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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (13 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
2007 Volvo XC90
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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (16 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
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.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (17 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
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
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (20 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
2007 Volvo XC90
WARNING!
l Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when\
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is \
3 - 4 times above normal and greater steering
effort must be exerted.
l The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a\
ditch or for any similar purpose involving
severe strain.
l Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow\
truck.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.
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 pos\
sible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels o\
n the ground, please refer to the towing information
on the previous page.
CAUTION!
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air c\
onditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or a\
pply 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 mu\
st not be used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING!
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow\
truck.
pg. 136 Starting and driving
Jump starting
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (21 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
2007 Volvo XC90
Towing a trailer
The maximum weights recommended by Volvo for trailers with brakes are shown in the table below.
NOTE:
l Recommended hitch tongue load: not more than 10% of the trailer's weight\
. The trailer load should be positioned
so that it does not shift and the tongue load should be 10% of the trail\
er's weight. However, the tongue load should not
exceed the maximum permissible weights indicated in the table above.
l When towing trailers without brakes, the maximum permissible trailer weight is 1,700 lbs (750 kg).\
l If necessary, redistribute the weight of any cargo in the trailer to avo\
id excessive weight on the trailer hitch.
l The maximum trailer weight listed in the table for All Wheel Drive model\
s, 5,000 lbs (2250 kg) is only applicable when
there are not more than two occupants in the vehicle, in the front seats\
, with a combined weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
l The maximum weight listed for Front Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800\
kg) is only applicable when there are not
more than four occupants in the vehicle, in the front seats and second r\
ow of seats, with a combined weight of 600 lbs (270
kg), with no other cargo in the vehicle.
pg. 138 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
l Please be aware that the load on the trailer hitch is part of the vehicl\
e's total load carrying capacity. The amount of cargo
in the vehicle and the trailer must be limited so that the gross vehicle\
weight and maximum permissible rear axle weight
(see
page 209) are not exceeded.
l Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a regular basis, or for long-dista\
nce highway towing should be equipped with an
automatic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's automatic self-leveling sy\
stem for the rear suspension. Consult your Volvo
retailer.
l Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially des\
igned for the vehicle.
l All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full inflation pressure. See chapt\
er "Wheels and tires."
l When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 6\
20 miles (1,000 km).
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should be closely
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (23 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
2007 Volvo XC90
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.
l If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be disp\
layed in the text window.
l Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
l It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes\
to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/
local regulations).
l Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brak\
e system.
l Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
l Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer o\
ver long distances or in mountainous areas.
NOTE:
l When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking bra\
ke before putting the gear selector in (P)ark.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D)rive before relea\
sing the parking brake. Always follow the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
l If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trai\
ler, make sure the gear you select does not put too
much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
WARNING!
l Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should s\
afety chains be attached to the bumper.
l Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
l 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.
l When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly faste\
ned to the hole or hook provided in the trailer
hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wou\
nd around the drawbar ball.
pg. 139 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
Smoother starts with a trailer
Models equipped with the V8-engine and the 6-speed automatic transmissio\
n have a built-in function that reduces
acceleration slightly in first gear when the vehicle is towing a trailer\
. This is done to help avoid wheel spin and to make
starting off smoother.
l This function is activated when the trailer's electrical connector is pl\
ugged into the electrical socket mounted near the
trailer hitch.
l The function is automatically deactivated when the trailer's wiring is d\
isconnected from the socket. The vehicle will
then accelerate normally.
NOTE: Since this function is activated when a connector is plugged into the e\
lectrical socket near the trailer hitch, it will
be activated by any electrical equipment (e.g. bicycle racks with light\
ing, etc) that is plugged in, and will remain active
until the equipment is unplugged from the socket.
Leveling
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic leveling, the rear suspension\
always retains the correct ride height regardless of
the load.
l The system adjusts the rear suspension to the correct level after the ve\
hicle has been driven a short distance.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (24 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
2007 Volvo XC90
Load carrier cover
The vehicle's ignition key or the stud on the edge of the supplied torqu\
e wrench can be used to undo or tighten the cover.
Turn a quarter turn (90 degrees). See illustration.
pg. 143 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, t\
he following advice is worth noting:
l Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any ot\
her mixture will reduce freeze protection. This
gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See sec\
tion "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not
approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
l Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's r\
adiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of
Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
l 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.
l The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weat\
her starting as well
as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winte\
r use, 5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type
1,
is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weat\
her oil for hard driving or in warm weather. See
section "Engine oil" for more information.
l 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 temperatur\
e drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check th\
e state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
l Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."\
l To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 188 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt i\
s often splashed on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Was\
her 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
l Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (27 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM