2007 VOLVO XC90 service

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.
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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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2007 Volvo XC90
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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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
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.
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Towing
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2007 Volvo XC90
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced 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 46).
l 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 maint\
enance service intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
pg. 144 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 blad\
es 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 level1.
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.
l 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 technici\
an.
pg. 145 Starting and driving
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) - option
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2007 Volvo XC90
BLIS system messages
System statusText in the display
BLIS not functioning properly BLIND-SPOT SYST SERVICE REQUIRED
Right camera obscured BLIND-SPOT SYST R CAMERA BLOCKED
Left camera obscured BLIND-SPOT SYST L CAMERA BLOCKED
Both cameras obscured BLIND-SPOT SYST CAMERAS BLOCKED
BLIS system off BLIND-SPOT INFO SYSTEM OFF
BLIS system on BLIND-SPOT INFO SYSTEM ON
BLIS function reduced BLIND-SPOT SYST FUNCTION REDUCED
The messages listed above can only be displayed if the ignition key is i\
n position II (or if the engine is running) and if
BLIS is active (i.e. if the system has not been turned off by pressing \
the BLIS button).
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Contents | Top of Page
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2007 Volvo XC90
General information
WARNING!
l The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent \
stability and handling
requirements. Unapproved wheel/tire size combinations can negatively aff\
ect your vehicle's stability
and handling. Approved tire sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressu\
re tables on
page 154.
l Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinat\
ions will not be covered
by your new vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death,\
injury, or expenses that
may result from such installations.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing \
week and year will be
indicated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was \
manufactured during week 15 of
2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recomm\
ended that tires generally be
replaced after 6 years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, f\
requent high loading conditions
or Ultra Violet (U.V) exposure can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires \
due to the aging of the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see th\
e illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced imm\
ediately.
Improving tire economy:
l Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure table on page 154.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
l Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
l Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their life\
time.
When replacing tires, the tires with the most tread should be mounted on\
the rear wheels to reduce the
chance of oversteer during hard braking.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently\
.
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