transmission VOLVO XC90 2012 Owner´s Manual

Contents
6* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
06
06 Starting and driving
General information................................134
Fuel requirements................................... 135
Refueling................................................. 137
Starting the vehicle................................. 139
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock. . 141
Economical driving.................................. 142
Difficult driving conditions...................... 143
Automatic transmission..........................144
Jump starting.......................................... 147
All Wheel Drive*....................................... 148
Brake system.......................................... 149
Parking brake.......................................... 152
Stability system....................................... 153
Front/rear park assist*............................. 155
Towing.................................................... 157
Towing a trailer....................................... 159
Detachable trailer hitch........................... 162
Load carriers (accessory)........................ 163
Cold weather precautions....................... 164
Before a long distance trip...................... 165
Blind Spot Information System*.............. 166
07
07 Wheels and tires
General information................................172
Tire inflation ............................................ 175
Tire inflation pressure table..................... 177
Tire designations..................................... 178
Glossary of tire terminology.................... 180
Vehicle loading........................................ 181
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.................. 182
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires. . 183
Temporary spare..................................... 184
Tire Sealing System ............................... 185
Changing wheels....................................190
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 194
08
08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle.......... 200
Paint touch up......................................... 204

01 Safety
Supplemental Restraint System01
23 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
G027284
SRS warning light
As an enhancement to the three-point seat
belts, your Volvo is equipped with a Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS). Volvo's SRS
consists of seat belt pretensioners, front air-
bags, side impact airbags, the occupant
weight sensor, and inflatable curtains. All of
these systems are monitored by the SRS con-
trol module. An SRS warning light in the instru-
ment panel (see the illustration) illuminates
when the ignition key is turned to position I, II,
or III, and will normally go out after approxi-
mately 7 seconds if no faults are detected in
the system.Where applicable, a text message
will also be displayed when the
SRS warning light illuminates. If
this warning symbol is not func-
tioning properly, the general warn-
ing symbol illuminates and a text message will
be displayed.
WARNING
•If the SRS warning light stays on after
the engine has started or if it illuminates
while you are driving, have the vehicle
inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician as soon as
possible.
•Never try to repair any component or
part of the SRS yourself. Any interfer-
ence in the system could cause mal-
function and serious injury. All work on
these systems should be performed by
an authorized Volvo service technician.
WARNING
If your vehicle has been subjected to flood
conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/standing
water on the floor of the vehicle) or if your
vehicle has become flood-damaged in any
way, do not attempt to start the vehicle or
put the key in the ignition before discon-
necting the battery (see below). This may
cause airbag deployment which could result
in personal injury. Have the vehicle towed to
a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the vehicle, use
the following procedure to override the
shiftlock system to move the gear selector
to the neutral position:
1. Switch off the ignition for at least
10 minutes and disconnect the battery.
2. Wait at least one minute.
3. Insert the key in the ignition and turn it
to position II
4. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
5.
Move the gear selector from P (Park) to
the N(Neutral) position.

02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
02

59
Gear and driving mode indicator – The cur-
rently selected driving mode is displayed
here. If you use the Geartronic function on
the automatic transmission, the currently
selected gear will be displayed.
Ambient temperature gauge – This display
indicates the air temperature outside your
vehicle. A "snowflake" symbol in the text
window is displayed when the temperature
is in the range of 23 – 36 °F (–5 – +2 °C).
Please note that this symbol does not indi-
cate a fault with your vehicle. At low
speeds or when the vehicle is not moving,
the temperature readings may be slightly
higher than the actual ambient tempera-
ture.
Clock/set button – Turn the button to set
the clock.
Fuel gauge – see page 284 for fuel tank
volume. When the warning light in the
gauge comes on, the vehicle should be
refueled as soon as possible. The trip com-
puter section (see page 75) provides
more information on fuel level and con-
sumption.
Indicator and warning symbols – The indi-
cator and warning symbols1light up when
you turn the ignition key to the driving posi-
tion (position II) before starting.
G027134
This shows that the symbols are functioning.
When the engine starts, all symbols go out. If
the engine is not started within 5 seconds, all
symbols except CHECK ENGINE and
go out. Certain symbols may not have their
functions illustrated, depending on the vehi-
cle's equipment. The symbol for the parking
brake goes out when the parking brake is
released.
Warning/information symbol in center of
the instrument panel
This symbol shines as a red or yel-
low light depending on the nature
of the information displayed.
Red symbol – Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible in a suitable location and read the
message shown in the text window. The sym-
bol and accompanying text will remain on until
the fault has been corrected.
Yellow symbol – Follow the instructions
shown in the text window. The text can be
erased by pressing the READ button (see
page 62), or will disappear automatically after
two minutes.
NOTE
When the message TIME FOR REGULAR
SERVICE is displayed, the text can be
erased and the yellow symbol light can be
turned off by pressing the READ button.
The text will disappear and the symbol light
will go out automatically after two minutes.
1On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see page 215.

02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
02
61
Rear fog lightThis light indicates that the fog
light is on.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator
light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive,
a computer called "OBDII" monitors your vehi-
cle's engine, transmission, electrical and emis-
sion systems. The CHECK ENGINE light will
light up if the computer senses a condition that
potentially may need correcting. When this
happens, please have your vehicle checked by
a trained and qualified Volvo service technician
as soon as possible.
A CHECK ENGINE light may have many cau-
ses. Sometimes, you may not notice a change
in your vehicle's behavior. Even so, an uncor-
rected condition could hurt fuel economy,
emission cleanliness, and driveability.
Extended driving without correcting the cause
could even damage other components in your
vehicle.
Canadian models are equipped
with this warning light.
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)If the warning light comes on, there
is a malfunction of the ABS system
(the standard braking system will
still function). The vehicle should
be driven to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for inspection. See
page 149 for additional information.
DSTC systemThe Dynamic Stability and Traction
Control system (DSTC) is
explained in greater detail on page
153.
Tire pressure monitoring lightSee page 194 for more informa-
tion on this function.
Turn signal indicator – trailer (certain
models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light
will flash simultaneously with the
turn signals on the trailer. If the
light does not flash when signaling,
neither the trailer's turn signals nor
the vehicle's turn signals are functioning.

02 Instruments and controls
Right-side steering wheel lever
02
72* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Tailgate wiper/washer
G027127
Intermittent wiping: Press the upper
section of the switch
Neutral position: The wiper is switched
off
Normal (continuous) wiping: Press the
lower section of the switch
Move the lever forward to start the tailgate
washer. After washing the rear window, the
wiper will make several additional sweeps.
Tailgate wiper and reverse gearIf the front wipers are on and the transmission
is put into reverse gear, the tailgate wiper will
go into intermittent wiping function
1.
If the tailgate wiper is already in normal wiping
function, the normal wiping function will con-
tinue.
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor automatically regulates wiper
speed according to the amount of water on the
windshield.
The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted
by twisting ring (1) up (the wipers will sweep the
windshield more frequently) or down (the wip-
ers will sweep the windshield less frequently).
Activating the rain sensor:1.
Turn the ignition key to at least position I
and put the windshield wiper lever in posi-
tion 0.
2. Press button (2), see page 71.
> A light in the button will light up to indi-
cate that the rain sensor is active.
Deactivating the rain sensor:
•Press button (2), see page 71.
or
•Move the windshield wiper lever down to
another position. Moving the lever up will
not deactivate the rain sensor. Doing so
will cause the wipers to sweep the wind-
shield until the lever is released, at which
time the wipers return to rain sensor mode.
The rain sensor is also deactivated when the
key is removed from the ignition.
CAUTION
The rain sensor should be deactivated when
washing the vehicle in an automatic car
wash, etc. If the rain sensor function is left
on, the wipers will start inadvertently in the
car wash and could be damaged.
1Consult your Volvo retailer if you would like to have this function deactivated.

02 Instruments and controls
HomeLink® Wireless Control System*
02
88* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Introduction
G030070
The HomeLink1 Wireless Control System pro-
vides a convenient way to replace up to three
hand-held radio-frequency (RF) transmitters
used to activate devices such as gate opera-
tors, garage door openers, entry door locks,
security systems, even home lighting. Addi-
tional HomeLink information can be found on
the Internet at www.homelink.com.
WARNING
•If you use HomeLink to open a garage
door or gate, be sure no one is near the
gate or door while it is in motion.
•When programming a garage door
opener, it is advised to park outside of
the garage.
•Do not use HomeLink with any garage
door opener that lacks safety stop and
reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes
any garage door opener model manu-
factured before April 1, 1982). A garage
door that cannot detect an object - sig-
naling the door to stop and reverse -
does not meet current U.S. federal
safety standards. For more information,
contact HomeLink at:
www.homelink.com.
Retain the original transmitter of the RF device
you are programming for use in other vehicles
as well as for future HomeLink programming. It
is also suggested that upon the sale of the
vehicle, the programmed HomeLink buttons be
erased for security purposes. Refer to “Erasing
HomeLink Buttons”.
Programming HomeLink
NOTE
Some vehicles may require the ignition
switch to be turned on or to the second
(“accessories”) position for programming
and/or operation of HomeLink. It is also rec-
ommended that a new battery be placed in
the hand-held transmitter of the device
being programmed to HomeLink for quicker
training and accurate transmission of the
radio-frequency signal.
1. Position the end of your hand-held trans-
mitter 1–3 inches (5–14 cm) away from the
HomeLink button you wish to program
while keeping the indicator light in view.
2. Simultaneously press and hold both the
chosen HomeLink and hand-held transmit-
ter buttons until the HomeLink indicator
light changes from a slow to a rapidly blink-
ing light. Now you may release both the
HomeLink and hand-held transmitter but-
tons.
1HomeLink and the HomeLink house are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc.

02 Instruments and controls
HomeLink® Wireless Control System*
02

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.89
NOTE
Some devices may require you to replace
this Programming Step 2 with procedures
noted in the “Gate Operator / Canadian Pro-
gramming” section. If the HomeLink indica-
tor light does not change to a rapidly blink-
ing light after performing these steps, con-
tact HomeLink at www.homelink.com.
3.
Firmly press, hold for five seconds and
release the programmed HomeLink but-
ton up to two separate times to activate the
door. If the door does not activate, press
and hold the just-trained HomeLink button
and observe the indicator light.
•If the indicator light stays on con-
stantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when
the HomeLink button is pressed and
released.
•If the indicator light blinks rapidly for
two seconds and then turns to a con-
stant light continue with “Program-
ming” steps 4-6 to complete the pro-
gramming of a rolling code equipped
device (most commonly a garage door
opener).
4. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-
head unit) in the garage, locate the “learn”
or “smart” button. This can usually befound where the hanging antenna wire is
attached to the motor-head unit.
5. Firmly press and release the “learn” or
“smart” button. (The name and color of the
button may vary by manufacturer.) There
are 30 seconds to initiate step 6.
6. Return to the vehicle and firmly press, hold
for two seconds and release the pro-
grammed HomeLink button. Repeat the
“press/hold/release” sequence a second
time, and, depending on the brand of the
garage door opener (or other rolling code
equipped device), repeat this sequence a
third time to complete the programming
process.
HomeLink should now activate your rolling
code equipped device.
Gate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingCanadian radio-frequency laws require trans-
mitter signals to “time-out” (or quit) after sev-
eral seconds of transmission – which may not
be long enough for HomeLink to pick up the
signal during programming. Similar to this
Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficul-
ties programming a gate operator or garage
door opener by using the “Programming” pro-cedures, replace “Programming HomeLink”
step 2 with the following:
•Continue to press and hold the HomeLink
button while you press and release -
every two seconds (“cycle”) your hand-
held transmitter until the HomeLink indica-
tor light changes from a slow to a rapidly
blinking light. Now you may release both
the HomeLink and hand-held transmitter
buttons.
Proceed with “Programming” step 3 to com-
plete.
Using HomeLink
To operate, simply press and release the pro-
grammed HomeLink button. Activation will
now occur for the trained device (i.e., garage
door opener, gate operator, security system,
entry door lock, home/office lighting, etc.). For
convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the
device may also be used at any time. In the
event that there are still programming difficul-
ties or questions, contact HomeLink at:
www.homelink.com.

