2007 VOLVO XC90 Owners Manual

2007 Volvo XC90
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage th\
is driving mode (see illustration).
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
l When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument \
panel (see page 46).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
1. Six-speed transmission: gears 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
pg. 126 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive (option), wh\
ich means that power is distributed
automatically between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving co\
nditions, most of the engine's power is directed
to the front wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front whe\
els to spin, an electronically controlled coupling
distributes power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size,\
construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction- , temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on m\
ixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and \
inflation pressures are shown on the tire inflation
pressure placards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structura\
l member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the
driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Can\
adian models.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use\
only. Replace it with a full-sized tire as soon as
possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 m.p.h. \
(80km/h) or for distances greater than 50 miles
(80 km).
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 127 Starting and driving
Brake system
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2007 Volvo XC90
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two master cylinder\
s and two separate brake circuits. If a problem
should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the \
vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires gr\
eater foot pressure, the stopping distance will be
longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver\
that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and ch\
eck the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not \
pump the brakes.
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 retaile\
r and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a\
traffic light and the brake pedal is depressed,
the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal function of the power-a\
ssisted brake system.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the \
engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll to a
stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed app\
roximately four times harder than usual to make
up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when to\
wing your vehicle or if the engine is 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 c\
ause water to collect on the brake discs and pads.
This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. T\
o avoid such a delay when the brakes are needed,
depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc. Thi\
s will remove the water from the brakes. Check
that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after wash\
ing 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 l\
ess efficient than when driving on level roads. To
reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the eng\
ine help with the braking. Do not forget that, if you
are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than nor\
mal load.
pg. 128 Starting and driving
Brake system
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there is a malfunction of the ABS system (\
the standard braking system will however
function) and the vehicle should be driven cautiously to a Volvo retail\
er for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) durin\
g severe braking conditions by limiting brake lockup.
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When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatic\
ally modulated in order to help prevent lockup,
which could lead to a skid.

The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started an\
d when the vehicle first reaches a speed of
approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible f\
rom the ABS
control module. This is normal.

To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system, constant pressure should b\
e kept on the brake pedal. Do not pump the
brake pedal.

The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal w\
ill pulsate during braking. Please be aware that
ABS does not increase the absolute braking potential of the vehicle. Whi\
le control will be enhanced, ABS will not shorten
stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic\
pressure to the rear brakes to help provide
optimal braking capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate during braking, w\
hich is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could\
indicate a fault in the brake system.
- Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
- Restart the engine.
- If both warning lights go off, no further action is required.
- If both lights are still on after the engine has been restarted, switc\
h off the engine again and check the brake fluid level
(see
page 185 for the location of the brake fluid reservoir).
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 retaile\
r and have the brake system inspected.
- If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an \
authorized Volvo retailer and have the brake system
inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in\
the event of sudden, hard braking. The system is
activated by the speed with which you depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
l When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and press\
ure in the brake system immediately
increases to the maximum level. You must maintain full pressure on the b\
rake pedal in order
pg. 129 Starting and driving
Brake system
to utilize the system completely. There will be no braking effect if the\
pedal is released. EBA is automatically deactivated
when the brake pedal is released.
l When the vehicle has been parked for some time, the brake pedal may sink\
more than usual when the engine is started.
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This is normal and the pedal will return to its usual position when it i\
s released.
pg. 130 Starting and driving
Stability system
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of functions designed help red\
uce wheel spin, counteract skidding, and to
generally help improve directional stability.
NOTE: A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating\
and is normal.
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 the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
Spin control (SC)
The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels f\
rom spinning while the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or d\
riving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be
advisable to temporarily switch off this function for maximum tractive f\
orce.
Temporarily switching off Spin control
- Turn the thumbwheel (1) on the left-side steering wheel lever until \
the DSTC menu is displayed.
- Hold down the RESET button (2) to toggle between DSTC SPIN CONTROL O\
N or OFF.
NOTE:
l The message DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF indicates that the stability system's \
spin control function has temporarily
been switched off.
l The stability control indicator light will illuminate and remain on until spin control has been reactivated.
l The spin control function is automatically enabled each time the engine \
is started.
l DSTC ON indicates that all system functions are active.
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 one of DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off
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2007 Volvo XC90
WARNING!
The car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered if the \
DSTC system functions have been
disabled.
DSTC-related messages in the text window
l "TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF" - The system has been temporarily swi\
tched off due to high brake
temperature and will automatically switch on again when the brakes have \
cooled.
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" - the system has been automatically disenga\
ged due to a fault. An authorized Volvo
retailer should check the system.
pg. 131 Starting and driving
Stability system
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different conditions, depending on how it illuminat\
es.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 se\
conds
This indicates that the system is performing a self-diagnostic test when\
the ignition is switched on.
The Stability Control indicator light flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help\
counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
"ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" will be displayed in the text window at the\
same time.
A fault is indicated in the stability system.
- Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
- Restart the engine.
- If the indicator light goes out, the fault was temporary and no furthe\
r action is required.
- If the indicator light remains on, drive to an authorized Volvo worksh\
op as soon as possible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
If "DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF" is displayed in the text window at the same t\
ime, this is a reminder that spin control has
been disabled by the driver.
The warning symbol
The warning symbol glows steadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperatu\
re. "TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF" will be displayed. The system will automatically switch on again wh\
en the brakes have cooled.
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2007 Volvo XC90
WARNING!
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supp\
lements, but can never replace, the driver's
judgement and responsibility when operating the vehicle. Speed and drivi\
ng style should always be adapted to traffic
and road conditions.
pg. 132 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (accessory/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 o\
ther 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 vehi\
cle exceeds a speed of approximately 10 mph
(15 km/h). It is also active when the vehicle is backing up. Front par\
k 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 sel\
ected.
NOTE:
l 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.
l The indicator light in the button (see the illustration on page 52) will light up to indicate that park assist system(s) are
activated.
When park assist is actively working:
l The audio system's volume will be reduced.
l An intermittent signal will be audible from the speakers to indicate tha\
t 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)
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2007 Volvo XC90
l 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 speak\
ers.
Deactivating the system(s)
- Press the Park assist button on the center console (see
page 52) to temporarily deactivate the system(s).
- The indicator light in the button will go out when the system(s) hav\
e been deactivated.
- If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both syste\
ms will be deactivated by pressing the button.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the next time the engine i\
s started.
NOTE: It may be necessary to deactivate one or both of the park assist system\
s in certain cases.
l Rear park assist: towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, co\
uld trigger the rear park assist
system's sensors.
l 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. 133 Starting and driving
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)
Faults in the system
If the yellow warning symbol illuminates and a message is shown in the i\
nformation display, the system is not
functioning properly. Consult a Volvo retailer or authorized service tec\
hnician.
Cleaning the sensors
For the system to function properly, the sensors in the front and/or rea\
r 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 ve\
hicle. They are not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judgement.
CAUTION!
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected war\
ning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. Th\
is may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhau\
st pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
pg. 134 Starting and driving
Towing
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2007 Volvo XC90
Emergency towing
The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the car\
go area. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper\
(see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:
A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover (A).
B. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B), first by hand and then \
using the tire iron until it is securely 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 started using an a\
uxiliary battery (see
page 136).
- 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.
pg. 135 Starting and driving
Towing
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