transmission VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE 2019 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
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449
Gear selector positions for
automatic transmissions
In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
system selects the optimal gear for the current
driving conditions. The transmission also has a
manual mode.
The instrument panel shows which gear is cur-
rently in use:
P
, R, N, D or B.
For manual shifting, the gear indicator in the
instrument panel displays the gear currently
being used (1-8).
Selecting gearsThe gear selector is a shift-by-wire selector,
where shifting is done electronically instead of
mechanically. This makes shifting easier and the
gear positions more distinct. Select gears by moving the spring-loaded, non-
locking gear selector forward or backward.
Gear selector positions
Park - P
Park is activated using the P button located next
to the gear selector. Select P when the vehicle is parked or when star-
ting the engine. The vehicle must be stationary
when Park is selected.
To move to another gear from Park, the brake
pedal must be depressed and the ignition in
mode II.
When parking – apply the parking brake before
shifting to Park.
WARNING Always apply the parking brake when parking
on an incline. Selecting a gear or putting the
automatic transmission in P may not be suffi-
cient to keep the vehicle stationary in all sit-
uations.
NOTE The gear selector must be in the P position
before the vehicle can be locked and the
alarm set.

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* Option/accessory.
450 Help functions
The system will automatically shift to P:
if the ignition is switched off while D or R is
selected.
if the driver unbuckles the seat belt and
opens the driver's door while the vehicle is
running with the gear selector in a gear other
than P.
To park a vehicle with an unbuckled seat belt and
open door – end P mode by shifting to R or D
again.
The system will not automatically shift to P if the
ignition is switched off while the gear selector is
in the neutral position (N). This is to make it pos-
sible to wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash in which the vehicle is pulled forward on
rolling wheels.
Reverse - R
Select R when backing up. The vehicle must be
stationary when Reverse is selected.
Neutral - N
No gear is selected and the engine can be
started. Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is
stationary with the gear selector in N.
To move the gear selector from Neutral to
another gear, the brake pedal must be depressed
and the ignition in mode II.
D drive mode
D is the normal driving gear position. The trans-
mission shifts up or down automatically depend- ing on acceleration and speed. The vehicle must
be stationary when the gear selector is moved
from R to D.
Brake - B
B can be selected at any time during a drive. In B
mode, the engine braking function is activated
when the accelerator pedal is released, which
helps charge the hybrid battery. This offers addi-
tional opportunities to recharge the hybrid bat-
tery, since the battery is charged even when the
brake pedal is not depressed. B mode in the instrument panel.
From B mode, it is possible to manually shift to
lower gears. The currently selected gear (1-8) will
be displayed in the instrument panel.
Pull the gear selector backward once to shift
down one gear.
Pull the gear selector backward again to shift
down to lower gears. To shift manually to a higher gear, the vehicle
must be equipped with steering wheel paddles*.
Push the gear selector forward to return to D
mode.
For smooth shifting and engine performance, the
transmission will shift down automatically if the
vehicle's speed becomes too low for the selected
gear.
Related information
Shiftlock (p. 452)
Using the steering wheel paddles* to shift
(p. 451)
The kickdown function (p. 452)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.451
Using the steering wheel paddles*
to shift
The steering wheel paddles are a supplement to
the gear selector and make it possible to shift
manually without removing your hands from the
steering wheel.
Activating the steering wheel paddlesIn order to shift gears using the paddles, they
must first be activated:
– Pull one of the paddles toward the steering
wheel.
>

A number in the instrument panel indi-
cates the current gear being used. Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for
shifting.
ChangeTo shift one gear: –
Pull one of the paddles toward the steering
wheel and then release. "-": Shift down one gear.
"+": Shift up one gear.
As long as the engine speed (rpm) is within the
permissible range for the selected gear, a gear
shift will take place each time a paddle is pulled.
After each gear shift, a number indicating the
current gear will be displayed in the instrument
panel.
Turning off Start/Stop
Manual deactivation in gear D and B
– Deactivate the paddles by pulling the right
paddle (+) toward the steering wheel and
holding it until the number of the current
gear is no longer displayed in the instrument
panel.
> The transmission will revert to gear D or B
depending on which gear was selected
before the paddles were activated.
Automatic deactivation
In gear position D, the steering wheel paddles
are deactivated after a short period of time if they
are not used. The number of the current gear will
no longer be displayed in the instrument panel.
In gear position B, the paddles will not activate
automatically.
Related information
Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 449)

