fuel VOLVO XC90 2013 Owner´s Manual

02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
02
69 Parking lights
The front and rear parking lights can be turned
on even when the ignition is switched off.
–
Turn switch (1) to position
.
The license plate lights also illuminate when the
parking lights are switched on.
Rear fog light
The single rear fog light is located in the driver's
side of the vehicle.
The rear fog light will only function in combi-
nation with the high/low beam headlights.
1.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. Press button (3) to turn on the rear fog light.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when
the rear fog light is on.
NOTE
The rear fog light is considerably brighter
than the normal tail lights and should be
used only when conditions such as fog, rain,
snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for
other vehicles to less than 500 ft.
(150 meters).
Instrument panel lighting
The instrument panel lighting illuminates when
the ignition key is in position II and the light
switch (1) is in either position
or .
–Move the thumb wheel (4) up to increase
brightness or down to decrease bright-
ness.
Unlocking the fuel filler door
Press button (5) when the vehicle is at a stand-
still to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note
that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until
the vehicle begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door
relocks.
NOTE
If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the
button has been pressed, drive the vehicle
at a speed of at least 5 mph (8 km/h), stop
the vehicle, and press the button again.
For information on unlocking the fuel filler door
manually, see page 70.

02 Instruments and controls
Manually unlocking the fuel filler door
02
70
Panel on passenger's side of cargo area
To manually unlock the fuel filler door1. Open the upper and lower sections of the
tailgate, and fold up the rear section of the
cargo area floor.
2. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
grocery bag holder, detach the holder's
bands.
3. Remove the corner panel from the floor of
the cargo area.
4. Open the cover in the side panel by pulling
the tab upward/outward.
5. Pull down the insulating material to access
the fuel filler door motor.
6. Move the catch rearward to unlock the fuel
filler door lock, or move it forward to lock
the filler door.

02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
02
76* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Trip computer*
G026956
READ (press to acknowledge/confirm/
erase a message)
Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip
computer menus)
RESET
The trip computer stores information gathered
from several systems in your vehicle and has
four menus that can be displayed in the text
window.
•Driving distance on current fuel reserve
•Average fuel consumption
•Current fuel consumption
•Average speed
•Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)
•DSTC (see page 157 for detailed informa-
tion)
NOTE
Warning messages from the vehicle's moni-
toring systems will override the trip com-
puter function. If a warning message is dis-
played in the text window while you are
using the trip computer, you must acknowl-
edge the message by pressing button A.
Press button A again to return to the trip
computer function.
1. Trip computer controls and functionsThe trip computer functions can be accessed
by twisting INFO (B) one step at a time in either
direction. Twisting a final time returns you to
the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data
will be erased from system memory) by press-
ing RESET (button C).
2. Driving distance on current fuel
reserve
This function shows the approximate distance
that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The calculation is based on average fuel
consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km)of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in
the tank when the reading was taken.
When
"----" is displayed in the text window,
refuel as soon as possible.
3. Average fuel consumptionThis value indicates fuel consumption since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ing RESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on fuel consumption
is stored and remains in system memory until
the RESET (button C) is pressed again.
4. Current fuel consumptionThis value indicates the current fuel consump-
tion, based on readings taken once per sec-
ond. When the vehicle is not moving, "----" will
be displayed.
5. Average speedThis value indicates average speed since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ing RESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on average speed is
stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.

136* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information............................................................................... 138
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 139
Refueling............................................................................................... 141
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 143
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 145
Economical driving................................................................................ 146
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 147
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 148
Jump starting........................................................................................ 151
All Wheel Drive*..................................................................................... 152
Brake system........................................................................................ 153
Parking brake........................................................................................ 156
Stability system..................................................................................... 157
Front/rear park assist*........................................................................... 159
Towing.................................................................................................. 161
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 163
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 166
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 167
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 168
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 169
Blind Spot Information System*............................................................ 170

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
138
Engine oil
Although some oil consumption occurs during
normal engine operation, more oil is consumed
when the engine is new as the internal parts
generate higher friction while wearing-in to
each other. From the time the engine is new
until the first maintenance is performed, the oil
consumption could be higher than normal. For
this reason, it is especially important to check
the oil regularly during this period, see
page 220.
Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits. Detergent
gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good driva-
bility and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station oper-
ator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of exter-
nal fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliv-
ering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEA-
DED". Only these pumps have nozzles which
fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dis-
pense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and
the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated
use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effective-
ness of the emission control system and could
result in loss of emission warranty coverage.
State and local vehicle inspection programs
will make detection of misfueling easier, pos-
sibly resulting in emission test failure for mis-
fueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affec-
ted, and the Check Engine Light (malfunc-
tion indicator lamp) located on your instru-
ment panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 139 must still be met.
Alcohol – Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10%
ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may
also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gaso-
hol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15%
MTBE may be used.

