trailer VOLVO XC90 2015 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
342•
The air conditioning may be switched off temporarily.
• After a prolonged period of driving, do notturn off the engine immediately after stop-ping.
• The engine cooling fan commonly continuesto run for several minutes after the enginehas been turned off.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator) maystart or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
Related information
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Before a long distance trip (p. 339)
Winter driving
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 willreduce freeze protection. This gives protec-tion against freezing down to –31 °F(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze isnot approved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvoantifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensationin the tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is important.Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting as well as decreasingfuel consumption while the engine is warm-ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-mended for driving in areas with sustainedlow temperatures.
• The load placed on the battery is greater dur-ing the winter since the windshield wipers,lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,the capacity of the battery decreases as thetemperature drops. In very cold weather, apoorly charged battery can freeze and bedamaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently andspray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of snow tires onall four wheels for winter driving.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir fromfreezing, add washer solvents containingantifreeze. This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solventshould be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 partswater Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washersolvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 partswater Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 partwasher solvent and 1 part water.
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
• Avoid using de-icing sprays as they cancause damage to the locks.
Related information
• Snow tires and chains (p. 473)

STARTING AND DRIVING
351
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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
353
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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
354
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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
360
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
366•
the road's incline is very steep.
• the hood is opened.
• the transmission has not reached its normal operating temperature.
• driving at high altitude and the engine hasnot reached its normal operating tempera-ture.
• the gear selector is in the manual shiftingposition.
• the ABS brakes have activated.
• hard braking (even if the ABS brakes havenot activated).
• many starts during a short time period havetriggered the starter motor's overheating pro-tection.
• a trailer's electrical system is connected tothe vehicle's electrical system.
The engine does not auto-startIn certain situations or conditions, the engine may not auto-start
after an auto-stop, such as:
• if the driver is not wearing a seat belt
• the gear selector is in the
P position and the
driver's door is open. The engine must be started normally.
The engine auto-starts while the brake
pedal is depressed
In the following situations, the engine will auto-
start even though the brake pedal is depressed: •
condensation forms on the inside of the win-dows.
• the climate system cannot keep the desiredsettings in the passenger compartment.
• electrical current consumption is temporarilyhigh or the main battery's charge is belowthe minimum level.
• the brake pedal is pumped repeatedly.
• the hood is opened.
• the vehicle begins to move or increasesspeed slightly (if the engine auto-stoppedbefore the vehicle was at a standstill).
• the driver's seat belt is unbuckled while the gear selector is in the
D or N positions.
• the gear selector is moved from
D to R or ±.
• the driver's door is opened with the gearselector in
D: an audible signal and a text
message will inform the driver that the igni- tion is on.
WARNING
Do not open the hood if the engine has auto- stopped. The engine could suddenly auto-start. Before opening the hood:
• Switch off the ignition by turning the start knob in the tunnel console toward
STOP.
• Be aware that if the engine has been run- ning, components in the engine compart-ment will be very hot.
Related information
• Using the Start/Stop function (p. 364)

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)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.373
Loading modeUse the buttons in the cargo compartment to raise or lower the vehicle to make loading orunloading easier or when attaching a trailer.
Parking the vehicleWhen parking, be sure that there is adequatespace above and below the vehicle since itsground clearance may vary, e.g., depending onthe ambient temperature, how the vehicle is loa-ded, if loading mode is being used or the drivemode selected after the engine is started. The level may also be adjusted for a certain time after the vehicle has been parked to compensatefor possible height adjustments due to tempera-ture changes in the pneumatic suspension whenthe vehicle has cooled.
TransportWhen transporting the vehicle on a ferry, train ora tow truck, it may only be secured (lashed)around the tires, not using any other chassiscomponents. Changes in the pneumatic suspen-sion may occur during transport that could nega-tively affect the lashing and result in damage.
Related information
•Drive modes
* (p. 359)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Loading (p. 207)

WHEELS AND TIRES
471
Tread wear indicatorThe tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread.
The letters TWI are printed on the side of the tire. When approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left onthe tread, these strips become visible and indi-cate that the tire should be replaced. Tires withless than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poortraction. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and sizeas the one being replaced. Using a tire of thesame make (manufacturer) will help preventalteration of the driving characteristics of thevehicle.
Related information
• Tire direction of rotation (p. 470)
• Checking tire inflation pressure (p. 473)
Loading specifications Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi- mum return of vehicle design performance.
Weight designations
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining yourvehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer,from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehi-cle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, andthe vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does notinclude passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be car- ried by a single axle (front or rear). These num-bers are shown on the Federal/Canadian MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label.The total load on each axle must never exceed itsmaximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit1. Locate the statement "the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXXpounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the "XXX" amount equals1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-sengers in your vehicle, the amount of availa-ble cargo and luggage load capacity is650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. Thatweight may not safely exceed the availablecargo and luggage load capacity calculatedin Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle.