2009 VOLVO XC90 fuel

02 Instruments and controls
Lighting panel
02``
*Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
63
3501866mG027132
Headlight/parking light switchFront fog lightsRear fog lightInstrument panel lightingFuel filler door unlock button
Parking lightsThe front and rear parking lights can be turned
on even when the ignition is switched off.•
Turn switch (1) to position
.
The license plate lights also illuminate when the
parking lights are switched on.
Headlights1.
Turn the ignition key to position II.
2. The low beam headlights (daytime running
lights) illuminate automatically, except
when the light switch (1) is in position
1.
For information on switching between high and
low beams, see page 66.
NOTE
Active Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlights*: Turn the
headlight switch to position 0 to activate a
daylight sensor, which automatically
switches the low beams on or off, depend-
ing on ambient light conditions. When driv-
ing in daylight, the headlights will switch off
and the daytime running lights will come on.
In darkness, the daytime running lights will
switch off and the Active Bi-Xenon
Ÿ head-
lights will switch on.
G020789
Active Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlight beams
1On Canadian models, the daytime running lights will remain on with the light switch in this position.

02 Instruments and controlsLighting panel
0264
Active Bi-Xenon
Ÿ headlights (ABL)—
option
When the ABL function is activated, the head-
light beams adjust laterally to help light up a
curve according to movements of the steering
wheel (see the right-pointing beam in the illus-
tration).
This function is activated automatically when
the engine is started and can be deactivated/
reactivated by pressing the ABL button (see
page 60.Fog lightsFront fog lights (option)The front fog lights can be used in combination
with either the headlights or the parking lights.•
Turn the ignition key to position II.
•
Press button (2) to turn on the front fog
lights.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when
the front fog lights are on.
Rear fog lightThe single rear fog light is located in the driver's
side of the vehicle.
The rear fog light will only function in combi-
nation with the high/low beam headlights or the
optional front fog lights.
•
Turn the ignition key to position II.
•
Press button (3) to turn on the rear fog light.
An indicator light in the button illuminates when
the rear fog light is on.NOTE
The rear fog light is considerably brighter
than the normal tail lights and should be
used only when conditions such as fog, rain,
snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for
other vehicles to less than 500 ft.
(150 meters).Instrument panel lightingThe instrument panel lighting illuminates when
the ignition key is in position II and the light
switch (1) is in either position
or
.
•
Move the thumb wheel (4) up to increase
brightness or down to decrease bright-
ness.
Unlocking the fuel filler doorPress button (5) when the vehicle is at a stand-
still to unlock the fuel filler door. Please note
that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until
the vehicle begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door
relocks.
NOTE
If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the
button has been pressed, drive the vehicle
at a speed of at least 5 mph (8 km/h), stop
the vehicle, and press the button again.For information on unlocking the fuel filler door
manually, see page 65.

02 Instruments and controlsManually unlocking the fuel filler door
0265
G027077
Panel on passenger's side of cargo areaTo manually unlock the fuel filler door1. Open the upper and lower sections of the
tailgate, and fold up the rear section of the
cargo area floor.
2. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
grocery bag holder, detach the holder's
bands.
3. Remove the corner panel from the floor of
the cargo area.
4. Open the cover in the side panel by pulling
the tab upward/outward.
5. Pull down the insulating material (4) to
access the fuel filler door motor (5).
G027034
6. Move the catch (6) rearward to unlock the
fuel filler door lock, or move it forward to
lock the filler door.

02 Instruments and controls
Trip computer
02``71 Trip computer (option)
G026956
READ (press to acknowledge/confirm/
erase a message)Thumb wheel (used to scroll among the trip
computer menus)RESET
The trip computer stores information gathered
from several systems in your vehicle and has
four menus that can be displayed in the text
window.
•
Driving distance on current fuel reserve
•
Average fuel consumption
•
Current fuel consumption
•
Average speed
•
Current speed in mph (Canadian models
only)
•
DSTC (see page 145 for detailed informa-
tion)NOTE
Warning messages from the vehicle's moni-
toring systems will override the trip com-
puter function. If a warning message is
displayed in the text window while you are
using the trip computer, you must acknowl-
edge the message by pressing button A.
Press button A again to return to the trip
computer function.1. Trip computer controls and functionsThe trip computer functions can be accessed
by twisting INFO (B) one step at a time in either
direction. Twisting a final time returns you to
the original function.
The trip computer can be reset (current data
will be erased from system memory) by press-
ing RESET (button C).2. Driving distance on current fuel
reserveThis function shows the approximate distance
that can be driven on the fuel remaining in the
tank. The calculation is based on average fuel
consumption during the last 20 miles (30 km)of driving and the amount of fuel remaining in
the tank when the reading was taken.
When
"----"
is displayed in the text window,
refuel as soon as possible.
3. Average fuel consumptionThis value indicates fuel consumption since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ingRESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on fuel consumption
is stored and remains in system memory until
theRESET (button C) is pressed again.4. Current fuel consumptionThis value indicates the current fuel consump-
tion, based on readings taken once per sec-
ond. When the vehicle is not moving, "----" will
be displayed.5. Average speedThis value indicates average speed since the
last time the trip computer was reset (by press-
ingRESET, button C). When the engine is
switched off, information on average speed is
stored and remains in system memory until the
RESET (button C) is pressed again.

G020912
126
General information............................................................................... 128
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 129
Refueling............................................................................................... 131
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 133
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 135
Economical driving................................................................................ 136
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 137
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 138
Jump starting........................................................................................ 141
All Wheel Drive (option)......................................................................... 142
Brake system........................................................................................ 143
Stability system..................................................................................... 145
Front/rear park assist (accessory/option)............................................. 147
Towing................................................................................................... 149
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 151
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 155
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 156
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 157
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 158
Blind Spot Information System............................................................. 159

06 Starting and drivingGeneral information
06128
Engine oilAlthough some oil consumption occurs during
normal engine operation, more oil is consumed
when the engine is new as the internal parts
generate higher friction while wearing-in to
each other. From the time the engine is new
until the first maintenance is performed, the oil
consumption could be higher than normal. For
this reason, it is especially important to check
the oil every time you refuel your vehicle during
this period, see page 209.Fuel requirementsDeposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits. Detergent
gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good driva-
bility and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station oper-
ator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of
external fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliv-
ering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEA-
DED". Only these pumps have nozzles which
fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dis-
pense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and
the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated
use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effec-
tiveness of the emission control system and
could result in loss of emission warranty cov-
erage. State and local vehicle inspection pro-
grams will make detection of misfueling easier,
possibly resulting in emission test failure for
misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affec-
ted, and the Check Engine Light (malfunc-
tion indicator lamp) located on your instru-
ment panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 129 must still be met.
Alcohol – Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10%
ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may
also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gaso-
hol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15%
MTBE may be used.

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06``129 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium for best perform-
ance, but using 87 octane or above will not
affect engine reliability.
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated
horsepower, torque, and fuel economy per-
formance using premium 91 octane fuel.Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as oper-
ating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer,
or driving for extended periods at higher alti-
tudes than normal, it may be advisable to
switch to higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to
change gasoline brands to fully utilize yourengine's capacity, and for the smoothest pos-
sible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission con-
trol 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 AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thicken-
ers, or other store-bought additives to your
vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.
Overuse may damage your engine, and some
of these additives contain organically volatile
chemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourself
to these chemicals.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes
inside the vehicle, make sure the passenger
compartment is ventilated, and immediately
return the vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for correction.

06 Starting and drivingFuel requirements
06130
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment.•
If the tailgate must be kept open for any
reason, proceed as follows:
•
Close the windows
•
Set the ventilation system control to air
flow to floor, windshield and side win-
dows and blower control to its highest
setting.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the
risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these
properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less
the tendency to understeer.Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommendedpressure according to the vehicle load. See
"Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity
weight or maximum permissible axle loads are
not exceeded.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:•
When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II (see
page 135). Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional infotainment/
navigation systems, power windows, etc)
will function with the ignition key in position
I. This position reduces drain on the bat-
tery.
•
Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc that consume a great deal
of current when the engine is not running
could result in the battery being completely
drained.NOTE
A warning message will be displayed in the
text window in the instrument panel when
the battery charge is low.