2009 VOLVO XC70 parking brake

03 Your driving environment
Transmission
03``107 Automatic transmission
G021351
Shiftgate positions
1
Depress the button on the front of the gear
selector knob to move the gear selector
between the R,N,D, and P positions.
The gear selector can be moved freely between
the Geartronic (manual shifting) and Drive (D)
positions while driving.Park position (P)Select the P position when starting or parking.KeylockTo remove the remote key from the ignition
slot, the gear selector must be in the P position.
The remote key is locked in the slot in all other
positions.
ShiftlockWhenP has been selected, the transmission is
mechanically blocked in this position. The
brake pedal must be depressed before the
gear lever can be moved from the P position.
Always apply the parking brake when the vehi-
cle is parked, see page 114. If the vehicle is
equipped with the optional electric parking
brake, press the control to apply the brake, see
page 114.
G021350
CAUTION
The vehicle must be stationary when posi-
tionP is selected.
Reverse (R)The vehicle must be stationary when position
R is selected.Neutral position (N)No gear is engaged and the engine can be
started with the gear selector in this position.
Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is sta-
tionary with the gear selector in position N.Drive (D)D is the normal driving position. The car auto-
matically shifts between the various forward
gears, based on the level of acceleration and
speed. The car must be at a standstill when
shifting from position R to position D.Sport (S)
2
Sport mode offers more immediate engine
response and allows the transmission to shift
up at higher rpm.
To access Sport mode (S), move the gear
selector to the right from Drive (D). The infor-
mation display will change from D to S.
Sport mode can be selected at any time.
1The information display (see page 71) shows the gear selector's position or the selected gear by displaying the following: P, R, N, D, S, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.2Available in certain markets only, on models with 6-cylinder turbo engines.

03 Your driving environmentTransmission
03108
Geartronic–manual shiftingGeartronic allows you to manually shift among
your vehicle's six forward speeds. Geartronic
can be selected at any time.•
To access the manual (M) shifting position
from Drive (D), move the gear selector to
the right to M (or to S on models equipped
with Sport mode).NOTE
On models equipped with Sport mode, the
transmission will not switch to manual shift-
ing mode until the gear selector is moved
forward or rearward. The selected gear will
then be shown in the information display
(see page 71).•
To return to the D position from M or S,
move the gear selector to the left.
While driving•
If you select the M position while driving,
the gear that was being used in the Drive
position will also initially be selected in the
M position.
•
Move the gear selector forward (toward
"+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward
(toward "–") to shift to a lower gear.
•
If you hold the gear selector toward "–", the
transmission will downshift one gear at atime 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.
•
If you slow to a very low speed, the trans-
mission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock – Neutral (N)If the gear selector is in the N position and the
vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 sec-
onds (irrespective of whether the engine is run-
ning) then the gear selector is locked.
To be able to move the gear selector from N to
another gear position, the brake pedal must be
depressed and the ignition must be in posi-
tionII, see page 77.Geartronic–starting on slippery surfacesSelecting 3rd gear in Geartronic’s manual shift-
ing mode can help provide better traction when
starting off on slippery surfaces. To do so:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move the
gear selector to the right from the D posi-
tion to M. The text in the instrument panel
display will change from
D to
1.
2. Press the gear selector forward and
release it (this selects 2nd gear). Press the
selector forward again and release it to
select 3rd gear.3. Release the brake pedal and press gently
on the accelerator pedal.
Shiftlock override
G021352
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example
because of a dead battery, the gear selector
must be moved from the P position so that the
vehicle can be moved
3.
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the
storage compartment behind the center
console and open the hatch.Insert the key blade into the opening as far
as possible. Press the key blade down and
keep it held down. Move the gear selector
from the P position. For information on the
key blade, see page 52.
3If the battery is dead, the optional electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see page 105.

03 Your driving environmentBrakes
03110
Brake systemThe brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem 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 greater 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 check 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 system message is
shown in the information display:
DO NOT
DRIVE
. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician and
have the brake system inspected.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is runningThe power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. 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 approximately five
times harder than usual to make up for the lack
of power assistance. This can happen for
example when towing your vehicle or if the
engine is switched off when the vehicle is roll-
ing. The brake pedal feels harder than usual.Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects brakingDriving in rain and slush or passing through an
automatic car wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a
delay in braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay when the
brakes are needed, depress the pedal occa-
sionally when driving through rain, slush, etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes.
Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or
when towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usuallyslower, which means that the cooling of the
brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes,
shift into a lower gear and let the engine help
with the braking. Do not forget that if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to
a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock braking systemThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to
improve vehicle control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions by limiting
brake lockup. When the system "senses"
impending lockup, braking pressure is auto-
matically modulated in order to help prevent
lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a brief self-diagnostic
test when the engine has been started and
driver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-
matic test may be performed when the vehicle
first reaches a speed of approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several
times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module. This is normal.Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discs
may result in delayed brake function. This delay
is minimized by cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet
weather, prior to long-term parking, and after
the vehicle has been washed. Do this by brak-

03 Your driving environmentParking brake
03114
Electric parking brakeAn electric parking brake has the same func-
tion as a manual parking brake.
NOTE
•
A faint sound from the parking brake's
electric motor can be heard when the
parking brake is being applied. This
sound can also be heard during the
automatic function check of the parking
brake.
•
The brake pedal will move slightly when
the electric parking brake is applied or
released.
Low battery voltageIf the battery voltage is too low, the parking
brake cannot be applied or released. Connect
an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too
low, see page 105.
Applying the electric parking brake
G021354
Parking brake control1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Push the control.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that
the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selec-
tor must be in position P.
The
symbol in the instrument panel
flashes while the parking bake is being applied,
and glows steadily when the parking brake has
been fully applied.
NOTE
•
In an emergency the parking brake can
be applied when the vehicle is moving
by holding in the control. Braking will be
interrupted when the accelerator pedal
is depressed or the control is released.
•
An audible signal will sound during this
procedure if the vehicle is moving at
speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Parking on a hill•
If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the
curb.
•
If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the
curb.