STARTING AND DRIVING
452Shiftlock
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 to another gear from P (Park), the brake
pedal must be depressed and the ignition 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. 449) 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. 449) All Wheel Drive (AWD)
All-wheel drive, All Wheel Drive (AWD), also
called four-wheel drive, means that power is dis-
tributed to all four wheels, which improves trac-
tion.
The electric motor that powers the rear wheels
enables electronic all-wheel drive functionality.
All-wheel drive reacts differently depending on
which drive mode is selected.
Related information
Drive modes (p. 454)
Low Speed Control (p. 464)
Transmission (p. 448)

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453
Drive systems
Volvo Twin Engine combines a combustion
engine for the front wheels and an electric motor
for the rear wheels.
Two drive systemsDepending on the selected drive mode and
power available in the electric motor, the drive
systems can either be used separately or in tan-
dem.
The electric motor gets its energy from a hybrid
battery located under the tunnel console. The
hybrid can be charged from a wall outlet or in a
special charging station. The combustion engine
can also charge the hybrid battery using a special
high-voltage generator.
Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor can generate power directly to the wheels.
An advanced control system coordinates both the
drive systems to help optimize driving economy. Hybrid battery - The hybrid battery's function
is to store electrical current. This energy is
provided by plugging the charging cable into
an electrical outlet, through regenerative
braking or from the high-voltage generator.
This provides current to power the electric
motor and to temporarily power the electrical
air conditioning to precondition the passen-
ger compartment.
Combustion engine - The combustion engine
starts when the charge level in the hybrid
battery is too low to provide the power output
requested by the driver.
High-voltage generator
2
- Charges the hybrid
battery. Starter for the combustion engine. Can provide the combustion engine with
extra electrical current. Electric motor - Powers the vehicle using
electricity. Can provide extra torque and
power during acceleration. Provides electrical
all-wheel drive functionality. Regenerates
braking energy into electrical current.
Related information

General information about Twin Engine
(p. 416)
Starting and stopping the combustion engine
in Twin Engine vehicles (p. 454)
Drive modes (p. 454)
Transmission (p. 448)
Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 469) 2
CISG (Crank Integrated Starter Generator) - Combined high-voltage gene\
rator and starter.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
454 Starting and stopping the
combustion engine in Twin Engine
vehicles
An advanced control system determines the dis-
tance that the vehicle can be driven on the com-
bustion engine, electric motor, or both at the
same time. When driving on only the electric
motor, the vehicle may automatically start the
combustion engine due to outside circumstan-
ces, e.g. low ambient temperatures. This is com-
pletely normal. The combustion engine will also
always start when the hybrid battery is nearly
fully discharged.
Climate settings at low temperaturesAt low ambient temperatures, the combustion
engine will sometimes start automatically to help
achieve the desired passenger compartment
temperature and air quality. The amount of time
the combustion engine is running can be affec-
ted by:
lowering the temperature
reducing blower speed
activating Pure drive mode.
Using the electric motor in hot or cold
weather
At very low or high ambient temperatures, the
electric motor's driving range and power may be
reduced and affect how often the combustion
engine automatically starts.
Emission control systemTo help ensure that the emission control system
functions optimally, the combustion engine will
run for several minutes after it is started. The
amount of time the combustion engine needs to
be used varies depending on the temperature of
the three-way catalytic converter.
WARNING California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas-
senger vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To mini-
mize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do
not idle the engine except as necessary, serv-
ice your vehicle in a well ventilated area and
wear gloves or wash your hands frequently
when servicing your vehicle. For more infor-
mation go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
Related information

Drive systems (p. 453)
Economical driving (p. 467)
Using the electric motor only (p. 469)
Drive modes (p. 454) 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.

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457
This drive mode is optimized for maximum control
when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or
difficult terrain. It raises the chassis
3
, 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 3
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.
3
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

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473
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.
NOTECertain 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. 581)
Snow chains (p. 581)
Braking on salted roads (p. 441)
Braking on wet roads (p. 441)
Filling washer fluid (p. 662)
Start battery (p. 627)
Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 660)
Changing rear window wipers (p. 659)
Refilling coolant (p. 625) Driving through standing water
Driving the vehicle through a deep pool of stand-
ing water on a water-covered roadway is called
fording. This must be done with great caution.
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving
through water (e.g. on flooded roads):
Do not drive in water higher than the floor of
the vehicle. If possible, check the depth of
the water at its deepest point before driving
through it. Be particularly careful when driv-
ing through flowing water.
Always select the
Off Road drive mode
before driving in water to ensure the gasoline
engine is running.
Do not drive faster than walking speed.
Do not stop the vehicle in the water. Drive
carefully forward or back the vehicle out of
the water.
Remember that waves created by passing
vehicles could cause the water level to rise
above the vehicle's floor level.
Avoid driving through salt water to help avoid
the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmission,
driveline, electrical components, etc.) can be
damaged if the vehicle is driven through water
higher than its floor level. Damage to any
components caused by flooding, vapor lock or
insufficient oil is not covered under warranty.
If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in
water, do not attempt to restart it. Have the
vehicle towed on the bed of a tow truck to a
workshop - an authorized Volvo workshop is
recommended.
CAUTION
Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, avoid driving through standing or
running water.
When you have passed the water, press lightly on
the brake pedal and check that the brakes are
functioning properly. Water, mud, slush, etc. can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer coupling
contact, clean the contact after driving in water or
mud.
Related information

Recovery (p. 489)
Low Speed Control (p. 464)

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479
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter

Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain
engine malfunctions, particularly involving the
electrical, fuel or distributor ignition systems,
may cause unusually high three-way catalytic
converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine
misfire, noticeable loss of power or other
unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned
engine will help avoid malfunctions that
could damage the three-way catalytic con-
verter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which can
come into contact with the hot exhaust sys-
tem and cause such materials to ignite under
certain wind and weather conditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one
minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded
engine can cause three-way catalytic con-
verter or exhaust system overheating.
Remember that tampering or unauthorized
modifications to the engine, the Engine Con-
trol Module, or the vehicle may be illegal and
can cause three-way catalytic converter or
exhaust system overheating. This includes:
altering fuel injection settings or compo-
nents, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/or
repeated use of leaded fuel.NOTE Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with
three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen
content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed
into a control module that continuously monitors
engine functions and controls fuel injection. The
ratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuously
adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce
harmful emissions.
Related information

Octane rating (p. 477)
Fuel (p. 476) Overheating of engine and
transmission
In demanding driving conditions, such as driving
in mountainous areas or hot weather, there is a
risk of the engine or transmission overheating,
especially when carrying heavy loads.
Engine power may be temporarily limited.
Remove any auxiliary lights mounted in front
of the grille when driving in hot weather.
If the temperature in the engine's cooling
system becomes too high, a warning symbol
will appear in the instrument panel along with
the message Engine temperature High
temperature Stop safely. Pull over to a safe location and let the engine idle for a few
minutes to cool down.
If the message
Engine temperature High
temperature Turn off engine or Engine
coolant Level low, turn off engine is dis- played, stop the vehicle and turn off the
engine.
If the transmission begins to overheat, an
alternative gear shifting program will be
selected. An integrated protective function
will also be activated, the warning symbol will
illuminate and the message Transmission
warm
Reduce speed to lower
temperature or Transmission hot Stop
safely, wait for cooling will be displayed in the instrument panel. Follow the recommen-
dations given by reducing speed or stopping

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480
the vehicle safely and letting the engine idle
for a few minutes to let the transmission
cool.
If the vehicle begins to overheat, the air con-
ditioning may be temporarily switched off.
After a prolonged period of driving in
demanding conditions, do not turn off the
engine immediately after stopping.
NOTE It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a short time after the engine is
switched off.
Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol
Meaning High engine temperature. Follow
the recommendations provided.
Low coolant level. Follow the rec-
ommendations provided.
Transmission hot/overheated/cool-
ing. Follow the recommendations
provided.
Related information

Refilling coolant (p. 625)
Driving with a trailer (p. 483)
Preparing for a long trip (p. 472) Battery drain
The electrical functions in the vehicle drain the
battery to varying degrees. Avoid using ignition
mode II when the engine is switched off. Use
ignition mode I instead, as this uses less electri-
cal current.
Note that certain accessories may also drain
power from the electrical system. Do not use
functions that use a lot of electrical current when
the engine is turned off. Examples of such func-
tions are: blower
headlights
windshield wipers
audio system (especially at high volume).
If the starter battery voltage is low, a message is
shown in the driver display. The vehicle's energy-
saving function will then turn off or reduce certain
functions, such as the blower and/or the audio
system.
– Charge the battery by starting the engine
and let it run for at least 15 minutes (driving
charges the battery faster than letting the
engine idle).
Related information
Start battery (p. 627)
Ignition modes (p. 437)