2009 VOLVO XC90 wheel

06 Starting and drivingAll Wheel Drive (option)
06142
All Wheel Drive (AWD) – general
informationYour Volvo can be equipped with an electron-
ically controlled All Wheel Drive system
(option), which means that power is distributed
automatically between the front and rear
wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most
of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for
the front wheels to spin, an electronically con-
trolled coupling distributes power to the
wheels that have the best traction.Tire dimensionsVolvo recommends that you always drive on
tires of the same brand, size, construction
(radial), tread pattern, load-, speed-, traction-,
temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never
drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods
when the temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct
dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures
are shown on the tire inflation pressure plac-
ards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (the
structural member at the side of the vehicle, at
the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the
inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian mod-
els.
Temporary SpareThe temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-
speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with
a full-sized tire as soon as possible. Do not
drive on the temporary spare at speeds above
50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
NOTE
Never install snow chains on a temporary
spare.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06``145 Dynamic Stability Traction Control
(DSTC)
The stability system consists of a number of
functions designed help reduce wheel spin,
counteract skidding, and to generally help
improve directional stability.
NOTE
A pulsating sound will be audible when the
system is actively operating and is normal.Traction control (TC)This function is designed to help reduce wheel
spin by transferring power from a drive wheel
that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the
opposite side of the vehicle (on the same axle).
TC is most active at low speeds.
This is one of DSTC's permanent functions and
cannot be switched off.Spin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to help
prevent the drive wheels from spinning while
the vehicle is accelerating.
Under certain circumstances, such as when
driving with snow chains, or driving in deep
snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to
temporarily switch off this function for maxi-
mum tractive force.
G028511
Controls on the left-side steering wheel leverTemporarily switching off Spin control1. Turn the thumbwheel (1) on the left-side
steering wheel lever until the
DSTC
menu
is displayed.
2.
Hold down the RESET button (2) to toggle
between
DSTC SPIN CONTROL ON
or
OFF
.
NOTE
•
The message
DSTC SPIN CONTROL
OFF
indicates that the stability sys-
tem's spin control function has tempo-
rarily been switched off.
•
The stability control indicator light will
illuminate and remain on until spin con-
trol has been reactivated.
•
The spin control function is automati-
cally enabled each time the engine is
started.
•
DSTC ON
indicates that all system
functions are active.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)This function helps maintain directional stabil-
ity, for example when cornering, by braking
one or more of the wheels if the vehicle shows
a tendency to skid or slide laterally.
This is one of DSTC's permanent functions and
cannot be switched off.
WARNING
The car's handling and stability characteris-
tics will be altered if the DSTC system func-
tions have been disabled.

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
06``149
G027042
Positions for attaching towing eyeletsEmergency towingThe towing eyelet is located in the tool bag,
under the floor of the cargo area. This eyelet
must be screwed into the positions provided
on the right sides of either the front or rear
bumper (see illustrations).To attach the towing eyelet:1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of
the cover (A)
2. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B),
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 the tool
bag. Press the cover back into position.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.Precautions when the vehicle is in tow•
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn
the ignition key to position I or II.
•
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.

06 Starting and drivingTowing
06150
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the
front wheels off the ground should not be
towed at speeds about 50 mph (70 km/h) or
for distances longer than 30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•
Please check with state and local
authorities before attempting this type
of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maxi-
mum 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 141).
•
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.
WARNING
•
Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but the
brake pedal pressure required is
3 – 4 times above normal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•
The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or
for any similar purpose involving severe
strain.
•
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/
All Wheel DriveVolvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment.
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 previous
page.
CAUTION
•
Sling-type equipment applied at the
front will damage radiator and air con-
ditioning lines.
•
It is equally important not to use sling-
type equipment at the rear or apply lift-
ing 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.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06``151
The maximum weights recommended by Volvo
for trailers with brakes are shown in the table
below.NO. OF
OCCU-
PANTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
SEATING
POSITION
FRONT SEAT
FRONT SEAT
2ND ROW OF
SEATS
2ND ROW OF
SEATS
2ND ROW OF
SEATS
OPTIONAL 3RD
ROW OF
SEATS
OPTIONAL 3RD
ROW OF
SEATS
All Wheel Drive
5,000 LBS
(2250 KG)
5,000 LBS
(2250 KG)
4,500 LBS
(2050 KG)
3,700 LBS
(1700 KG)
2,900 LBS
(1350 KG)
1,800 LBS
(800 KG)
TRAILER TOW-
ING NOT REC-
OMMENDED
MAX. TRAILER
HITCH
TONGUE LOAD
500 LBS
(225 KG)
500 LBS
(225 KG)
450 LBS
(205 KG)
370 LBS
(170 KG)
290 LBS
(135 KG)
180 LBS
(80 KG)
–
Front Wheel
Drive
4,000 LBS
(1800 KG)
4,000 LBS
(1800 KG)
4,000 LBS
(1800 KG)
4,000 LBS
(1800 KG)
3,700 LBS
(1650 KG)
2,500 LBS
(1150 KG)
1,400 LBS
(650 KG)
MAX. TRAILER
HITCH
TONGUE LOAD
400 LBS
(180 KG)
400 LBS
(180 KG)
400 LBS
(180 KG)
400 LBS
(180 KG)
370 LBS
(165 KG)
250 LBS
(115 KG)
140 LBS
(65 KG)

06 Starting and drivingTowing a trailer
06152
NOTE
•
Recommended hitch tongue load:
not more than 10% of the trailer's
weight. The trailer load should be posi-
tioned so that it does not shift and the
tongue load should be 10% of the trail-
er's weight. However, the tongue load
should not exceed the maximum per-
missible weights indicated in the table
above.
•
When towing trailers without brakes,
the maximum permissible trailer weight
is 1,700 lbs (750 kg).
•
If necessary, redistribute the weight of
any cargo in the trailer to avoid exces-
sive weight on the trailer hitch.
•
The maximum trailer weight listed in the
table for All Wheel Drive models,
5,000 lbs (2250 kg) is only applicable
when there are not more than two occu-
pants in the vehicle, in the front seats,
with a combined weight of 300 lbs
(135 kg), with no other cargo in the vehi-
cle.
•
The maximum weight listed for Front
Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg)
is only applicable when there are not
more than four occupants in the vehicle,
in the front seats and second row of
seats, with a combined weight of
600 lbs (270 kg), with no other cargo in
the vehicle.
NOTE
•
Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a
regular basis, or for long-distance high-
way towing should be equipped with an
automatic transmission oil cooler and
Volvo's automatic self-leveling system
for the rear suspension. Consult your
Volvo retailer.
•
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo
trailer hitches that are specially
designed for the vehicle.
•
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.
•
Increase tire pressure to recommended
full inflation pressure. See chapter
"Wheels and tires."
•
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•
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.

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