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
139 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane label
Volvo recommends premium for best perform-
ance, but using 87 octane1 or above will not
affect engine reliability.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize your
engine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol systems on your vehicle, lead has been
strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take
precautions. These may include:
•standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
•refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth
of the filler neck during refueling
•wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-ers, or other store-bought additives to your
vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.
Overuse may damage your engine, and some
of these additives contain organically volatile
chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself
to these chemicals.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes
inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger
compartment is ventilated, and immediately
return the vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correction.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment.
•If the tailgate must be kept open for any
reason, proceed as follows:
•Close the windows
•Set the ventilation system control to air
flow to floor, windshield and side win-
dows and blower control to its highest
setting.
1AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
140
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 139 must still be met.
Alcohol – EthanolFuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to
as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to
15% MTBE may be used.
MethanolDo not use gasolines containing methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice
can result in vehicle performance deterioration
and can damage critical parts in the fuel sys-
tem. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the
risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these
properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less
the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommended
pressure according to the vehicle load. See
"Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity
weight or maximum permissible axle loads are
not exceeded.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:
•When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II (see
page 145). Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional infotainment/
navigation systems, power windows, etc)
will function with the ignition key in positionI. This position reduces drain on the bat-
tery.
•Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc that consume a great deal
of current when the engine is not running
could result in the battery being completely
drained. Driving or having the engine run-
ning for approximately 15 minutes will help
keep the battery charged.
NOTE
A warning message will be displayed in the
text window in the instrument panel when
the battery charge is low.

06 Starting and driving
Refueling
06
141 Fuel filler door
G027073
The fuel filler cap can be placed on the hook on
the fuel filler door while refueling
Press the button on the light switch panel (see
the illustration on page 67) when the vehicle is
at a standstill to unlock the fuel filler door.
Please note that the fuel filler door will remain
unlocked until the vehicle begins to move for-
ward. An audible click will be heard when the
fuel filler door relocks.
If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is
being refueled, this feature enables you to lock
the doors/tailgate while leaving the fuel filler
door unlocked.You can also keep the vehicle locked if you
remain inside it during refueling. The central
locking button does not lock the fuel filler door.
Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed and
is completely closed after refueling.
Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot
weather.
NOTE
During a transitional period, a small number
of service stations may still have fuel noz-
zles that are not compatible with the fuel
filler neck on vehicles equipped with the
evaporative control system.
RefuelingThe fuel tank is designed to accommodate
possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather.
See page 290 for fuel tank volume. Be aware
that the "usable" tank capacity will be some-
what less than the specified maximum. When
the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient
temperature, the fuel's "Reid vapor pressure"
characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel
pump's ability to supply the engine with an
adequate supply of fuel. Therefore, it is advis-
able to refuel as soon as possible when theneedle nears the red zone, or when the fuel
warning light comes on.
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is switched on
while refueling your vehicle. If the phone
rings, this may cause a spark that could
ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and
injury.

06 Starting and driving
Refueling
06
142
CAUTION
•Do not refuel with the engine running1.
Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the
ignition is on, an incorrect reading could
occur in the fuel gauge.
•After refueling, close the fuel filler cap
by turning it clockwise until it clicks into
place
1.
•Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not
press the handle on the filler nozzle
more than one extra time. Too much fuel
in the tank in hot weather conditions can
cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling
could also cause damage to the emis-
sion control systems.
•Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling.
In addition to causing damage to the
environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted
surfaces, which may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
•Do not use gasolines containing meth-
anol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol).
This practice can result in vehicle per-
formance deterioration and can dam-
age critical parts in the fuel system.
Such damage may not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's
performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.

06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
06
146
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to
immediate traffic conditions. Observe the fol-
lowing rules:
•Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving
with a light foot on the accelerator pedal for
the first few minutes of operation. A cold
engine uses more fuel and is subject to
increased wear.
•Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
•Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.
•Use the transmission's D (Drive) position
as often as possible and avoid using "kick-
down" to help improve fuel economy.
•Do not exceed posted speed limits.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.
•Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
•Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.
•Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,
increase air resistance and also fuel con-
sumption.
•At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion will be lower with the air conditioning
on and the windows closed than with the
air conditioning off and the windows open.
•Using the onboard trip computer's fuel
consumption modes can help you learn
how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage
are:
•Dirty air cleaner
•Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
•Dragging brakes
•Incorrect front end alignment.
Some of the above mentioned items and others
are checked at the standard Maintenance
Service intervals.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.).
Damage to the engine could result if excess
water is drawn in through the air intake sys-
tem. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 18 inches (48 cm).