03 Your driving environment
Parking brake
03``115
Releasing the electric parking brake
G021359
Parking brake controlManual release1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
4. Pull the parking brake control.Vehicles with Keyless drive (option)1.
Press the START/STOP ENGINE button.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull the parking brake control.Automatic release1. Start the engine.
NOTE
•For safety reasons, the parking brake is
only released automatically if the engine
is running and the driver is wearing a seat
belt.•The electric parking brake will be
released immediately when the acceler-
ator pedal is pressed and the gear selec-
tor is in position D or P.
2. Fasten the seat belt
3.
Move the gear selector to position D or R
and press the accelerator pedal. The park-
ing brake will release when the vehicle
begins to move.Heavy load uphillA heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the
vehicle to roll backward when the parking
brake is released automatically on a steep
incline. To help avoid this:
1. Keep the electric parking brake lever
pushed in with the left hand while shifting
into Drive with the right.
2. While pressing the throttle pedal to pull
away, release the parking brake lever only
after the vehicle begins to move.
SymbolsSymbol
SpecificationRead the message in the infor-
mation displayA flashing symbol indicates that
the parking brake is being
applied. If the symbol flashes in
any other situation then this
means that a fault has arisen.
Read the message on the infor-
mation display.
Messages
G016556
Parking brake not fully released
– A fault is
preventing the parking brake from being
released. Contact an authorized Volvo work-

03 Your driving environmentParking brake
03116
shop. If you drive off with this error message
showing, a warning signal sounds.Parking brake not applied
– A fault is pre-
venting the parking brake from being applied.
Try to apply and release. Contact a Volvo work-
shop if the message remains.
Parking brake Service required
– A fault has
arisen. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault
remains.
WARNING
If the vehicle must be parked before the fault
has been corrected, always put the gear
selector in P and turn the wheels so that
they point away from the curb if the vehicle
is pointing uphill or toward the curb if it is
pointing downhill.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Park assist (option)
04``181 Introduction
The park assist system is designed to assist
you when driving into parking spaces, garages,
etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sensors located
in one or both bumpers to measure the dis-
tance to a vehicle, object, or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.
This system is available in the rear bumper
only, or in both the front and rear bumpers.
Park assist utilizes four ultrasound sensors in
the bumper(s) to measure the distance to a
vehicle, object, or a person who may be close
to the front or rear of your vehicle. An audible
signal and symbols in the audio system’s dis-
play indicate the distance to the object
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a
safety system. This system is designed to
be a supplementary aid when parking the
vehicle. It is not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judge-
ment.
Function
G018386
Park assist buttonThe system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates when the
system is on.•
The front park assist 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.
•
Rear park assist is active when the engine
is running and reverse gear has been
selected.
Activating/deactivatingThe system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started.
±
Press the Park assist button on the center
console to temporarily deactivate the sys-
tem(s).
> The indicator light in the button will go
out when the system has been deacti-
vated.
Park assist will be automatically reactivated the
next time the engine is started, or if the button
is pressed (the indicator light in the button will
illuminate).
NOTE
•
Front park assist is disengaged auto-
matically when the parking brake is
applied.
•
If the vehicle is equipped with front and
rear park assist, both systems will be
deactivated by pressing the button.

05 During your tripLoading
05202
IntroductionThe load carrying capacity of your vehicle is
determined by factors such as the number of
passengers, the amount of cargo, the weight
of any accessories that may be installed, etc.
To increase loading space, the rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down, See page 81.
When loading the cargo area, keep the follow-
ing in mind:•
Load objects in the cargo area against the
backrest whenever possible.
•
Unstable loads can be secured to the load
anchoring eyelets with straps or web lash-
ings to help keep them from shifting.
•
Stop the engine and apply the parking
brake when loading or unloading long
objects. The gear selector can be knocked
out of position by long loads, which could
set the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
•
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in
P, and apply the parking brake when
loading or unloading long objects.
•
The vehicle's driving characteristics
may change depending on the weight
and distribution of the load.
•
A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a
force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a
headon collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
•
The cargo area and rear seat should not
be loaded to a level higher than 2 in.
(5 cm) below the upper edge of the rear
side windows. Objects placed higher
than this level could impede the func-
tion of the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
Power tailgate (option)
G017876
Power tailgate closing buttonAutomatic openingThe power tailgate can be opened automati-
cally in the three ways:•
By pressing and holding the
but-
ton on the lighting panel, (see page 64) until
the tailgate begins to open.
•
By pressing and holding the
button
on the remote key (see page 64) until the
tailgate begins to open.
•
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the
automatic open function is used.