tow VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE 2019 Owner's Guide

HYBRID INFORMATION
416General 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
Please be aware that there is no sound from
the engine when the vehicle is being powered
by the electric motor and it may be difficult to
detect by children, pedestrians, cyclists and
animals. This is especially true at low speeds.
High-voltage electrical current
WARNING A number of electrical components in Twin
Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles use high-volt-
age current and can be extremely dangerous
if handled incorrectly. 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. 417)
Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
Drive modes (p. 454)
Starting and stopping preconditioning
(p. 233)
Hybrid battery (p. 631)
Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 469)

HYBRID INFORMATION
}}
417

Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 449)
Towing using a towline (p. 487) Charging the hybrid battery
In addition to the conventional fuel tank, your
vehicle is also equipped with a rechargeable
lithium-ion hybrid battery.
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.
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 a Volvo retailer or
authorized Volvo workshop.

HYBRID INFORMATION
* Option/accessory.429
Stopping hybrid battery charging
To stop charging of the hybrid battery, unlock
the vehicle, unplug the charging cable from the
vehicle's charging socket and then unplug the
cable from the 120/240 V outlet (alternating
current).
CAUTION Before the charging cable is removed from
the vehicle's charging socket, the vehicle
must be unlocked using the unlock button on
the remote key. This must be done even if the
vehicle's doors are already unlocked. If the
vehicle is not unlocked using the unlock but-
ton, the charging cable or system may be
damaged.
NOTE
Always unlock the vehicle so that charging is
cut off before the connection to the
120/240 V outlet (AC, alternating current) is
disconnected. Note that the charging cable
must be disconnected from the vehicle's
charging socket before it is disconnected
from the 120/240 V outlet, partly to prevent
damage to the system and party to prevent
unintentional interruption of charging. Unlock the vehicle with the remote key.
Charging will stop.
Press the lock button on the charging
cable's handle. The handle will be released/
unlocked. Remove the cable from the vehi-
cle's charging socket, put the socket's cover
back in place and close the charger door. Unplug the cable from the 120/240 V outlet.
Stow the charging cable in the storage com-
partment under the cargo area floor.
Charging cable automatically locksIf the charging cable cannot be removed from the
charging socket, it will automatically lock into
place again after unlocking to maximize charging
and range and to enable preconditioning before
driving. The charging cable can be removed again
if the vehicle is unlocked using the remote key.
For vehicles with Passive Entry*, the handle can
be used to lock and unlock.
Related information
Opening and closing the charging socket
cover (p. 422)
Charge cable (p. 419)
Charging the hybrid battery (p. 417)
Initiating hybrid battery charging (p. 423)

||STARTING AND DRIVING
444
Deactivating automatically
1. Fasten your seat belt.
2. Depress the brake pedal firmly.
3. Start the vehicle.
4.
Move the gear selector to D or R and press
the accelerator pedal.
> The parking brake will release and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.
NOTE When the vehicle is initially started, the park-
ing brake could disengage automatically even
if the driver's seat belt is not buckled.
Related information

Settings for automatically activating the park-
ing brake (p. 444)
Parking brake malfunction (p. 445)
Parking brake (p. 442)
Parking on a hill (p. 444) Settings for automatically activating
the parking brake
Choose whether the parking brake should be
activated automatically when the vehicle is
switched off.
This selection is made in the Settings menu in
the center display.
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Parking Brake and
Suspension and select or deselect the
Auto Activate Parking Brake function.
Related information
Activating and deactivating the parking brake
(p. 443)
Parking brake (p. 442) Parking on a hill
Always use the parking brake when parking on a
hill.
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.
If the vehicle is pointing uphill: Turn the front wheels so they are pointing
away from the curb.
If the vehicle is pointing downhill:
Turn the front wheels so they are pointing
toward the curb.
Heavy load uphill
Heavy loads, such as a trailer, could cause the
vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake
is released automatically on steep uphill gradi-
ents. To help avoid this, pull the control upward
while you are driving away. Release the control
when the vehicle gains traction.
Related information
Activating and deactivating the parking brake
(p. 443)

