
2007 Volvo XC90
B. Closed
C. Horizontal air flow
D. Vertical air flow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side windows to defrost.
Air vents in the door pillars
A. Open
B. Closed
C. Horizontal air flow
D. Vertical air flow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side windows to defrost.
pg. 79 Climate control
Electronic climate control (ECC)
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_03.htm (4 of 8)12/30/2006 \
5:53:38 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
Keys
Two types of keys are provided with your vehicle; master keys and a serv\
ice (valet) key.
l The master key, the remote control, and the central locking button may all be used to \
lock and unlock
all of your vehicle's locks.
l The service key will operate only the driver's door and the ignition switch. It is inte\
nded to help deter
unwanted entry into the glove compartment.
l Turn the key once to unlock the driver's door only.
l Turn the key again (within 10 seconds) to unlock all doors and the tai\
lgate.
l One turn with the key towards lock in the drivers door locks all doors a\
nd the tailgate.
l Use the switch on the driver's door armrest to lock/unlock the vehicle f\
rom the inside.
WARNING!
If the doors are locked while driving, this may hinder rapid access to t\
he occupants of the vehicle in
the event of an accident. (Also see information on "Child safety locks"\
NOTE: To help prevent accidentally locking the keys in the vehicle, the centr\
al locking system is
designed to unlock the doors immediately if the key is left in the ignit\
ion switch, the vehicle is locked
using the lock button on the door and the door is then closed. A sound f\
rom the lock will be audible at
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_05.htm (2 of 7)12/30/2006 \
5:53:41 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
2 0 0 7
VOLVO XC90
Starting and driving
pg. 113 Starting and driving
General information
114
Fuel requirements
115
Refueling
117
Starting the vehicle
119
Economical driving
121
Difficult driving conditions
123
Automatic transmission with Geartronic
124
All Wheel Drive (option)
126
Brake system
127
Stability system
130
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)
132
Towing
134
Jump starting
136
Towing a trailer
137
Detachable trailer hitch
140
Load carriers (accessory)
141
Cold weather precautions
143
Before a long distance trip
144
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) -
option
145
pg. 114 Starting and driving
General information
Engine oil
Although some oil consumption occurs during normal engine operation, mor\
e oil is consumed when the engine is new as
the internal parts generate higher friction while wearing-in to each oth\
er. From the time the engine is new until the first
maintenance is performed, the oil consumption could be higher than norma\
l. For this reason, it is especially important to
check the oil every time you refuel your vehicle during this period. See\
page 187.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (1 of 32)12/30/2006\
5:53:44 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel\
economy performance using premium 91 octane
fuel. Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane\
or above will not affect engine reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot we\
ather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch t\
o higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smo\
othest possible operation.
NOTE: When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it ma\
y be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not \
use lead additives. Besides damaging the exhaust
emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked \
to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been stron\
gly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions.\
These may include:
l standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
l refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully se\
al the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
l wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not a\
dd solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overu\
se may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expo\
se yourself to these chemicals.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (3 of 32)12/30/2006\
5:53:44 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
0 - Locked position:
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1.
WARNING!
Never turn the key to position O while driving or when the vehicle is be\
ing
towed.
I - Intermediate position2 - "radio position": Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
II - Drive position: The key position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system i\
s connected.
III - Start position: Release the key when the engine starts. The key returns automatically t\
o the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's d\
oor is opened.
Autostart
This function makes it possible to start the vehicle without holding the\
key in the start position (position III) until the
engine starts. Turn the key to position III and release it. The starter \
motor will then operate automatically (for up to ten
seconds) until the engine starts.
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock might be under tension when the vehicle is parke\
d.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to free the ignition key.
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock\
is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (8 of 32)12/30/2006\
5:53:44 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
Difficult driving conditions
Driving on rough/unpaved surfaces
The Volvo XC90 is designed primarily for on-road driving, and it has exc\
ellent handling characteristics on very rough or
unpaved roads.
When driving on poorly maintained or unpaved roads, please keep the foll\
owing in mind:
l Reduce speed on rough surfaces to minimize possible damage to the vehicl\
e's underbody.
l When driving on soft surfaces such as dry sand or snow, try to avoid sto\
pping if at all possible.
WARNING!
Avoid driving diagonally across steep inclines as this could increase th\
e risk of a roll-over. Try to drive straight up or
down the slope.
If the road is very steep, avoid turning the vehicle around to help avoi\
d the risk of rolling over. Back the vehicle up or
down the incline instead.
NOTE: Avoid driving on steep inclines if the fuel tank is nearly empty. If th\
e flow of fuel to the engine is interrupted due
to the vehicle's angle of inclination, this could result in damage to th\
e three-way catalytic converter. We recommend
keeping the fuel tank at least half full when driving on steep inclines.\
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 1\
8 inches (48 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud\
or water.
When driving through water, maintain low speed and do not stop in the wa\
ter.
WARNING!
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure \
that the brakes are functioning normally. Water
or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking\
effect.
CAUTION!
l Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
l If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 18 in (48 cm), wate\
r may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorte\
n the service life of these components.
l Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer t\
han absolutely necessary. This could result in
electrical malfunctions.
l If the engine has been stopped while the car is in water, do not attempt\
to restart the engine. Have the car towed out
of the water.
pg. 124 Starting and driving
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (10 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM

2007 Volvo XC90
Automatic transmission - shift gate positions
Depress the button on the front of the gear selector knob to move betwee\
n the R, N, D, and P positions.
Kickdown
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kickdown) is achieved by depressing t\
he accelerator pedal fully and briskly. An upshift
will occur when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by re\
leasing the accelerator pedal slightly.
Kickdown can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway\
speeds.
pg. 125 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission with Geartronic
NOTE: The gear selector must be in the D (Drive) position for kickdown to f\
unction.
Manual shifting - Geartronic
You can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN)ual and (D)rive positions while driving.
l Geartronic has 6 forward speeds.
l A "lock-up" feature1 reduces engine speed and help saves fuel. The currently selected gear w\
ill be displayed in the
instrument panel (see
page 46).
l To access the (MAN)ual shifting position from (D)rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN.
l To return to the (D)rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right.
While driving
If you select the (MAN)ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D)rive position will also initially be
selected in (MAN)ual position.
l Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear \
or rearward (toward "-") to shift to a lower gear.
l If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshif\
t one gear and will utilize the braking power of
the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the\
downshift will not occur until the speed has
decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
l If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automaticall\
y shift down.
l When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (12 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM

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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (14 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM