towing VOLVO XC90 2015 User Guide

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Towing recommendations
Always check with state and local authorities before attempting to tow another vehiclebecause this type of towing is subject to regula-tions regarding maximum towing speed, lengthand type of towing device, lighting, etc.
Towing your vehicle behind another
vehicle
1. After securely attaching the towing line to both vehicles, put the gear selector in posi- tion N and release the parking brake.
2. Put the ignition in mode II by turning the
start knob to START (without depressing
the brake pedal) and hold it in this position
for approx. 4 seconds. Release the knob.
3. Put the gear selector in position N and
release the parking brake.
4. The towing vehicle can now begin driving.
5. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This will help prevent jar-ring movements of the vehicle being towed.
6. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, an auxiliary battery will be necessary to provide cur-rent for releasing the electric parkingbrake and to move the gear selector from the
P position to N. If this is not possible,
use the shiftlock override procedure tomanually release the gear selector from P
and move it to N.
• Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.
WARNING
• When the vehicle is being towed, the igni- tion should be in mode
II (in mode I, all of
the vehicle's airbags are deactivated).
• The remote key must remain inside the vehicle.
• The power brakes and power steering willnot function when the engine is not run-ning. Approximately 5 times more pres-sure will be required on the brake pedaland the steering wheel will be considera-bly harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be used forpulling the vehicle out of a ditch or forany similar purpose involving severestrain.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.345
Tow trucks
CAUTION
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto aflatbed tow truck.
• The vehicle's position and ground clear- ance determine if it can be pulled up ontoa flatbed tow truck using the towing eye-let.
• If the angle of the tow truck

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WARNING
•Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 343)
• Jump starting (p. 350)
• Parking brake (p. 335)
• Ignition modes (p. 355)
Fuel Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso- line to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec- tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use ofdeposit control gasolines will help ensure gooddrivability and fuel economy. If you are not surewhether the gasoline contains deposit controladditives, check with the service station operator.
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. andCanadian regulations require that pumps deliver-ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".Only these pumps have nozzles which fit yourvehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygensensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasolinewill lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-trol system and could result in loss of emissionwarranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of mis-fueling easier, possibly resulting in emission testfailure for misfueled 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 EmissionControl System performance may be affected,and the Check Engine Light (malfunctionindicator light) located on your instrumentpanel may light. If this occurs, please returnyour vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols orethers. In some areas, state or local laws requirethat the service pump be marked indicating useof alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas inwhich the pumps are unmarked. If you are notsure whether there is alcohol or ethers in thegasoline you buy, check with the service stationoperator. To meet seasonal 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 listedmust still be met.

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WARNING
•Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 355)
• Starting the engine (p. 356)
• Turning the engine off (p. 359)
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par- ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch is notbeing used.
NOTE
• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before put- ting the gear selector in
P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda- tions for wheel chocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking
brake.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make surethe gear you select does not put toomuch strain on the engine (using toohigh a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch maybe rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-cle is designed to tow. Please adhere toVolvo's recommended trailer weights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 15%.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
352
CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and therefore thecar's climbing ability are impaired because ofthe reduced air density, so the maximumtrailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.The weight of the vehicle and trailer must bereduced by 10% for every further 3,280 ft(1000 m) (or part thereof). When towing5,950 lbs (2,700kg) hill inclination is restric-ted to 14%.
WARNING
• Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safetychains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brakesystem directly to the vehicle brake sys-tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directlyto the vehicle lighting system. Consultyour nearest authorized Volvo retailer forcorrect installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safetychains or wire must be correctly fastenedto the attachment points provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetychain or wire must never be fastened toor wound around the towing ball.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins.Use an adapter cable approved by Volvo. Makesure the cable does not drag on the ground.
Self-leveling suspension
*With this system, the rear suspension maintains aconstant level, regardless of the load in the cargocompartment (up to the max. permissible load).When the engine is not running, the rear of thevehicle sinks down slightly, which is normal.
Related information
•Detachable trailer hitch (p. 353)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 354)
• Weights (p. 539)

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Detachable trailer hitch
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-cle.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly. 3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking boltand slide the locking bolt out of the ballholder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.
Stowing the ball holder
Compartment for the detachable trailer hitch
WARNING
When not in use, the detachable trailer hitch should always be kept in its compartment inthe foam block under the cargo compartmentfloor (see the illustration).
Related information
• Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 354)

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Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun to swayand is part of the Electronic Stability Control sys-tem.
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at highspeeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloa-ded or if the load is unevenly distributed in thetrailer, there is risk of swaying. Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• The stability system symbol in the instrumentpanel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability system'sSpin Control function, TSA will also beswitched off (but will be on again the nexttime the engine is started)
• TSA may not intervene when the vehicle andtrailer begin to sway if the driver tries to com-pensate for the swaying motion by movingthe steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very difficult to stop, which makes it difficult to control thevehicle and trailer. The TSA system continuously monitors the vehi- cle's movements, particularly lateral movement. Ifthe system detects a tendency to sway, thebrakes are applied individually on the frontwheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehi-cle and trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on thevehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped withbrakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced.As the swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle-trailer have once again become sta-ble, TSA will now stop regulating the brakes/engine power and the driver regains control ofthe vehicle. TSA is deactivated if the driver deactivates
ESCin the center display's menu system.
When the ESC symbol in the
instrument panel flashes, TSA is active.
Related information
• Detachable trailer hitch (p. 353)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (p. 308)