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
}}
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
464 Leveling control settings*
Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle
with a jack to help avoid problems with the
pneumatic suspension.
The vehicle can be lowered or raised to make it
easier to load or for passengers to get in and
out.
Adjusting loading mode Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to
raise or lower the rear section of the vehicle to
facilitate loading or unloading the vehicle or con-
necting or disconnecting a trailer.
Center display settings
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension Control
The vehicle can be lowered to make it easier to
get in and out.
Activating easy entry in the center display: 1.
Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Mirrors and Convenience
.
3. Select Easy Entry and Exit Suspension
Control.
>

When the vehicle is parked and the
engine is turned off, the level is lowered.
(Level adjustment will stop if a side door
is opened and will resume after a slight
delay when the door has been closed.)
When the engine is started and the vehi-
cle begins to move, the level will be raised
to the height set by the selected drive
mode.
Disable Leveling Control
In certain situations, this function must be turned
off, e.g. before the vehicle is raised using a jack*.
The level difference caused by raising the vehicle
with a jack could cause problems with the pneu-
matic suspension.
Turning off the function in the center display:
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Parking Brake and
Suspension .
3. Select Disable Leveling Control.
Related information
Leveling control* and suspension (p. 461)
Loading recommendations (p. 598) Low Speed Control
The low-speed function, Low Speed Control
(LSC), facilitates and improves control and trac-
tion on rough roads and slippery surfaces, e.g.
when towing a trailer on grass or up boat ramps.
The function is included in the Off Road drive
mode.
Low Speed Control is designed for driving on
rough roads and when towing trailers at low
speeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low
gears and all-wheel drive to help avoid wheel spin
and improve traction on all wheels. The accelera-
tor pedal will be less responsive to improve trac-
tion and speed control at low speeds.
The function is activated together with Hill
Descent Control (HDC), which makes it possible
to control speed going down steep hills using the
accelerator pedal and reduces the need to use
the brake pedal. The system makes it possible to
maintain a low and uniform speed when driving
down steep hills.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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)

||STARTING AND DRIVING
478
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead or manga-
nese as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead
additives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-
sion control systems on your vehicle, lead has
been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take pre-
cautions. These may include:

standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of
the filler neck during refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought additives to your vehicle's
fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may
damage your engine, and some of these additives
contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not
needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
WARNING Never carry a cell phone that is switched on
while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings,
this may cause a spark that could ignite gaso-
line fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes inside
the vehicle, make sure the passenger com-
partment is ventilated, and immediately return
the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for correction.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as when
towing a trailer or driving in hot weather or for
prolonged periods at high altitudes, it may be a
good idea to switch to a higher-octane fuel (AKI
6
91 or higher) or to switch to another brand of
gasoline in order to fully utilize the vehicle's
engine capacity and optimize traction.
Related information
Fuel (p. 476)
Emission controls (p. 479) 6
AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Nu\
mber) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

||STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
482 12. Remove the jumper cables in the reverse
order ‒ first the black cables and then the
red cables.
Make sure that none of the clamps of the
black jumper cables come into contact with
either vehicle's positive (+) jump start termi-
nals or either of the red jumper cable's con-
nected clamps.
WARNING PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the state of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after han-
dling.
WARNING
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.
Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,
fabrics or painted surfaces.
If contact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark. Do not smoke near the
battery. Failure to follow the instructions
for jump starting can lead to injury.
NOTE The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid
battery is discharged.
Related information

Starting the vehicle (p. 434)
Ignition modes (p. 437)
Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 201)
Selecting ignition mode (p. 438) Detachable towbar*
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo towbars
that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE The optional detachable trailer hitch may not
be available in all markets or on all models.
Consult your Volvo retailer.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Towbar assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket