2009 VOLVO XC70 towing

Contents
5
03
03 Your driving environmentInstruments and controls.......................... 70
Ignition modes.......................................... 77
Seats......................................................... 79
Steering wheel.......................................... 84
Lighting..................................................... 85
Wipers and washers................................. 91
Power windows......................................... 94
Mirrors....................................................... 96
Power moonroof....................................... 98
HomeLink® Wireless Control System
(option).................................................... 100
Starting the engine.................................. 103
Transmission...........................................107
Brakes..................................................... 110
Hill Descent Control (HDC)..................... 112
Parking brake.......................................... 114
04
04 Comfort and driving pleasureMenus and messages............................. 120
Climate system....................................... 124
Audio system.......................................... 131
BluetoothŸ hands-free connection......... 143
Rear Seat Entertainment - Dual Screen
(RSE)–option.......................................... 149
Trip computer.........................................152
Compass................................................. 153
Stability system....................................... 155
Active chassis system–Four C................157
Cruise control.......................................... 158
Collision warning with Auto-brake
(option).................................................... 160
Adaptive Cruise Control–ACC (option). . . 166
Distance alert ......................................... 173
Driver Alert System (option) ...................176
Park assist (option).................................181
Blind Spot Information System (option). . 184
Passenger compartment convenience. . . 188
05
05 During your tripDriving recommendations....................... 194
Refueling................................................. 198
Loading................................................... 202
Cargo area.............................................. 207
Towing a trailer....................................... 210
Emergency towing.................................. 212

01 Safety
Integrated booster cushion
0147
Stowing the two-stage integrated
booster cushion
G017692G017694
The booster cushion can be folded down com-
pletely (stowed) from either the stage 1 or stage
2 positions.
NOTE
The booster cushion cannot be moved from
the stage 2 (upper) position to the stage 1
(lower) position. It must first be folded down
completely to the stowed position, and then
adjusted to stage 1.Pull the handle forward to release the
booster cushion.Press down on the center of the booster
cushion to return it to the stowed position.NOTE
The booster cushion must be in the stowed
position before the rear seat backrests are
folded down.
CAUTION
Be sure there are no loose objects under the
booster cushion before it is stowed.
WARNING
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can
occur
Follow all instructions on the
booster cushion and in the vehi-
cle's owner's manual.
MAKE SURE THE BOOSTER
CUSHION IS SECURELY
LOCKED BEFORE THE CHILD IS
SEATED.
•
Use this booster cushion only with chil-
dren whose height and weight are
within the permitted limits shown in the
table see page 45.
•
In the event of a collision while the inte-
grated booster cushion was occupied,
the entire booster cushion and seat belt
must be replaced. The booster cushion
should also be replaced if it is badly
worn or damaged in any way. This work
should be performed by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician only.

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03``73
Symbol
DescriptionLeft turn signal indicatorRight turn signal indicator
Trailer turn signal indicator
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash
simultaneously with the trailer's turn signals. If
the light does not flash, or if they flash faster
than usual when signaling a turn, the turn sig-
nals on the trailer or on the vehicle are not
functioning properly.CHECK
ENGINE
Malfunction Indicator Light
As you drive, a computer called On-Board
Diagnostics II (OBDII) monitors your vehicle's
engine, transmission, electrical and emission
systems.
The malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE)
light will illuminate if the computer senses a
condition that potentially may need correcting.
When this happens, please have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician as soon as possible.
A malfunction indicator (CHECK ENGINE) light
may have many causes. Sometimes, you may
not notice a change in your car's behavior.
Even so, an uncorrected condition could hurtfuel economy, emission controls, and drivabil-
ity. Extended driving without correcting the
cause could even damage other components
in your vehicle.
This light may illuminate if the fuel filler cap is
not closed tightly or if the engine was running
while the vehicle was refueled.
Canadian models are equipped with this sym-
bol:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
warning light
If the warning light comes on, there may be a
malfunction in the ABS system (the standard
braking system will still function). Check the
system by:
1. Stopping in a safe place and switching off
the ignition.
2. Restart the engine.
3. If the warning light goes off, no further
action is required.
If the warning light remains on, the vehicle
should be driven to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for inspection, see
page 110 for additional information.
Canadian models are equipped with this sym-
bol:
Rear fog light
This symbol indicates that the rear fog light
(located in the driver's side tail light cluster) is
on.
Stability system
This indicator symbol flashes when the DSTC
(Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sys-
tem) is actively working to stabilize the vehicle,
see page 155 for more detailed information.
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) – option
This symbol illuminates to indicate that tire
pressure in one or more tires is low, see
page 259 for detailed information.
Low fuel level
When this light comes on, the vehicle should
be refueled as soon as possible.
Information symbol
The information symbol illuminates and a text
message is displayed if a fault is detected in
one of the vehicle's systems. The message can
be erased and the symbol can be turned off by
pressing the READ button (see page 121 for
information) or this will take place automati-
cally after a short time (the length of time varies,
depending on the function affected).

