2009 VOLVO XC90 stop start

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06``143 BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-
rate brake circuits. If a problem 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 failure – Service
urgent
message is displayed in the text
window:DO NOT DRIVE
. Have the vehicle
towed to a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician and have the brake system
inspected.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the
engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and the
brake pedal is depressed, the pedal may go
down slightly. This is a normal function of
the power-assisted brake system.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 four
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 usually
slower, 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 brakes (ABS)
If the warning lamp lights up there
is a malfunction of the ABS system
(the standard braking system will
however function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician
for inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop-
ping and steering) during severe braking con-
ditions by limiting brake lockup. When the
system "senses" impending lockup, braking
pressure is automatically modulated in order to
help prevent lockup, which could lead to a skid.
The system performs a self-diagnostic test
when the engine is started and when the

06 Starting and drivingBrake system
06144
vehicle first reaches a speed of approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will
pulsate several times and a sound may be
audible from the ABS control module. This is
normal.
To obtain optimal effect from the ABS system,
constant pressure should be kept on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal.
The switching of the ABS modulator will be
audible and the brake pedal will pulsate during
braking. Please be aware that ABS does not
increase the absolute braking potential of the
vehicle. While control will be enhanced, ABS
will not shorten stopping distances on slippery
surfaces.ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system.
EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to the
rear brakes to help provide optimal braking
capacity. The brake pedal will pulsate during
braking, which is normal.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on
at the same time, this could indicate a fault in
the brake system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and
switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
•
If both warning lights go off, no further
action is required.
•
If both lights are still on after the engine has
been restarted, switch off the engine again
and check the brake fluid level (see
page 212 for the location of the brake fluid
reservoir).WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a
Brake failure – Service
urgent
message is displayed in the text
window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle
towed to a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician and have the brake system
inspected.
•
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN
mark, drive carefully to a trained and quali-
fied Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)The EBA function is designed to provide full
brake effect immediately in the event of sud-
den, hard braking. The system is activated by
the speed with which you depress the brake
pedal.
NOTE
•
When the EBA system is activated, the
brake pedal will go down and pressure
in the brake system immediately increa-
ses to the maximum level. You must
maintain full pressure on the brake
pedal in order to utilize the system com-
pletely. There will be no braking effect if
the pedal is released. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal
is released.
•
When the vehicle has been parked for
some time, the brake pedal may sink
more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will
return to its usual position when it is
released.

06 Starting and drivingStability system
06146
DSTC-related messages in the text
window•
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY
OFF
– The system has been temporarily
switched 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 disen-
gaged due to a fault. A trained and qualified
Volvo service technician should check the
system.
Symbols in the instrument panelThe Stability Control indicator light
This light indicates different condi-
tions, depending on how it illumi-
nates.
The Stability Control indicator light
illuminates for approximately 2 secondsThis indicates that the system is performing a
self-diagnostic test when the ignition is
switched on.The Stability Control indicator light
flashesThis indicates that the stability system is
actively functioning to help counteract wheel
spin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadilyANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED
will be dis-
played 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 further action is
required.
•
If the indicator light remains on, drive to an
authorized Volvo workshop as soon as
possible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadilyIfDSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF
is displayed in
the text window at the same time, 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 temperature. "
TRACTIONCONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF
" will be dis-
played. The system will automatically switch
on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help
improve driving safety. It supplements, but
can never replace, the driver's judgement
and responsibility when operating the vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06``153
NOTE
•
If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed
in the text window.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, dura-
bility, and economy.
•
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to pro-
vide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
•
Do not connect the trailer's brake sys-
tem directly to the vehicle's brake sys-
tem.
•
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.
NOTE
•
When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. When
starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking brake.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.
•
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).
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 a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician 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.
Smoother starts with a trailerModels equipped with the V8-engine and the
6-speed automatic transmission 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.•
This function is activated when the trailer's
electrical connector is plugged into the

07 Wheels and tiresTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – U.S. models only
07190
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sen-
sors mounted in the tire valves to check infla-
tion pressure levels. When the vehicle is
moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit
inflation pressure data to a receiver located in
the vehicle.USA – FCC ID: MRXG403MA4
A
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected,
TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning
light (also referred to as a telltale) in the
instrument panel (see page 57), and will dis-
play a message in the text window. The
wording of this message is determined by
the degree of inflation pressure loss.AOn certain models, the FCC code is MRXTG315AM04
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure
warning light will flash for approximately
1 minute and
TIRE PRESS SYST
SERVICE REQUIRED
will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-er's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.

