2009 VOLVO XC90 lock

06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
06``139
NOTE
The gear selector must be in the D (Drive)
position for kickdown to function.Manual shifting – GeartronicYou can move the gear selector freely between
theMAN (Manual) and D (Drive) positions to
select forward gears while driving. Gears 3, 4,
5, and 6 have a "lock-up" function which
reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.
NOTE
Reverse, Neutral, and Park cannot be
selected in Geartronic mode.•
A "lock-up" feature
1 reduces engine speed
and help saves fuel.
The currently selected gear will be displayed in
the instrument panel (see page 54).
•
To access the MAN shifting position from
D, move the gear selector to the left to
MAN.
•
To return to the D positions from MAN,
move the gear selector to the right.
While drivingIf you select the MAN position while driving, the
gear that was being used in the D position will
also initially be selected in MAN 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 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 down to a very low speed, the
transmission will automatically shift down.
•
When starting in the MAN position, 3rd
gear is the highest gear that may be
selected.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode –
enhanced vehicle traction
G030859
Press the W button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode (see illustration). The
W symbol will
appear in the display (see page 54) when the
function is activated.
This mode may be selected for starting/moving
off on slippery roads. The vehicle starts off in
3rd gear to help maintain traction. First and
second gears will only be used during kick-
down.
1Six-speed transmission: gears 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

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 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 driving
Detachable trailer hitch
06
155 Overview
AC
E
D
B
G010496
Ball holderLocking boltCotter pinHitch assemblySafety wire attachment
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from
the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt
out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assem-
bly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch
assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end
of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assem-
bly.
A cover for the hitch assembly can be pur-
chased from your Volvo retailer.

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
157
If you wish to check your vehicle before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:•
Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture
will reduce freeze protection. This gives
protection against freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
•
The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not
approved by Volvo. Different types of
antifreeze must not be mixed.
•
Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to protect your vehicle dur-
ing cold weather.
•
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation in
the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.
•
The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. For winter use, 5W-30 oil, par-
ticularly the synthetic type
1, is recom-
mended. Be sure to use good quality oil but
do not use cold-weather oil for hard drivingor in warm weather. See section "Engine
oil" for more information.
•
The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.
Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an antirust oil on
the battery posts.
•
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."
•
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 211 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This
is important since dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving,
requiring the frequent use of the washers
and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should
be diluted as follows:
•
Down to 14 ° F (–10 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 4 parts water
•
Down to 5 ° F (–15 ° C): 1 part washer sol-
vent and 3 parts water
•
Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):1 part washer sol-
vent and 2 parts water
•
Down to –18 ° F (–28 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water
•
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction•
Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.
•
Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.
•
An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 54).
•
This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

06 Starting and drivingBlind Spot Information System
06162
System status
Text in the dis-
play
BLIS NOT FUNC-
TIONING PROP-
ERLY
BLIND-SPOT
SYST SERVICE
REQUIRED
RIGHT CAMERA
OBSCURED
BLIND-SPOT
SYST R CAMERA
BLOCKED
LEFT CAMERA
OBSCURED
BLIND-SPOT
SYST L CAMERA
BLOCKED
BOTH CAMERAS
OBSCURED
BLIND-SPOT
SYST CAMERAS
BLOCKED
BLIS SYSTEM OFF
BLIND-SPOT INFO
SYSTEM OFF
BLIS SYSTEM ON
BLIND-SPOT INFO
SYSTEM ON
BLIS FUNCTION
REDUCED
BLIND-SPOT
SYST FUNCTION
REDUCED
The messages listed above can only be dis-
played if the ignition key is in position II (or if
the engine is running) and if BLIS is active (i.e.if the system has not been turned off by press-
ing the BLIS button).

07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
07
177 Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:•
Snow chains should be installed on front
wheels only. Use only Volvo approved
snow chains.
•
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires
and wheels are installed and are of a size
different than the original tires and wheels,
chains in some cases CANNOT be used.
Sufficient clearances between chains and
brakes, suspension and body components
must be maintained.
•
Some strap-on type chains will interfere
with brake components and therefore
CANNOT be used.
•
All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains
should only be installed on the front
wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD
models should be used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow
chain information.
CAUTION
•
Check local regulations regarding the
use of snow chains before installing.
•
Always follow the chain manufacturer's
installation instructions carefully. Install
chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
•
Never exceed the chain manufacturer's
specified maximum speed limit. (Under
no circumstances should you exceed
31 mph (50 km/h)).
•
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns
when driving with snow chains.
•
The handling of the vehicle can be
adversely affected when driving with
chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well
as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires
1
Tires for winter use:•
Owners who live in or regularly commute
through areas with sustained periods of
snow or icy driving conditions are strongly
advised to fit suitable winter tires to help
retain the highest degree of traction.
•
It is important to install winter tires on all
four wheels to help retain traction duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-
ure to do so could reduce traction to an
unsafe level or adversely affect handling.
•
Do not mix tires of different design as this
could also negatively affect overall tire road
grip.
•
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads
in warm weather. They should be removed
when the winter driving season has ended.
•
Studded tires should be run-in
300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which
the vehicle should be driven as smoothly
as possible to give the studs the opportu-
nity to seat properly in the tires. The tires
should have the same rotational direction
throughout their entire lifetime.NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula-
tions restricting the use of studded winter
tires before installing such tires.
1Where permitted

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07``181
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional gro-
cery bag holder: Fold up the rear section of the
cargo area floor, disconnect the grocery bag
holder's retaining cords and fold up the lower
section of the floor.
CAUTION
Seven-seat models: Do not store objects
in the area for the rear seat cushions (when
the backrests are to be folded down). This
could damage the cushions.Lowering the spare wheelThe spare wheel is located under the floor of
the rear cargo compartment. It can be lowered
using the crank (see previous page for loca-
tion).
WARNING
When raising or lowering the spare wheel,
please keep in mind that components in the
exhaust system may be very hot.To lower the spare wheel:1. Fold down the lower section of the tailgate.
2. Fold up the rear section of the floor in the
cargo compartment.3. Connect the two sections of the jack's
crank.
4. Insert the hooked end of the crank in the
spare wheel retaining attachment.
5. Lower the spare wheel under the vehicle by
turning the crank counterclockwise until it
is not possible to turn it further.
6. Pivot the toggle at the end of the cable 90
degrees to release it from the spare wheel
CAUTION
When the spare wheel is mounted on the
vehicle, the retaining cable could damage
the underside of the vehicle if it is not retrac-
ted.7. Crank up the cable again by turning the
crank clockwise.
8. Place the wheel with the flat tire in the vehi-
cle's cargo compartment.
NOTE
The space under the vehicle is designed to
hold the special spare wheel only. Other full-
size wheels will not fit in this compartment.
G026996
Returning the spare wheel to the storage
compartment1. Use the crank (turn it counterclockwise) to
lower the spare wheel's retaining cable.
2. Pass the toggle at the end of the cable
through the center hole in the spare wheel.
Pivot the toggle 90 degrees so that when
raised, the wheel will rest on the toggle.
3. Retract the retaining cable slightly by
slowly turning the crank clockwise several
times.
4. Position the wheel so that it is not obstruc-
ted by components in the exhaust system.