03 Your driving environment
Instruments and controls
03``75
Engine temperatureEngine overheating can result from low oil or
coolant levels, towing or hard driving at high
heat and altitude, or mechanical malfunction.
Engine overheating will be signaled with text
and a red warning triangle in the middle of the
instrument display. The exact text will depend
on the degree of overheating. It may range from
"HIGH ENGINE TEMP – SLOW DOWN
" to
"
HIGH ENGINE TEMP – STOP ENGINE
." If
appropriate, other messages, such as
"
COOLANT LEVEL LOW
" will also be dis-
played. If your engine does overheat so that
you must stop the engine, always allow the
engine to cool before attempting to check oil
and coolant levels.
Fault in brake system
If this symbol lights, the brake fluid level may
be too low. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the level in the brake fluid reservoir, see
page 219. If the level in the reservoir is below
MIN, the vehicle should be transported to an
authorized Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.
Canadian models are equipped with this sym-
bol:If the
and
symbols come on at
the same time, there may be a fault in the brake
force distribution system.1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off
the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
•
If both symbols extinguish, continue driv-
ing.
•
If the symbols remain on, check the level in
the brake fluid reservoir, see page 219. If
the brake fluid level is normal but the sym-
bols are still lit, the vehicle can be driven,
with great care, to an authorized Volvo
workshop to have the brake system
checked.
•
If the level in the reservoir is below MIN, the
vehicle should be transported to an author-
ized Volvo workshop to have the brake
system checked.WARNING
•
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark
in the reservoir or if a warning message
is displayed in the text window:
DO
NOT DRIVE
. Have the vehicle towed to
a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician and have the brake system
inspected.
•
If the ABS and Brake system lights are
on at the same time, there is a risk of
reduced vehicle stability.
Warning symbol
The red warning symbol comes on when a fault
has been indicated which could affect the
safety and/or drivability of the vehicle. An
explanatory text is shown on the information
display at the same time. The symbol remains
visible until the fault has been rectified but the
text message can be cleared with the READ
button, see page 121. The warning symbol can
also come on in conjunction with other sym-
bols.
Action:
1. Stop in a safe place. Do not drive the vehi-
cle further.
2. Read the information on the information
display. Implement the action in accord-
ance with the message in the display. Clear
the message using READ.Reminder – doors not closedIf one of the doors, the hood or tailgate is not
closed properly, the information or warning
symbol comes on together with an explanatory
text message in the instrument panel. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and
close the door, hood or tailgate.
If the vehicle is driven at a speed
lower than approximately 5 mph
(7 km/h), the information symbol comes on.

03 Your driving environmentStarting the engine
03104
WARNING
•
Always remove the remote key from the
ignition slot when leaving the vehicle,
especially if there are children in the
vehicle.
•
Never remove the remote key from the
ignition slot while driving or when the
vehicle is being towed. The steering
lock could otherwise be activated, mak-
ing it impossible to steer the vehicle.
Never remove the remote key with key-
less drive function (option) from the
vehicle while driving or during towing.
•
Always place the gear selector in Park
and apply the parking brake before
leaving the vehicle. Never leave the
vehicle unattended with the engine run-
ning.
•
Always open garage doors fully before
starting the engine inside a garage to
ensure adequate ventilation. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, which is invisible and odorless but
very poisonous.
NOTE
•
The idling speed can be noticeably
higher than normal during cold starts.
This is to enable emission control sys-
tem can reach normal operating tem-
perature as quickly as possible, which
helps reduce exhaust emissions
3.
•
Keylock: Your vehicle is equipped with
a keylock system. When the engine is
switched off, the gear selector must be
in the Park position before the key can
be removed
4 from the ignition slot.
CAUTION
•
When starting in cold weather, the auto-
matic transmission may shift up at
slightly higher engine speeds than nor-
mal until the automatic transmission
fluid reaches normal operating tem-
perature.
•
Do not race a cold engine immediately
after starting. Oil flow may not reach
some lubrication points fast enough to
prevent engine damage.
•
The engine should be idling when you
move the gear selector. Never acceler-
ate until after you feel the transmission
engage. Accelerating immediately after
selecting a gear will cause harsh
engagement and premature transmis-
sion wear.
•
SelectingP or N when idling at a stand-
still for prolonged periods of time will
help prevent overheating of the auto-
matic transmission fluid.
Keyless drive (option)Follow steps 3 – 4 for starting the engine.
3If the gear selector is in the D or R positions and the car is not moving, engine speed (rpm) will be lower and it will take longer for the engine to reach normal operating temperature.4Does not apply to vehicles with the optional keyless drive.

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-

04 Comfort and driving pleasurePark assist (option)
04182
Signals from the park assist system
Active
ActiveActive
123Views in the displayVisual indicatorThe 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 approx-
imately 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 signalThe 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 low-
ered.
Rear park assist
G017833
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 automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Blind Spot Information System (option)
04``185 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 vehi-
cle is backing up.
•
If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness
DaylightBLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.
DarknessBLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
•
BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.
•
BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.
•
The function of the BLIS cameras may
be affected by intense light, or when
driving at night in areas where there are
no external sources of light (e.g., street
lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such
cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.
•
In both of the above mentioned condi-
tions, a message will appear in the infor-
mation display.
•
When driving in such conditions, the
system's function will be limited or it
may be temporarily switched off, see
page 186 for instructions.
•
When the message is no longer dis-
played, BLIS will return to normal func-
tion.
•
The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, dense fog, etc.