Page 113 of 200

your vehicle. Although your vehicle's battery is located under the floor of the trunk, jumper cables should be
connected in the engine compartment, to the points shown in the illustrations.
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 engine
compartment (2), located under a small black plastic cover attached to the fuse box cover, marked with a "+" sign.
Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessary to access this terminal. Then connect the auxiliary battery's
negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your vehicle's engine compartment (4).
- Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle with dead battery.
- 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.
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
Do not smoke near the battery.
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.
Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to personal injury.
pg. 131 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is: Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg) Trailers with brakes:
2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg), 1 7/8" (47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg). Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
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 section "Wheels and tires."
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
Recommended hitch tongue load is: Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg) Trailer weights
above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
ProCarManuals.com
Page 114 of 200

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 text window.
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.
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 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 your nearest authorized Volvo retailer 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
(first/ reverse gear on manual transmissions).
pg. 132 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
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, 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.
Leveling
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic leveling, the rear suspension always retains the correct ride height
regardless of the load. When the vehicle is stationary, the rear suspension lowers, which is normal.
pg. 133 Starting and driving
ProCarManuals.com
Page 115 of 200
Detachable trailer hitch
A. Ball holder
B. Locking bolt
C. Safety wire attachment
D. Hitch assembly
E. Cotter pin
Installing the ball holder
- If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
- Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
- Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
- Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
- Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder
- Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
- Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
pg. 134 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
Load carriers
Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
ProCarManuals.com
Page 116 of 200

To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220
lbs (100 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
Attaching load carriers
The attachment brackets for the load carriers are located under the roof molding.
- Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
- Press the guide lugs into the holes (1).
- Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
- Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under
the roof molding.
- Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
pg. 135 Starting and driving
Load carriers (accessory)
- Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
- Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets
on the roof of the vehicle.
- Press down the covers.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
pg. 136 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
ProCarManuals.com
Page 117 of 200

If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled"
antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 176 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 diluted 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
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 mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the ( D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode.
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 44
).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
1. Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
pg. 137 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 plugs 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:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 118 of 200

Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by your Volvo retailer only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the
correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
1. To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
pg. 138 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)
A. Front (accessory as available) B. Rear (option)
Front/rear park assist
The park assist system(s) are designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces, garages, etc. They utilize
ultrasound sensors located in the bumpers to measure the distance to a vehicle or other object, or a person who may be
close to the front or rear of the vehicle.
When is park assist active?
Front: the system is active from the time the engine is started until the vehicle exceeds a speed of approximately 10
mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the vehicle is backing up. Front park assist reactivates automatically when the
vehicle's speed goes under 10 mph (15 km/h).
Rear: the system is active when the engine is running and reverse gear is selected.
NOTE:
"PARK ASSIST ACTIVE" will be displayed.
If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will either be activated or deactivated
together. They cannot be used separately.
The indicator light in the button (see the illustration on page 51) will light up to indicate that park assist system(s)
are activated.
When park assist is actively working:
The audio system's volume will be reduced.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 119 of 200

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. If objects are close to both the front
and rear bumpers, the signal will alternate between the front and rear speakers.
Deactivating the system(s)
- Press the Park assist button on the center console (see page 51
) to temporarily deactivate the system(s).
- The indicator light in the button will go out when the system(s) have been deactivated.
- If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the next time the engine is started.
NOTE: It may be necessary to deactivate one or both of the park assist systems in certain cases.
Rear park assist : towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, could trigger the rear park assist
system's sensors.
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.
pg. 139 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)
Faults in the system
If the yellow warning symbol illuminates and a message is shown in the information display, the system is not
functioning properly. Consult a Volvo retailer or authorized service technician.
Cleaning the sensors
For the system to function properly, the sensors in the front and/or rear bumpers should be kept clean. They can be
cleaned with car washing detergent and a sponge.
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.
pg. 140 Starting and driving
This page left intentionally blank.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 120 of 200
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com