04 Interior
Rear seats
04
110
3. Pull the handle (1) outward to release the
backrest. The backrests are designed to
lock at a 45 degree angle. Pull the handle
again to continue pressing it down until it
locks in the horizontal position.
To return the backrests to the upright position,
pull handle 1 and pull the backrest up.
G027016
Folding the backrests—third row of
seats
Folding down the backrest
If necessary, fold in the load anchorage eyelets
before folding down the backrests.1. Move the seats in the second row as far
forward as possible, see page 108.
2. Pull up the handle, illustration 1 above.
3. Push the seat cushion firmly rearward,
under the backrest.
4.
Fold down the backrests
2 (the head
restraints fold down automatically) to the
horizontal position.
WARNING
The seats in the third row are not equipped
with top tether anchors or ISOFIX/LATCH
lower child seat anchors. Child restraint sys-
tems should never be used on these seats.
Returning the backrest to the upright
position
1. Fold up the backrest to the upright posi-
tion.
2. Grasp the strap (see illustration 3 above)
and pull the seat cushion out until it locks
in place. This also locks the backrest in the
upright position.
WARNING
•When one or more sections of the back-
rest is returned to the upright position,
check that it is properly locked in place
by pushing and pulling it. The red indi-
cators should also not be visible.
•Return the outboard head restraints to
the upright position.
•Long loads should always be securely
anchored to help avoid injury in the
event of a sudden stop.
•Always turn the engine off and apply the
parking brake when loading/unloading
the vehicle.
•Place the transmission in the Park (P)
position to help prevent inadvertent
movement of the gear selector.
•On hot days, the temperature in the
vehicle interior can rise very quickly.
Exposure of people to these high tem-
peratures for even a short period of time
can cause heat-related injury or death.
Small children are particularly at risk.
2Please note that the head restraints in this row cannot be vertically adjusted.

132* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information............................................................................... 134
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 135
Refueling............................................................................................... 137
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 139
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 141
Economical driving................................................................................ 142
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 143
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 144
Jump starting........................................................................................ 147
All Wheel Drive*..................................................................................... 148
Brake system........................................................................................ 149
Parking brake........................................................................................ 152
Stability system..................................................................................... 153
Front/rear park assist*........................................................................... 155
Towing.................................................................................................. 157
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 159
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 162
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 163
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 164
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 165
Blind Spot Information System*............................................................ 166

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
140
NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a KEYLOCK
system. When the engine is switched off,
the gear selector must be in the P position
before the key can be removed from the
ignition switch.
When starting in cold weather, the trans-
mission may shift up at slightly higher
engine speeds than normal until the auto-
matic transmission fluid reaches normal
operating temperature.
NOTE
Do not race a cold engine immediately after
starting. Oil flow may not reach some lubri-
cation points fast enough to prevent engine
damage.
WARNING
Always place the gear selector in Park and
apply the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running.
•Always open garage doors fully before
starting the engine inside a garage to
ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission
•The engine should be idling when you
move the gear selector. Never acceler-
ate until after you feel the transmission
engage! Accelerating immediately after
selecting a gear will cause harsh
engagement and premature transmis-
sion wear.
•Selecting P or N when idling at a stand-
still for prolonged periods of time will
help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.