
2003 VOLVO XC90
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could\
indicate a fault in the brake
system.
l Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
l Restart the engine.
l If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
l If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switch \
off the engine again and check the
brake fluid level (see
page 128 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
l If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an au\
thorized Volvo retailer and
have the brake system inspected.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake\
failure - Service urgent"
message is displayed in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle \
towed to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspected.
pg. 97 Starting and driving
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The DSTC system on the Volvo XC90 consists of a number of functions:
1. Traction control (TC)
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring powe\
r from a drive wheel that begins
to lose traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on t\
he same axle). TC monitors and
compares the rotational speed of the drive wheels. If one of the drive w\
heels shows a tendency to spin,
the difference in speed is immediately detected. This triggers the Anti-\
lock Brake System, which brakes
the spinning wheel until the difference in rotational speed is corrected\
.
TC is most active at low speeds, and a pulsating sound will be audible w\
hen the system is regulating
wheel spin. This is quite normal.
This is one of the DSTC system's permanent functions and is not affected\
when the DSTC button on the
center control panel is pressed.
2. Spin control (SC)
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels f\
rom spinning while the vehicle is
accelerating. This is done by temporarily reducing engine torque to the \
drive wheels, which helps
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2003 VOLVO XC90
improve tractive force. Under certain circumstances, such as when drivin\
g with snow chains, or driving
in deep snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to temporarily switch of\
f this function for maximum
tractive force. This is done by pressing the DSTC button on the center c\
ontrol panel for at least a half a
second.
When the SC function has been switched off:
l The text window will briefly display "DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF"
l The LED in the DSTC button will be off.
3. Active Yaw Control (AYC)
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cor\
nering, by braking one or more
of the wheels if the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally\
. This is done by activating the
Anti-lock Braking System. A pulsating sound will be audible when the fun\
ction is active, which is quite
normal. If you apply the brakes while this function is active, the brake\
pedal will feel stiffer than usual.
This is also one of the DSTC system's permanent functions and is not aff\
ected when the DSTC button on
the center control panel is pressed.
4. Roll Stability Control (RSC)
RSC utilizes a gyro-sensor to monitor the vehicle's angle of inclination\
, and the rate at which this angle
changes. If necessary, RSC activates the Anti-lock Brake System to brake\
one or more of the wheels to
help maintain stability. A pulsating sound will be audible when the func\
tion is active, which is quite
normal. If you apply the brakes while this function is active, the brake\
pedal will feel stiffer than usual.
This is one of the DSTC system's permanent functions and is not affected\
when the DSTC button on the
center control panel is pressed.
pg. 98 Starting and driving
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) (contd)
The DSTC button
The DSTC button in the center control panel is used to switch the Spin C\
ontrol (SC) function on or off.
The button must be pressed for at least a half second to prevent SC from\
being switched off
inadvertently.
When the system has been switched off, the green indicator lamp in the b\
utton will go out and "DSTC
SPIN CONTROL OFF" will be displayed in the text window.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and retur\
ned to the tool bag. Press the
cover back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
l The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I\
or II.
l The gear selector must be in position N.
l Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable t\
owing speed.
l Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
l While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all t\
imes.
l The vehicle should only be towed in forward direction.
CAUTION
- Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this t\
ype of towing, as vehicles being
towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length \
and type of towing device,
lighting, etc.
- If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle \
by pushing or pulling it as this will
damage the three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump s\
tarted using an auxiliary
battery (see
page 102).
- If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets \
must not be used to secure the
vehicle on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
- Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function wh\
en engine is not running.
The braking and steering systems will function but the brake pedal press\
ure required is 3 - 4 times
above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted.
- The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a d\
itch or for any similar purpose
involving severe strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehic\
le up onto a flat bed tow truck.
pg. 101 Starting and driving
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2003 VOLVO XC90
A-ball holder, B-locking bolt, C-cotter pin, D-hitch assembly
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide t\
he locking bolt out of the hitch
assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
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 holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bol\
t out of the ball holder/hitch
assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE: A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer\
.
pg. 106 Starting and driving
Load carriers
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2003 VOLVO XC90
page 128 for the location of the washer fluid reservoir).
This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during \
winter driving, requiring the
frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be d\
iluted as follows:
Down to 14° F (-10° C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water \
Down to 5° F (-15° C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
Down to 0° F (-18° C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
Down to -18° F (-28° C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water \
l Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W Winter/Wet driving modeÐenhanced vehicle traction
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
l Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage th\
is driving mode.
l An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and thi\
s will also be displayed in the
instrument panel (see
page 24).
l This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
* Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal mainte\
nance intervals except at owner
request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
pg. 108 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked at a Volvo retailer\
before driving long distances.
Your retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark p\
lugs and wiper blades for your use
in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip\
:
l Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
l Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
l Check transmission oil level*.
l Check condition of drive belts.
l Check state of the battery's charge.
l Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those th\
at are worn. Check tire pressures.
l The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked b\
y your Volvo retailer only.
l Check all lights, including high beams.
l Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinc\
es.
l Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries\
where it may be difficult to
obtain the correct fuel.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of warm wat\
er. After washing with a detergent the
vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water.
Bumpers: Wash the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the v\
ehicle. Never clean
the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner. Difficult spots can be remov\
ed with denatured alcohol. To
avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
NOTE: When washing the vehicle, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes i\
n the doors and sills. CAUTION
- During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be close\
r to the vehicle than
13" (30 cm). Do not spray into the locks.
- When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or ste\
am directly on the electrical
components or toward the rear side of the engine.
Special moonroof cautions:
- Always close the moonroof and visor before washing your vehicle.
- Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
- Never use wax on the rubber seals around the moonroof.
WARNING!
When the vehicle is driven immediately after being washed, apply the bra\
kes several times in order to
remove any moisture from the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This \
constitutes a fire risk.
pg. 111 Vehicle care
Automatic washing - simple and quick
l We do NOT recommend washing your vehicle in an automatic wash during the\
first six months
(because the paint will not have hardened sufficiently).
l An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your vehicle, but i\
t is worth remembering that
it may not be as thorough as when you yourself go over the vehicle with \
sponge and water. Keeping the
underbody clean is most important, especially in the winter. Some automa\
tic washers do not have
facilities for washing the underbody.
l Before driving into an automatic car wash, make sure that side view mirr\
ors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are
secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or removed. Otherwise th\
ere is risk of the machine
dislodging them.
Polishing and Waxing
l Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery\
, however, waxing may be
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2003 VOLVO XC90
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or wi\
th a spare tire other than the
one that came with the vehicle. The use of different size wheels can ser\
iously damage your vehicle's
transmission.
pg. 115 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
l Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo app\
roved snow chains.
l If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and\
are of a size different than the
original tires and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficie\
nt clearances between chains
and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained.
l Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and there\
fore CANNOT be used.
l All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be installed on the front wheels. Only chains
adapted for AWD models should be used.
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION
- Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before instal\
ling.
- Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions caref\
ully. Install chains as tightly as
possible and retighten periodically.
- Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (\
Under no circumstances
should you exceed 31 mph 50 km/h)
- Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
- The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving wit\
h chains. Avoid fast or sharp
turns as well as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires*
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained per\
iods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help ret\
ain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retai\
n traction during cornering, braking,
and accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe le\
vel or adversely affect handling.
Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affec\
t overall tire road grip.
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2003 VOLVO XC90
Lowering the spare wheel
Changing wheels - lowering the spare wheel
The spare wheel is located under the floor of the rear cargo compartment\
. It can be lowered using the
crank that is stored in the tool bag.
WARNING!
When raising or lowering the spare wheel, please keep in mind that compo\
nents in the exhaust system
may be very hot.
Lowering the spare wheel:
1. Fold down the lower section of the tailgate.
2. Fold up the rear section of the floor in the cargo compartment.
3. Take the two sections of the crank from the tool bag and connect them\
to each other.
4. Insert the hooked end of the crank in the spare wheel retaining attac\
hment (see the illustration above).
5. Lower the spare wheel under the vehicle by turning the crank counterc\
lockwise until it is not possible
to turn it further.
6. Pivot the toggle at the end of the cable 90 degrees to release it fro\
m the spare wheel.
7. Crank up the cable again by turning the crank clockwise.
8. Place the wheel with the flat tire in the vehicle's cargo compartment\
. There is a plastic storage bag for
this purpose in the tool bag. CAUTION
When the spare wheel is mounted on the vehicle, the retaining cable coul\
d damage the underside of
the vehicle if it is not retracted.
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