fuel VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE 2018 Owner's Manual

||DRIVER SUPPORT
* Option/accessory.
318 Controls for setting a time interval
65
. Reduce the time interval
Increase the time interval
Distance indicator
– Press the (1) or (2) button to decrease or
increase the time interval.
>

The distance indicator (3) shows the cur-
rent time interval.
In order to follow the vehicle ahead as smoothly
as possible, Pilot Assist allows the time interval to
vary considerably in certain situations. For exam-
ple, at low speeds and short distances to the
vehicle ahead, Pilot Assist increases the time
interval slightly.
NOTE •
The greater the vehicles' speed, the
greater the distance between them for a
set time interval.
• Only use the time intervals permitted by
local traffic regulations.
• If Pilot Assist does not seem to respond
with a speed increase when activated, it
may be because the time interval to the
vehicle ahead is shorter than the set time
interval.
WARNING •
Only use a time interval suitable for the
current traffic conditions.
• The driver should be aware that short
time intervals give them limited time to
react and act to any unforeseen traffic
situation.
Setting how Pilot Assist should
maintain distance* to the vehicle ahead
The driver can choose different drive modes to
determine how Pilot Assist should maintain a
time interval to the vehicle ahead. Settings are
made using the DRIVE MODE controls. Select one of the following:
• Eco - Pilot Assist will focus on providing
optimal fuel economy, which will increase the
time interval to the vehicle ahead.
• Comfort - Pilot Assist will focus on following
the set time interval to the vehicle ahead as
smoothly as possible.
• Dynamic - Pilot Assist will focus on follow-
ing the set time interval to the vehicle ahead
more exactly, which could mean faster accel-
eration and heavier braking.
For more information, see "Drive modes".
Related information
• Pilot Assist (p. 311) 65
Note: This illustration is general and details may vary depending on mod\
el.

HYBRID INFORMATION
406General information about Twin
Engine
Twin Engine vehicles are driven just like any
other vehicle, but certain functions differ from a
vehicle powered exclusively by gasoline. The
electric motor powers the vehicle primarily at low
speeds; the gasoline engine is used at higher
speeds or during more active driving. The instrument panel displays Twin Engine-spe-
cific information - charging information, selected
drive mode, distance to discharged battery and
hybrid battery charge level.
Different drive modes can be selected while driv-
ing, e.g. electric power only or, if more power is
needed, a combination of electric and gasoline
power. The vehicle calculates the optimal combi-
nation of driveability, driving experience, environ-
mental impact and fuel economy for the selected
drive mode.
In order to function optimally, the hybrid battery
(and its electrical drive systems) and the gasoline
engine (and its drive systems) must be at the
correct operating temperature. Battery capacity
can be considerably reduced if the battery is too
cold or too hot. Preconditioning prepares the
vehicle's drive systems and passenger compart-
ment before driving to help reduce both wear and
energy consumption. It also helps increase the
hybrid battery's range.
The hybrid battery, which powers the electric
motor, is recharged using the charging cable. It
can also be recharged during light braking and through engine braking in gear position B. The
combustion engine can also help recharge the
hybrid battery.
Important
No electrical current
Keep in mind that if there is no electrical current
to the vehicle, i.e. the ignition is switched off or
the start battery is discharged, certain functions
such as brakes, power steering, etc. will not work.
WARNING If the vehicle does not have electrical current
and both the electric motor and the gasoline
engine are switched off, the brakes cannot be
used to stop the vehicle.
Towing not permitted
Never tow a Twin Engine vehicle behind another
vehicle, as this could damage the electric motor.
Exterior engine noise
WARNING
Keep in mind that the vehicle does not emit
any engine noise when using the electric
motor and may therefore be difficult to detect
for children, pedestrians, cyclists or animals.
This is especially true at low speeds, e.g. in
parking lots.
High-voltage electrical current
WARNING Several components in the vehicle work with
high voltage that can be hazardous in case of
an incorrect procedure. These components
and any orange wiring in the vehicle may only
be handled by trained and qualified Volvo
service technicians.
