2008 VOLVO S80 towing

Visual indicator
The audio system's display gives an overview of the vehicle's position in relation to a detected object.
The markers in the display indicate that one or more of the four sensors has detected an object. The greater the number
of markers, the closer the vehicle is to the object.
Display in a vehicle with rear park assist only. Here, an object has been detected by both of the right rear sensors.
Display in a vehicle with both front and rear park assist. The solid marker in this example indicates that an object is
closer than approximately 1 foot (30 cm) to the right front sensor.
Display in a vehicle with both front and rear park assist. Reverse gear is selected and no objects have been detected
in front of or behind the vehicle.
Audible signal
The Park Assist system uses an intermittent tone that pulses faster as you come close to an object, and becomes
constant when you are within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object in front of or behind the vehicle (example 2 in
the illustration). If there are objects within this distance both behind and in front of the vehicle, the tone alternates
between front and rear speakers.
If the volume of another source from the audio system is high, this will be automatically lowered.
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The audible signal comes from the rear
speakers.
The system must be deactivated when towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, which could
trigger the rear park assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automatically when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine trailer wiring is used.

The door panel indicator light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the system has detected another vehicle. If
your vehicle is passed on both sides at the same time, both lights will illuminate.
BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the driver if a fault should occur with the system. For example, if one or
both of the system's cameras are obscured, a message (see the table on page 182
) will appear in the information
display in the instrument panel. If this occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary, the system can be temporarily
switched off (for instructions, see page 182
).
180 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Blind Spot Information System (option)
When does BLIS function
The system functions when your vehicle is moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
When you pass another vehicle:
The system reacts when you pass another vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h) faster than that vehicle.
When you are passed by another vehicle:
The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph (70 km/h) faster than your
vehicle.
WARNING
BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
BLIS does not function when your vehicle is backing up.
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may prevent the BLIS cameras from detecting other vehicles in adjacent
lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and darkness
Daylight
BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehicles. The system is designed to help detect motor vehicles such as cars,
trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.
Darkness
BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a vehicle in the blind area
must have its headlights on. This means, for example, that the system will not detect a trailer without headlights that is

2 0 0 8
VOLVO S80
186 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations 188
Refueling192
Loading198
Towing a trailer201
Emergency towing204
187 05 During your trip
188 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions.
Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.

MINIMUM
Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane or above will not affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel economy performance using premium 91
octane fuel.RECOMMENDED
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may 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 strongly 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:
standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of the filler neck during
refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives

201 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE
See page 270
for the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
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 the tire inflation tables on pages 240 and 241.
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
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.
202 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE

When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 117 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
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.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
203 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.

204 05 During your trip
Emergency towing
Towing eyelet
The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration).
NOTE
On certain models equipped with a trailer hitch, the towing eyelet cannot be screwed into the hole in the rear
bumper. The towing rope should be attached to the trailer hitch instead. For this reason, the detachable section of the
trailer hitch should be safely stowed in the vehicle at all times.
Attaching the towing eyelet
1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place, 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 returned to its storage location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. The remote key must be in the ignition slot1.
Attach jumper cables (see page 109) to provide current for releasing the optional electric parking brake and to move
the gear selector from the P position.
The gear selector must be in position N .
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
The vehicle should only be towed in the forward direction.

1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the passenger compartment.
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type 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 auxiliary battery (see page 109
).
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.
205 05 During your trip
Emergency towing
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 possible .
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing
information on the page 204
.
CAUTION
Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines.
It is equally important not to use sling -type equipment at the rear or apply 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 must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

Contents | Top of Page