10 AudioRadio functions
10242
Station search
G027148
1. Choose radio mode AM/FM1/FM2 using
theSELECTOR control
or the AM/FM
button
.
2.
Press briefly on
or
to search
for the next strong station. The radio will
search for the next audible station and then
stop.
3. Press one of the buttons again to start a
new search.
Manually search for a known frequency1.
Press and hold the
or
button
(or the corresponding buttons on the steer-ing wheel keypad).
MAN
will be shown in
the display. The radio will slowly scroll in
the desired direction and then increase
speed after a few seconds.
2. Release the button when the desired fre-
quency is displayed.
3. If you need to adjust the frequency, press
briefly on
or
.
The manual search function is available for five
seconds after you last pressed the button.
Storing stationsTo store a selected station under one of the
station setting buttons 0 – 9
:
1. Set the desired station.
2. Press the button under which the station is
to be stored and keep it depressed. The
sound will be interrupted for several sec-
onds and
STATION STORED
is shown in
the display. The station is now stored.
You can store up to 10 stations each for AM,
FM1 and FM2, i.e. a total of 30 stations.
Frequency rangesRadio
Frequency band
FM
87.7 – 107.9 MHz
AM
530 – 1710 kHz
Automatically storing stations –
AUTOSTORE
G027149
This function automatically searches for, and
stores up to 10 strong AM or FM stations in a
separate memory. If more than 10 stations are
found, the 10 strongest ones will be stored. The
function is especially useful in areas in which
you are not acquainted with radio stations or
their frequencies.

10 Audio
Radio functions
10
243
Starting autostore1.
Choose a frequency band with the AM/
FM button.
2.
Press and hold down the AUTO button
until
AUTOSTORING
is shown in the
display.
When
AUTOSTORING
is no longer displayed,
the autostore process is complete. The auto-
matically stored stations can be selected withe
the preset (number) keys If there are no stations
with sufficient signal strength,
NO AST
FOUND
is displayed.
Stopping autostorePressEXIT.Selecting an autostored station1.
PressAUTO (1) briefly. AUTOwill be dis-
played.
2. Press one of the preset buttons (0 – 9).
The radio will remain in Autostore mode until
AUTO, EXIT, or AM/FM is pressed.
SCANThis function automatically searches the cur-
rently selected waveband (AM, FM1, or FM2)
for strong stations. When the radio finds a sta-
tion, it will pause for approximately 8 seconds,
after which it will continue scanning.Activating/deactivating Scan1.
Choose a waveband by pressing the AM/
FM button.
2.
PressSCAN
.SCAN will be shown in the
display.
3.
PressEXIT to stop scanning.
Storing a station found by SCANStations can be stored on the preset buttons
while the SCAN function is activated.•
Press a preset button and hold it down until
Station stored is displayed.
This deactivates SCAN and the stored station
can be selected by pressing the preset button.
Radio textCertain stations broadcast program informa-
tion, which can be shown in the display.
1.
Press the MENU button.
2.
Select
RADIOTEXT
in the menu and press
ENTER.
Select
RADIOTEXT
again to deactivate.

10 AudioRear Seat Entertainment - Dual Screen (RSE)–option
10254
Pause1. Pause and restart the CD by pressing
.
2.
Stop the CD by pressing
.
3.
Press
again to eject the CD.
Home-burned CDsCDs burned on a home computer can be
played. However, the quality of the sound may
be affected by the type of source file and for-
mat used, and by the condition of the disc.RSE-AUX connectors and 12-volt
socketThe three color-coded (yellow-white-red) RSE-
AUX connectors can be used to connect an
auxiliary device to the RSE system. Always fol-
low the connection instructions provided with
the auxiliary device. Devices connected to
RSE-AUX can use the RSE screens, cordless
headphones, the headphone sockets or the
vehicle’s audio system speakers.
Connecting a device to RSE-AUX
G015700
RSE-AUX connectors are located on the rear side
of the tunnel console1. Connect the video cable from the auxiliary
device to the yellow connector.
2. Connect the left audio cable to the white
connector and the right cable to the red
connector.
3. Connect the power cable to the 12-volt
socket (if the device is designed for 12-volt
current).
For the location of the 12-volt sockets, see
page 75.
SystemThe formats supported by the system are:Audio
format
CD-DA, DVD Audio Playback,
MP3, WMA
Video
format
DVD video, VCD, SVCD, Divx/
MPEG-4, WMA video, Photo cd
Kodak, Photo CD JPG
Disc
format
DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW,
DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-R,
CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-3, HDCD
Advanced system settingsThese settings can only be made when there is
no disc in the CD/DVD player.
±
PressMEDIA MENU.GENERAL SETUP
ANGLE MARK
CAPTION
AUDIO SETUP
COMPRESSION
DVX(R)
REGISTRATIONPREFERENCES
TV TYPE
AUDIO
SUBTITLE
DEFAULTS