Do not touch anything that is not clearly descri-
bed in this Owner's Manual.
Related information
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 407)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
• Drive modes (p. 445)
• Starting and stopping preconditioning
(p. 231)
• Hybrid battery (p. 619)
• Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 458)
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 439)
• Towing using a towline (p. 476)

HYBRID INFORMATION
}}
407
Charging the hybrid battery
In addition to the conventional fuel tank, your
vehicle is also equipped with a rechargeable
lithium-ion hybrid battery.
The hybrid battery can be recharged using the
charging cable stored in a storage space in the
cargo compartment.
WARNING
The hybrid electrical system in your vehicle
uses high voltage electrical current. Any dam-
age to this system or to the hybrid battery
may result in the danger of overheating, fire,
or serious injury. If the vehicle is involved in a
collision or subjected to flooding, fire, etc.,
have it inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician. Prior to this inspec-
tion, the vehicle should be parked outdoors at
a safe distance from any building or poten-
tially flammable materials.
The hybrid battery's charging time depends on
the charging current used.
NOTE The capacity of the hybrid battery diminishes
somewhat with age and use, which could
result in increased use of the gasoline engine
and consequently, slightly higher fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING If the hybrid battery needs to be replaced, this
may only be done by Volvo retailer or author-
ized Volvo workshop.
Charging cable handle and charging socket.
Charging status is indicated in three ways:
• The indicator lights in the charging module
(the unit connected to the wall outlet).
• Indicator light in the vehicle's charging
socket.
• Images and text in the instrument panel.
The hybrid battery's charging process also
charges the vehicle's start battery.
If the hybrid battery's temperature is below
-10 ºC (14 ºF) or above 40 ºC (104 ºF), some of
the vehicle's functions may be reduced or not
available at all. The electric motor cannot be used if the battery's
temperature is too low or too high. If the PURE
drive mode is selected, the gasoline engine will
start.
Charging using the gasoline engine
The vehicle generates electrical current to charge the
battery, e.g. when the driver lightly presses the brake
pedal or when engine braking is used on downgrades.
The vehicle can also generate current to the
hybrid battery to charge it.
• The hybrid battery can also be recharged by
lightly depressing the brake pedal, i.e. during
light braking. This converts the vehicle's
kinetic energy to electrical energy, which is
used to charge the hybrid battery.
• In gear position B, the electric motor brakes
the vehicle when the accelerator pedal is

||STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
438
Related information
• Rear Collision Warning (p. 347)
• BLIS* (p. 348)
• Brake functions (p. 429) Transmission
The transmission is part of the vehicle's driveline
(power transmission) between the engine and
the drive wheels. The function of the transmis-
sion is to change gears depending on speed
and power needs.
The vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmis-
sion and an electric motor for rear-wheel drive.
The number of gears allows the engine's torque
and power band to be effectively utilized. Two of
the gears are overdrive gears that save fuel when
driving at a constant engine speed. The steering
wheel paddles* can be used to shift up or down
manually. The instrument panel shows the gear
currently in use.
CAUTION Check the operating temperature of the
transmission to help avoid damage to any of
the drive system components. If there is a risk
of overheating, a warning symbol will appear
in the instrument panel and a text message
will be displayed. Follow the recommenda-
tions given.
Symbols in the instrument panelIf a problem should occur with the transmission, a
symbol and a message will appear in the instru-
ment panel. Symbol
Meaning Information and messages related
to the transmission. Follow the rec-
ommendations provided.
Hot or overheated transmission.
Follow the recommendations provi-
ded.
Reduced performance/Acceler-
ation performance reduced
In the event of a temporary fault in
the driveline, the vehicle may go
into a "limp home" mode with
reduced power output to help avoid
damage to the driveline.
Related information
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 439)
• Gear indicator* (p. 442)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
442 Shiftlock
The automatic transmission's shiftlock function
helps prevent inadvertently moving the gear
selector between different positions.
Automatic shiftlockThe automatic shiftlock has a separate safety
system.