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Selecting a drive mode
1.Press the DRIVE MODE control in the tunnel
console.
> A pop-up menu will open in the center display.
2. Roll the control upward or downward to scroll to the desired drive mode. A drive mode can also be selected by tap- ping its button on the center display.
3. Press the control again to select it.
Available drive modes
COMFORTThis is the default mode. When the engine is started, COMFORT 5
drive
mode will be selected and the Start/Stop func- tion will be activated. This setting offers driving comfort and light steering.
ECOECO drive mode is designed to help promote fuel-efficient driving. In this mode, Start/Stop is activated, ground clearance is lowered to help reduce wind resis-tance and certain climate system functions willbe reduced. There is an ECO guage in the instrument panel to indicate the current level of fuel-efficiency. Seealso the article "ECO drive mode."
OFF ROADThis mode helps maximize the vehicle's capacity to traverse difficult terrain or poor roads. In OFF ROAD, ground clearance is maximized, the steering is light, All Wheel Drive and HillDescent Control are activated and a compassand altimeter will be displayed in the instrumentpanel. Start/Stop is deactivated. This drive mode can only be activated at low speeds (the permissable speed range will beshown on the speedometer). At higher speeds,OFF ROAD mode will be cancelled and anotherdrive mode will be activated. This mode is not intended for normal street driv- ing.
CAUTION
OFF ROAD drive mode may not be used if the vehicle is towing a trailer without an elec-trical connection. This could result in damageto the pneumatic suspension system's bel-lows.
Due to the increased ground clearance, if the OFF ROAD mode was selected when the enginewas switched off, it will also restart in this mode.
DYNAMICDYNAMIC driving mode is designed to provide sportier driving characteristics. Steering response will be more immediate, the suspension will be stiffer and low ground clear-ance will help reduce body roll when cornering.Start/Stop will be deactivated.
5
If the OFF ROAD mode was selected when the engine was switched off, it will also restart in this mode.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.371
AutomaticallyIf the paddles are not used for a period of time, they will deactivate automatically. The number ofthe current gear in the instrument panel changes to "D".
The paddles will remain active if engine braking is currently being used.
Related information
• Gear selector positions (p. 367)
• Gear shift indicator (p. 370)
Low Speed Control (LSC) Low Speed Control (LSC) helps make off-road driving easier on slippery surfaces when towinga trailer on grass, etc. This feature is part of the
Off Road drive mode.
When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low gears and all wheel drive to help avoid wheel spinand to improve the vehicle's tractive force. Theaccelerator pedal and engine react differently tomake low-speed driving easier. It is activated along with Hill Descent Control (HDC), which increases engine braking to helpkeep vehicle speed low and smooth, even drivingdown steep hills.
Activating LSCThis function can be activated in different ways,depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
Using the driving mode control
*
Select the Off Road drive mode to activate LSC.
Select any other drive mode to turn it off.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated by the Off
Road drive mode, the feel of the accelerator
pedal and engine response will change. The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated atlower speeds if so desired.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 332)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 334)
• Drive modes
* (p. 359)

VOLVO ON CALL WITH SENSUS CONNECT *
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
424
Changing ownership of a vehicle with Volvo On Call
If the vehicle changes owners, the Volvo On Call (VOC) service should be cancelled.
Cancelling the VOC serviceIf your vehicle changes owners, contact your Volvo retailer to cancel the VOC service. The sub-scription will be terminated and the service his-tory will be erased. When the vehicle changes owners, all personal settings should be reset to the factory defaults,see the owner's manual supplement.
Starting the VOC serviceIf you purchase a previously owned Volvo withVOC: The new owner should contact his/her Volvo retailer to transfer the remaining period of theVOC subscription. All contact information mustbe updated in order for VOC to function and toensure that the previous owner is no longerauthorized to use VOC services in the vehicle.The new owner will be given a 4-digit personalcode, which is used to identify him/her as beingauthorized to approve certain VOC services.
Related information
• Volvo On Call (VOC)
* (p. 414)
• Volvo On Call PIN code (p. 418)
• Resetting user data when the vehicle changes owners (p. 112)
Volvo On Call manual safety service Contact the Volvo On Call (VOC) customer service center in emergency situations.
To contact the VOC customer service center manually: 1.
Press SOS to contact the customer service
center for help in emergency situations such as illness, injury, a threat, etc.
2. An emergency signal is transmitted to the VOC customer service center with informa-tion about the vehicle's location.
3. The VOC customer service center attempts to establish voice contact with the driver todetermine the extent of the accident and/orthe need for assistance.
If voice contact is not possible, the VOC cus- tomer service then contacts the emergency serv-ices for appropriate action.
Related information
• Volvo On Call safety services (p. 424)
• Volvo On Call roadside assistance (p. 425)
• Using Volvo On Call (p. 414)
Volvo On Call safety services
The Volvo On Call (VOC) manual or automatic safety services are intended for use in emer-gency situations.
Automatic alarmIn the event of certain types of accidents, a signal is transmitted automatically to the VOC customerservice center, who take appropriate actionaccording to the information that they receive. The following occurs if the seat belt pretension- ers, airbags or the inflatable curtains have beentriggered:
1. A signal is transmitted automatically to the VOC customer service center with informa- tion about the vehicle's location and that anairbag, etc., has been triggered.
2. The VOC customer service center attempts to establish voice contact with the driver todetermine the extent of the accident and theneed for assistance.
3. The VOC customer service center then con- tacts the appropriate emergency service(police, ambulance, towing, etc.).
If voice contact is not possible, the VOC cus- tomer service then contacts the emergency serv-ices for appropriate action.
Manual alarmPress SOS to contact the customer service cen-
ter for help in emergency situations, see also thearticle "VOC manual safety service."