Specifications
Overview of information and warning symbols
11

291 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