switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and
pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are
needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush, etc. This will remove the water from the
brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or
cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or when towing a trailer. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on level roads.
To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that if
you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe braking
conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically
modulated in order to help prevent lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self -diagnostic test when the engine is started and when the vehicle first reaches a speed
of approximately 12 m.p.h. (20 km/h).
The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module. This is normal.
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Brake system
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity.
NOTE: To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system:
Keep constant pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during braking. Please be aware
that ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS will not
shorten stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (the standard braking system will still function)
and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection.
WARNING!
If the BRAKE and ABS warning symbols light at the same time, there may be a problem in the brake system. If the
brake fluid level is normal in these circumstances, drive carefully to the nearest Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance - EBA
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is activated
by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake system immediately
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increases to the maximum level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order to utilize the system completely.
EBA is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
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Stability system
The car is equipped with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). This system consist of the following
functions:
Traction control - TC
This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose
traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle). TC monitors and compares the rotational
speed of the drive wheels. If one of the drive wheels shows a tendency to spin, the difference in speed is immediately
detected.
TC is most active at low speeds, and a pulsating sound will be audible when the system is regulating wheel spin. This
is quite normal.
This function cannot be disabled.
Spin control - SC
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
This is done by temporarily reducing engine torque to the drive wheels, which helps improve tractive force.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily disable this function for maximum tractive force.
Disabling the spin control function:
This is done in the menu system, and will be indicated by a text messages in the information display.
Turn control (A) on the left steering wheel lever until the DSTC menu is displayed.
Press and hold down the reset button (B) until DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF or DSTC ON is displayed.
The anti-spin function will be automatically reactivated when the engine is started.
WARNING!
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered with the spin control function disabled.
Active yaw control - AYC
This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if
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the vehicle shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally. A pulsating sound will be audible when the function 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 function cannot be disabled.
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Stability system
DSTC-related symbols in the instrument panel
The symbol in the instrument panel lights up and goes out again after approx. 2 seconds
The symbol lights up for a system check when the car is started.
Flashing symbol
Spin Control is actively functioning to help avoid loss of traction during acceleration.
Traction Control is actively functioning to help avoid drive-wheel spin.
Active Yaw Control is actively functioning to help avoid skids or lateral slides.
The information symbol lights up and remains on
STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF is shown in the information display.
The Spin Control function has been disabled with the STC/DSTC button.
The information symbol lights up and remains on
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF is shown in the information display with the symbol.
The Traction Control function has been temporarily reduced due to high brake temperature. The function is reactivated
automatically when the brake temperature returns to normal levels.
The information symbol lights up and remains on
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED
is shown in the information display with the symbol.
The STC or DSTC system has been switched off because of faults.
Stop the car in a safe place and switch off the engine.
Restart the engine.
If the warning symbol remains lit, drive to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician to have the system
checked.
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Park assist (accessory)
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General description
The rear park assist system is designed to assist you when backing into parking spaces, garages, etc. It utilizes
ultrasound sensors located in the rear bumper to gauge distance, and provides an audible signal when the vehicle is
being backed close to another vehicle, object, or a person.
When is park assist active?
Front: the system is active from the time the engine is started until the car exceeds a speed of approximately 10 mph
(15 km/h).
Rear : the system is activated when reverse gear is selected. The indicator light in the button will light up.
When the system is actively working:
The audio system's volume will be reduced.
An intermittent signal will be audible from the speakers to indicate that you are approaching a person, object,
parked vehicle, etc. The signals begin when the distance between the bumper and the object is:
Rear : approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Front : approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 meters)
At a distance of approximately 1 foot (30 cm), the signal will become constant.
Deactivating park assist, front/rear
Press the Exit button on the center control panel (see the illustration on page 51). PARK ASSIST DEACTIVATED,
ENTER TO ACTIVATE will be displayed.
Press Enter to reactivate the system.
NOTE:
Rear park assist : towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, could trigger the rear park assist
system's sensors.
NOTE: Rear park assist is deactivated automatically when towing a trailer if Volvo original connector wiring is used.
Front park assist : it may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights. and front park assist since these lights
could trigger the system's sensors.
WARNING!
These systems are designed to be a supplementary aid when parking the vehicle. They are not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judgement.
CAUTION!
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. This may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
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Screw the towing eyelet in place first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place (3).
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be unscrewed and returned to its storage place. Press the plastic
cover in bumper back into position.
WARNING!
Volvo does not recommend towing a disabled vehicle behind another vehicle. Significant difficulty in steering and
braking, combined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and road conditions may make it impossible to maintain
vehicle control.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
Apply the parking brake.
Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be unlocked. With the engine
off and the vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
WARNING!
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering wheel will make the vehicle impossible to steer.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, follow instruction on page 110,
"Shiftlock override" to allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position.
Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal while releasing the parking brake.
When towing has been completed, return the gear selector to Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual) and apply the
parking brake.
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Towing
The following points should also be observed:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never exceed local towing speed limits and heed all local towing restrictions.
Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
The disabled vehicle should be towed in the forward direction only.
WARNING!
Never allow a vehicle to be towed without a driver behind the wheel of the disabled vehicle.
Never remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle is moving. The steering wheel could lock, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is not running, steering resistance and the effort needed to apply the brakes will be great.
Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a dead battery at night.
CAUTION!
Check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, marker flags, etc.
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Never attempt to push- or tow-start a vehicle with a dead battery. This would inject unburned fuel into the three-
way catalytic converter(s), causing overheating, backfiring, and damage. See page 119 for instructions on jump
starting the vehicle.
Having the car towed
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive. If wheel lift equipment
must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the previous page.
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use slingtype equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may result.
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!
The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain.
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
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Jump starting
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another vehicle's dead battery using
your vehicle. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touching to
prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.
To jump start your vehicle:
Switch off the ignition.
First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your vehicle's battery (2),
marked with a "+" sign.
Connect the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your vehicle's engine compartment
near the driver's side spring strut (4).
Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
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After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+)
terminal jumper cable.
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 handling.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts. Avoid touching hot
manifolds.
Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
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 personal injury.
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Towing a trailer
General information
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
Maximum trailer weights recommended by Volvo are:
Trailers without brakes : 1,540 lbs (700 kg).
Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg) Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles
are registered.
The maximum recommended hitch tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the information display.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
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Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING!
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle's rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for correct
installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer
hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
NOTE:
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in (P)ark,
or in reverse on models with a manual trans -
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Towing a trailer
mission. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D)rive before releasing the parking brake.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, or if the vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines exceeding 15%.
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Detachable trailer hitch
Installing the ball holder
If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
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