tow VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE 2020 Service Manual

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* Option/accessory.443
Leveling control settings *
Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle with a jack to help avoid problemswith the pneumatic suspension. The vehicle can be lowered or raised to make it easier to load or for passengers to get inand out.
Adjusting loading mode
Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to raise or lower the rear section of the vehicle tofacilitate loading or unloading the vehicle orconnecting 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 CarMirrors and Convenience.
3. Select
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension
Control.
> When the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off, the level is low- ered. (Level adjustment will stop if aside door is opened and will resumeafter a slight delay when the door hasbeen closed.) When the engine isstarted and the vehicle begins to move,the level will be raised to the height setby 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 pneumatic suspension. Turning off the function in the center display:1. Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarParking Brake and
Suspension.
3. Select
Disable Leveling Control.
Related information
Leveling control
* and suspension (p. 440)
Loading recommendations (p. 585)
Low Speed Control
The low-speed function (LSC 10
) facilitates
and improves control and traction on rough roads and slippery surfaces, e.g. when towinga 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 lowspeeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25mph). When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low gears and all-wheel drive to help avoidwheel spin and improve traction on all wheels.The accelerator pedal will be less responsiveto improve traction and speed control at lowspeeds. The function is activated together with Hill Descent Control (HDC 11
), which makes it pos-
sible to control speed going down steep hills using the accelerator pedal and reduces theneed to use the brake pedal. The systemmakes it possible to maintain a low and uni-form speed when driving down steep hills.

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451
Slippery driving conditionsTo help optimize traction and roadholding, Volvo recommends using snow tires on allwheels whenever there is a risk of snow or iceon the road.
NOTE
Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use ofstudded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the vehiclereacts.
Related information
Snow tires (p. 567)
Snow chains (p. 567)
Braking on salted roads (p. 420)
Braking on wet roads (p. 420)
Filling washer fluid (p. 656)
Start battery (p. 613)
Replacing windshield wiper blades(p. 654)
Changing rear window wipers (p. 653)
Refilling coolant (p. 610)
Driving through standing water
It may be necessary to drive the vehicle through standing water, e.g. deep puddles orflooding on the road. This must be done withgreat caution.
To help prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water:
Do not drive in water higher than the floorof the vehicle. If possible, check the depthof the water at its deepest point beforedriving through it. Be particularly carefulwhen driving through flowing water.
Always select the
Off Road drive mode
before driving in water to ensure the gaso- line engine is running.
Do not drive faster than walking speed.
Do not stop the vehicle in the water. Drivecarefully forward or back the vehicle out ofthe water.
Remember that waves created by passingvehicles could cause the water level to riseabove the vehicle's floor level.
Avoid driving through salt water to helpavoid the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION
Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmis- sion, driveline, electrical components, etc.)can be damaged if the vehicle is driventhrough water higher than its floor level.Damage to any components caused byflooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty. If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart it. Havethe vehicle towed on the bed of a towtruck to a workshop - an authorized Volvoworkshop is recommended.
CAUTION
Because it can be difficult to determine the water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-ing through standing or running water. Thedriver is always responsible for operatingthe vehicle in a safe manner and adheringto all applicable laws and regulations.
When you have passed the water, press lightly on the brake pedal and check that the brakesare 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 cou- pling contact, clean the contact after driving inwater or mud.

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4544. Avoid overfilling the tank. Do not press the
handle on the filler nozzle again after it has initially stopped pumping.
> The fuel tank is now filled.
NOTE
An over-full tank may overflow in hot weather.
CAUTION
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environ-ment, gasolines containing alcohol cancause damage to painted surfaces, whichmay not be covered under the New VehicleLimited Warranty.
Refueling from a fuel containerWhen filling from a fuel container, use the fun- nel provided in a foam block under the floorhatch in the cargo compartment.
1. Open the fuel filler door.
2. Insert the funnel into the fuel filler pipe'sopening. There are two flaps just inside the fuel filler pipe and the tube section ofthe funnel must push both of these flapsopen before fuel can be added.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas- senger vehicle can expose you to chemi-cals including engine exhaust, carbon mon-oxide, phthalates, and lead, which areknown to the State of California to causecancer and birth defects or other reproduc-tive harm. To minimize exposure, avoidbreathing exhaust, do not idle the engineexcept as necessary, service your vehicle ina well ventilated area and wear gloves orwash your hands frequently when servicingyour vehicle. For more information go towww.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
Related information
Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 452)
Fuel (p. 454)
Fuel
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas- oline to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (gasoline with detergent additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and intake valves clean. Consistentuse of deposit control gasolines will helpensure good driveability and fuel economy. Ifyou are not sure whether the gasoline containsdeposit control additives, check with the serv-ice station operator.
NOTE
Volvo recommends not using external fuel injector cleaning systems, e.g. do not adddetergent additives to gasoline before orafter refueling.
Unleaded fuelAll Volvo vehicles have a three-way catalytic converter and must only use unleaded gaso-line. US and Canadian regulations require thatpumps delivering unleaded gasoline arelabeled "UNLEADED". Only the nozzles ofthese pumps will fit in your vehicle's fuel fillerinlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel intoa vehicle labeled "unleaded gasoline only".Leaded gasoline damages the three-way cata-lytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor

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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 gasoline fumes, resulting in fireand injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaustgases. If you ever smell exhaust fumesinside the vehicle, make sure the passengercompartment is ventilated, and immedi-ately return the vehicle to a trained andqualified Volvo service technician for cor-rection.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as when towing a trailer or driving in hot weatheror for prolonged periods at high altitudes, itmay be a good idea to switch to a higher- octane fuel (AKI 14
91 or higher) or to switch to
another brand of gasoline in order to fully uti- lize the vehicle's engine capacity and optimizetraction.
Related information
Fuel (p. 454)
Emission controls (p. 457)
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involvingthe electrical, fuel or distributor ignitionsystems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Donot continue to operate your vehicle if youdetect engine misfire, noticeable loss ofpower or other unusual operating condi-tions, such as engine overheating or back-firing. A properly tuned engine will helpavoid malfunctions that could damage thethree-way catalytic converter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustiblematerials, such as grass or leaves, whichcan come into contact with the hotexhaust system and cause such materialsto ignite under certain wind and weatherconditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess ofone minute), or an intermittently firing orflooded engine can cause three-way cata-lytic converter or exhaust system over-heating.
Remember that tampering or unauthor-ized modifications to the engine, theEngine Control Module, or the vehicle maybe illegal and can cause three-way cata-lytic converter or exhaust system over- heating. This includes: altering fuel injec-tion settings or components, alteringemission system components or locationor removing components, and/or repeateduse of leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxy- gen content of the exhaust gases. Readingsare fed into a control module that continuouslymonitors engine functions and controls fuelinjection. The ratio of fuel to air into the engineis continuously adjusted for efficient combus-tion to help reduce harmful emissions.
Related information

Octane rating (p. 455)
Fuel (p. 454)
14
AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

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medical help immediately if eyes are affected.
Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark. Do not smoke nearthe battery. Failure to follow theinstructions for jump starting can leadto injury.
NOTE
The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.
Related information
Starting the vehicle (p. 412)
Ignition modes (p. 415)
Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 206)
Selecting ignition mode (p. 416)
Retractable hitch
*
The retractable hitch is designed to be used to tow a trailer or mount a bicycle holder. Thehitch can be easily retracted or extended asneeded. When retracted, the hitch is com-pletely concealed.
Folding out the hitch1.
Open the tailgate. There is a button for operating the hitch on the right-hand sideat the rear of the cargo compartment.Steady orange illumination from the indi-cator light in the button shows that thefolding function is active. 2. Press the button and release – pressing
too long on the button may prevent thehitch from folding out.
> The hitch will fold out and down to anunlocked position – the indicator lamp will flash orange. The hitch is ready tobe moved to the locked position.
3.
Move the hitch to its end position, where it will lock in place – the indicator lamp willglow steadily orange.
> The hitch is now ready for use.

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Retracting the hitch1. Open the tailgate. Press the button on therear, right-hand side of the cargo compart- ment and release. Pressing too long onthe button may prevent the hitch fromfolding in.
> The hitch will automatically fold downto the unlocked position and the indica- tor light in the button will flash orange. 2.
Secure the hitch into position by pushing it back to its retracted position under thebumper, where it will lock into place.
> The indicator light in the button will
now glow steadily if the hitch is cor- rectly locked in the retracted position.
CAUTION
Make sure that there is no adapter in the electrical socket or removable ball sectionmounted when the towbar is folded in. Remove the bicycle holder from the towbar when it is not being used.
Hitch-mounted bicycle holder
NOTE
The weight limits for trailers and towbar- mounted accessories differ. A separatelimit applies for each. This towbar is onlydesigned for towbar-mounted bicycle hold-ers. All other accessories are not suitable.
Before mounting the bicycle on the bicycle holder, keep in mind that:
The maximum weight for the bicycleholder including bicycles is 130 lbs/60 kg.For example: holder 40 lbs + bicycle 30lbs + bicycle 30 lbs = 100 lbs total > OK
Do not mount more than two bicycles
The center of gravity should not exceed thedimensions:
1. 613 mm (24 1/7 ")
2. 642 mm (25 2/7 ")

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* Option/accessory.463
NOTE
Volvo recommends only using Volvo origi- nal accessories. Follow the instructionssupplied with the product.
CAUTION
Never use towbar adapters or towbar extenders
Only use ball mount for towing. Do notmount accessories directly on the ballmount. Use accessories designed tobe mounted in the towbar's squarebracket. Do not use accessoriesdesigned to be secured around the ballmount.
Loading the bicycle holderThe greater the distance between the load and the bicycle holder, the greater the load on thehitch and on the vehicle. Keep the following points in mind: Mount the heaviest bicycle closest to the vehicle.
If possible, mount the bicycles symmetri-cally, as close as possible to the center ofthe vehicle.
Remove loose objects from the bicycle,such as baskets, batteries or child seats.This will help reduce the load on the hitchand the bicycle holder.
Do not place a cover over the bicycle asthis could lead to increased load on thehitch.
Related information

Detachable towbar
* (p. 463)
Driving with a trailer (p. 465)
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 allmodels. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Towbar assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket

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464
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from
the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the towbar assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the towbar assembly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the towbar assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the towbar assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
WARNING
Be sure the towbar is securely locked in position before attaching anything toit.
Always attach the trailer's safety wiresecurely to the towbar's safety wireattachment bracket.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking
bolt and slide the locking bolt out of theball holder/towbar assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the towbar assembly.
WARNING
Damage may occur on the towbar if it is not used correctly or if incorrect or faultyaccessories are used, such as:
Overloading of accessory.
Use of incorrect or faulty accessory.
Accessory used for an incorrect pur- pose.
Use of weight-distributing towing sys-tem.
Incorrectly positioned ball mount; seegeometric limits for the towbar.
Stowing the ball holder
WARNING
When not in use, the detachable ball holder should always be properly stowed in thedesignated location under the floor of thecargo compartment.
Driving with a trailerWhen towing a trailer, the original ball holder or equivalent should be used.
The ball mount must fall within the geometric limits for the towbar, for both distance
and
height
. Geometric limits are described on a
type plate located on the towbar.
Related information
Retractable hitch
* (p. 461)
Driving with a trailer (p. 465)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 667)

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Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, thetrailer and how the load is distributed in thetrailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehicle's curb weight. The total weight of allpassengers and any installed accessories, e.g.towbar, reduces the vehicle's load-carryingcapacity by the corresponding amount.
Towbars used on the vehicle must beapproved for the applicable use.
Distribute the load on the trailer so thatthe weight on the towbar complies withthe specified maximum towball weight.The tongue weight is calculated as part ofthe vehicle's payload.
Increase the tire pressure to the recom-mended pressure for a full load.
The engine is subjected to more load thanusual when towing a trailer.
Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-dling, durability and driving economy.
Do not drive with a heavy trailer when thevehicle is very new. Wait until the mileagehas reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
On long and steep downgrades, the vehi-cle's brakes are subjected to much moreload than usual. When manually shifting, downshift and adapt speed accordingly.
Follow applicable regulations regarding permitted speed and weight.
Drive slowly when towing a trailer up along and steep incline.
The maximum trailer weights given onlyapply to altitudes up to 1000 meters(3280 feet) above sea level. At higher alti-tudes, engine power (and thus the vehi-cle's climbing ability) is decreased due tothe reduced air density, and the maximumtrailer weight must therefore be reduced.The weight of the vehicle and trailer mustbe decreased by 10% for each additional1000 m (3280 feet) or part thereof.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 12%.
Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
The trailer's brakes must be balanced withthe vehicle's brakes to help ensure safestops (follow applicable local regulations).
NOTE
To facilitate towing a trailer in a vehicle equipped with pneumatic suspension
*,
select: the
Suspension ControlDynamic setting in Individual drive mode.
CAUTION
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may not be available in all markets or on allmodels. Consult your Volvo retailer.

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NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer, high altitude and lower fuel gradethan recommended are factors that cansignificantly increase the vehicle's fuel con-sumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Please adhere to the recommendations provided for trailer weight. If the recom-mendations are not followed, the vehicleand trailer may be difficult to control duringevasive maneuvers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicleregulations may set additional restrictionson trailer weight and speed. The trailerhitches may be certified for higher towingweights than the vehicle is permitted totow.
Self-leveling suspension *The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardlessof load (up to the maximum permitted weight).When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of the vehicle will be slightly lowered, which isnormal.
Driving in hilly terrain or hot weatherIn certain conditions, there is a risk of over-heating when driving with a trailer. If overheat-ing of the engine and drive system is detected,a warning symbol will illuminate in the instru-ment panel and a message will appear. The automatic transmission selects the opti- mal gear for the current load and enginespeed.
Steep inclines
Do not lock the automatic transmission into a higher gear than what the engine can handle
‒
it is not always preferable to drive in highgears at low rpm.
Parking on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Put the gear selector in P.
4. Release the brake pedal.Put chocks behind the wheels when the vehi- cle is parked on a hill with a trailer attached.
Starting on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Put the gear selector in D.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Release the brake pedal and start driving.
Related information
Trailer Stability Assist
* (p. 467)
Checking trailer lights (p. 468)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 667)
Overheating of engine and transmission(p. 458)
Retractable hitch
* (p. 461)