towing VOLVO XC90 T8 2016 Owner´s Manual

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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
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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
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid may not be towed behind another vehicle. Doing sowould damage the electric motor and the three-way catalytic converter. If the vehicle cannot bedriven and must be moved, it must be lifted ontoa flat-bed tow truck. If the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid is to tow (pull) another vehicle, select the
AWD drive
mode. This helps charge the hybrid battery and improves the vehicle's road holding characteris-tics.
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. 359)
• Jump starting (p. 365)
• Parking brake (p. 352)
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
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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•Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
• Starting the engine (p. 372)
• Turning the engine off (p. 374)
• Start battery (p. 479)
• Opening and closing the hood (p. 504)
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 383)
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%.

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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(1,000 m) (or part thereof). When towing5,000 lbs (2,250 kg) 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 cable
An 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.
Related information
•
Detachable trailer hitch (p. 368)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 369)
• Weights (p. 525)
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.

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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 ball holder/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. 367)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 369)
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

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SAVE
This mode makes it possible to save electrical energy (hybrid battery charge) for times whenusing the electric motor is more suitable (e.g., citydriving). Using the electric motor only saves more fuel at low speeds than at high ones. Therefore, use theSAVE mode primarily when the hybrid battery'scharge level is high and driving will initially be athighway speeds but will end with city drivingwhen electric driving is preferable. If the hybrid battery's charge level is low when this mode is selected, the gasoline engine willstart and charge the hybrid battery up to approx.33%. If the battery's charge level is already above33%, this level will be maintained by the enginemanagement system, which will start/stop the gasoline engine in the same way as in
Hybriddrive mode. This mode increases fuel consumption because the gasoline engine is used to conserve batterycharge for later use.
OFF ROAD
This 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.This drive mode can only be activated at lowspeeds (the permissible speed range will beshown on the speedometer). At higher speeds,OFF ROAD mode will be cancelled and AWD willbe 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.
AWD
This mode offers improved traction using four- wheel drive and is intended primarily for low-speed driving on slippery surfaces. However, italso helps increase directional stability at higherspeeds. In this mode, both the electric motor and the gas- oline engine are used continuously, which resultsin higher fuel consumption.
POWER
Power mode is intended for sportier, more active
driving. This mode maximizes the combined effects of the electric motor and the gasoline engine andprovides power to all four wheels. Response topressure on the accelerator pedal is more imme-diate and the transmission shifts up at higherspeeds. Steering response is also more immedi-ate, the suspension is stiffer and lower groundclearance reduces body roll when cornering. In this mode, both the electric motor and the gas- oline engine are used continuously, which resultsin higher fuel consumption.

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–Pull either paddle toward the steering wheel and release it.
"– ": Shift down one gear.
"+ ": Shift up one gear.
A gear shift will take place each time a paddle is pulled if the engine speed (rpm) is within the per-missible range for the selected gear. The gear number shown in the instrument panel will change after each gear shift.
Deactivating the paddles
Manually
–Pull both paddles toward the steering wheel and hold them until the number of the cur-rent gear is no longer displayed in the instru-ment panel.
Automatically
If 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. 396)
• Gear shift indicator (p. 396)
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.

WHEELS AND TIRES
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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. 448)
• Checking tire inflation pressure (p. 451)
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 weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does notinclude passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
Permissible axle weight
The 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 Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's plac-ard.
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 kg or XXX lbs.
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. Consult this manual to determinehow this reduces the available cargo and lug-gage load capacity of your vehicle.

INDEX
536Engine compartment
fuses 484
Engine compartment overview 505
Engine oil 530 checking 506, 507
Engine specifications 529
Environment 20Eyelet towing 359
Eyelets for anchoring loads 220
F
Federal Clean Air Act 472 Flat tires repairing with tire sealing system 461, 463 , 467
Floor mats placing correctly 372
Fluid specifications 528, 532 Fog lights rear 146
Front airbags 89 disconnecting passenger

INDEX
541
Steering wheel paddles 160
Stone chips, touching up 516, 517
Storage compartments 208
Studded tires 451Sunroof
laminated panoramic roof 106, 107
Sun shade 109, 111
Sun visor 211
Suspension 400
System updates 474
T
Tailgate locking/unlocking 244 operating with the foot movement sen-
sor 238
power operated 246
wiper/washer 159
Tailgate wipers 509
Technician certification 57Temperature perceived 178
Temperature sensor ambient 116
Tetheringwi-fi sharing 435
Three-way catalytic converter 364 Timer preconditioning 182
Tire inflation pressure 531
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 457, 459 calibrating 460
type approval 461
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 460
Tires 444 changing 453
changing from summer to winter 448
glossary of terms 447
improving economy 444
inflation pressure 451
inflation pressure table 531installing (mounting) a wheel on the
vehicle 456
rotation 445
snow 451
specifications 445
storing 445
studded 451
tire pressure monitoring system 457, 459
tire sealing system 461, 463, 467
tools in the cargo compartment 453
tread wear indicator 449uniform tire quality grading 450
wheel bolts 454
Tire sealing system 461, 463, 467 Top tether anchors (child restraint sys- tems) 80
Touching up paint 516, 517
Towing a trailer 367, 369 trailer hitch 368
Towing eyelet 359
Towing the vehicle 360
Traction control 323
Trailer towing 367, 369 trailer hitch 368
Transmission gear shift indicator 396
general description 395, 396
Hill Start Assist 351
oil 532
shifting with steering wheel paddles 398
shiftlock override 396
Tread wear indicator 449
Trip computer 96, 97, 98 reset 97
Trip odometers 96
Trips, long distance 355
Trip statistics 98