From Park - P
To move the gear selector from the P position,
the brake pedal must be depressed and the igni-
tion in mode II.
From Neutral - N
If the gear selector is in N and the vehicle has
been stationary for at least 3 seconds (with or
without the engine running), the gear selector will
be locked in that position.
To move the gear selector from N to another
gear, the brake pedal must be depressed and the
ignition in mode II.
Messages in the instrument panelIf the gear selector is locked in position, a mes-
sage will appear in the instrument panel, e.g.
Gear lever Press brake pedal to activate
gear lever.
There is no mechanical shiftlock function.
Related information
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 439) The kickdown function
Kickdown is used when maximum acceleration is
needed, e.g. when passing. When the accelerator pedal is depressed all the
way to the floor (past the normal full accelerator
position), the transmission will automatically
engage kickdown, i.e. immediately shift down to a
lower gear.
If the accelerator pedal is released from the kick-
down position, the transmission will automatically
shift up again.
Safety function
The transmission control module is equipped with
a downshift protection feature to help prevent the
engine from overheating.
In some conditions, the transmission will prevent
downshifting/kickdown if this would lead to such
high engine speed (rpm) that the engine could
be damaged. If the driver still attempts downshift-
ing or kickdown at a high rpm, nothing will hap-
pen and the original gear will remain selected.
With kickdown, the vehicle can downshift one or
more steps at a time depending on the engine
speed. The vehicle upshifts when the engine rea-
ches its maximum rpm to prevent engine dam-
age.
Related information
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 439) Gear indicator*
The gear indicator in the instrument panel shows
the gear currently being used for manual shifting
and indicates when another gear should be
selected to optimize fuel economy. For eco-friendly driving when manually shifting, it
is important to use the correct gear and to shift
gears in good time.
The gear indicator in the instrument panel shows
the gear currently being used and indicates with
an upward-facing arrow if a higher gear should
be selected. The gear indicator is shown in gear
B. Gear indicator in instrument panel
2
.
Related information
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 439)

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* Option/accessory. 445
Drive modes
Drive modes affect the vehicle's driving charac-
teristics in different ways to enhance and sim-
plify the driving experience in certain types of sit-
uations. Drive modes enable easy access to the vehicle's
many functions and settings in different driving
situations. The following systems are adapted to
help optimize driving characteristics in each drive
mode:
• Steering
• Engine/transmission/all-wheel drive
• Brakes
• Pneumatic suspension* and shock absorbers
• Instrument panel
• Climate control settings
Select the drive mode that is best suited to the
current driving conditions. Keep in mind that not
all drive modes are available in all situations.
Available drive modes
WARNING Keep in mind that the vehicle does not emit
any engine noise when using the electric
motor and may therefore be difficult to detect
for children, pedestrians, cyclists or animals.
This is particularly true at low speeds, e.g. in
parking lots.
WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle in an unventilated
area with a drive mode activated and the com-
bustion engine switched off. The engine will
start automatically if the charge level in the
hybrid battery is low and the resulting exhaust
gases can be very harmful to people and ani-
mals.
HYBRID
•
This is the default mode in which the electric
motor and combustion engine work together.
The vehicle starts in Hybrid mode. The control
system uses both the electric motor and the gas-
oline engine - separately or in tandem - and cal-
culates optimal utilization with regard to perform-
ance, fuel consumption and comfort. At high
speeds, ground clearance is automatically low-
ered 4
to reduce air resistance. Driving capacity on
the electric motor alone is determined by factors such as the hybrid battery's charge level, the
need for heat/cooling in the passenger compart-
ment, etc.
If there is sufficient charge in the battery, it is
possible to drive solely on electric power. When
the accelerator pedal is pressed, only the electric
motor will be activated until the battery reaches a
certain charge level. Above this level, the current
in the battery cannot supply the power requested
by the accelerator pedal and the combustion
engine will start.
When the hybrid battery's charge level is low, the
combustion engine will start more frequently to
save the remaining current in the battery. Charge
the hybrid battery from a 120-240 volt outlet
using a charging cable, or activate
Charge in
Function view to reset the option of only using
the electric motor.
This drive mode is designed for low energy con-
sumption with an optimized mix between the
electric motor and gasoline engine, without com-
promising on climate comfort or driving experi-
ence. When faster acceleration is requested by
the driver, the electric driveline will be utilized to
help provide maximum additional power. The
vehicle also monitors the driving conditions and
automatically engages all-wheel drive if neces-
sary. All-wheel drive and extra electric power are
always available regardless of the battery's
charging status. 4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
447
OFF ROAD
• Maximizes the vehicle's ability to traverse dif-
ficult terrain or poor roads.
In this mode, ground clearance 4
is high, steering
is light, and all-wheel drive and Hill Descent
Control are activated.
This drive mode is only available at low speeds,
up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is excee-
ded, Off road mode will be cancelled and AWD
mode will be activated instead.
All-wheel drive requires both the combustion and
electric motor to be in continuous operation,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
In Off road mode, a compass will be displayed
between the speedometer and the tachometer in
the instrument panel. The permissible speed
range will be shown in the speedometer.
This drive mode is optimized for maximum control
when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or
difficult terrain. It raises the chassis 4
, reduces
driveline throttle response, and locks the vehicle
in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent Control func-
tion facilitates controlled driving on steep down-
grades.NOTE This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.
NOTE
Due to the increased ground clearance, if the
OFF ROAD mode was selected when the
engine was switched off, the suspension will
lower when the engine is restarted.
CAUTION
Do not use the OFF ROAD drive mode when
towing a trailer without an electrical connec-
tion. This could result in damage to the pneu-
matic suspension system's bellows.
AWD
•
Improves the vehicle's traction and handling
by increasing all-wheel drive.
This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheel
drive. An optimal distribution between front and
rear axle torque helps provide the best possible
control, stability and traction, e.g. on slippery
roads or when towing a heavy trailer or another
vehicle. The AWD drive mode is always available
regardless of the hybrid battery's charge status. Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
In the other drive modes, the vehicle automati-
cally adapts the need for all-wheel drive accord-
ing to the road surface, and can activate the elec-
tric motor or start the combustion engine as nee-
ded.
POWER
•
Power mode is designed to provide sportier
driving characteristics and a faster accelera-
tion response.
This drive mode maximizes the combined power
from the combustion engine and the electric
motor by providing power to both the front and
rear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster and more
distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears
with a higher traction force. Steering response is
faster, suspension is stiffer and ground clearance
is lower 4
to help reduce body roll when cornering.
Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,
which results in higher fuel consumption.
This drive mode is optimized for maximum per-
formance and throttle response. It changes the
throttle response, gear shifting program and
turbo boost system. Chassis settings and steer-
ing and brake response are also optimized. The
Power drive mode is always available regardless
of the hybrid battery's charge status. 4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
457
Driving
• Choose the Pure drive mode to help mini-
mize electric power consumption.
• Maintain a steady speed and a generous fol-
lowing distance to traffic ahead to minimize
braking. This drive mode has the lowest
power consumption.
• Balance energy requirements using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator on the
instrument panel to see available electric
power and avoid starting the combustion
engine unnecessarily. The electric motor is
more effective than the combustion engine,
especially at low speeds.
• When braking is necessary, brake gently
using the brake pedal. This will recharge the
hybrid battery. A regenerative function is
integrated in the brake pedal and can be
augmented by the electric motor's braking
capacity when the gear selector is in mode
B.
• Higher speeds increase energy consumption
- air resistance increases with speed.
• Activate the
Hold function in the Function
view at high speeds when traveling farther
than is possible using the hybrid battery's
capacity.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the Charge
function to charge the hybrid battery. Charg-
ing the battery using the combustion engine increases fuel consumption and carbon diox-
ide emissions.
• In a cold climate, reduce heating of the wind-
shield/rear window, mirrors, seats and the
steering wheel.
• Maintain the correct pressure in the tires and
check pressure regularly.
• The type of tires used could affect energy
consumption - consult a retailer for advice on
suitable tires.
• Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle
- the heavier the load, the higher the fuel
consumption.
• Roof loads increase air resistance and
increase fuel consumption. Remove roof
boxes, ski racks, etc. that are not in use.
• Avoid driving with the windows open.
• Do not keep the vehicle still on an upward
gradient by using the accelerator pedal. Use
the brakes instead.
Related information
•
Drive-E
‒
purer driving pleasure (p. 27)
• Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 458)
• Using the electric motor only (p. 457)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
• Checking tire pressure (p. 557) Using the electric motor only
When using the electric motor, Volvo Twin
Engine provides a combination of good fuel
economy, low emissions and high performance.
For energy-efficient driving:
• Select the Pure drive mode to help maximize
driving range using only the electric motor.
• Balance energy requirements using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator on the
instrument panel's hybrid gauge to see avail-
able electric power and avoid starting the
combustion engine unnecessarily.
• When braking is necessary, brake gently
using the brake pedal. This will recharge the
hybrid battery.
• Activate the
Hold function in the Function
view at high speeds when traveling farther
than is possible using the hybrid battery's
capacity.
• Reduce current consumption in the passen-
ger compartment by reducing e.g. fan speed,
electric heating, or air conditioning use.
Also follow the general economical driving advice
regarding speed, tires and load to maximize
range.
Related information
• General information about Twin Engine
(p. 406)
• Economical driving (p. 456)

||STARTING AND DRIVING
460
Charge
Engine charges hybrid
battery.
This function charges the
hybrid battery with the help of
the combustion engine for
increased use of the electric
motor at a later time. This function is not available
if the hybrid battery's charge level is already high.
Symbols in the instrument panel The symbol is displayed in the hybrid battery gauge
when Hold is activated. The symbol is displayed in the hybrid battery gauge
when Charge is activated.
Related information
• Using the electric motor only (p. 457)
• Economical driving (p. 456)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87) Preparing for a long trip
It is important to have the vehicle's systems and
equipment checked carefully before driving long
distances.
Check that:
• the engine is running properly and that fuel
consumption is normal
• there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
• the brake pedal is functioning optimally
• all lights are working ‒ adjust the headlight
height if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load
• tire tread depth and air pressure are at cor-
rect levels. Change to snow tires when driv-
ing in areas where there is a risk of snowy or
icy roads.
• the start battery is sufficiently charged
• the wiper blades are in good condition
Related information
• Checking tire pressure (p. 557)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 650)
• Winter driving (p. 461)
• Economical driving (p. 456)
• Vehicle modem settings (p. 533)
• Loading recommendations (p. 586)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 472)
• Pilot Assist (p. 311)

STARTING AND DRIVING
461
•
Speed limiter (p. 278)
• Tire sealing system (p. 572) Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving
in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can be
driven safely.
Before the cold season arrives:• Make sure the engine coolant contains 50%
antifreeze. This mixture helps protect the
engine from frost erosion down to
approx. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix different
types of antifreeze as this could pose a
health risk.
• Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent con-
densation from forming.
• Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil with
low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-
weather starting and reduces fuel consump-
tion when driving with a cold engine.
CAUTION Low-viscosity oil should not be used with hard
driving or in hot weather.
•
Check the condition and charge level of the
start battery. Cold weather places greater
demands on the start battery and reduces its
capacity.
• Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to
help prevent ice from forming in the washer
fluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditionsFor optimal traction and roadholding, Volvo rec-
ommends using snow tires on all wheels when-
ever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.
NOTE Certain countries require use of winter tires
by law. Not all countries permit the use of
studded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under con-
trolled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.
Related information
•
Snow tires (p. 571)
• Snow chains (p. 571)
• Braking on salted roads (p. 431)
• Braking on wet roads (p. 431)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 650)
• Start battery (p. 615)
• Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 648)
• Changing rear window wipers (p. 647)
• Refilling coolant (p. 612)