03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
110
Brake system
The 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 running
The 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, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The
brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving 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 pleasure
Climate system
04
126* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Air vents in the door pillars
G021368
Open
Closed
Horizontal airflow
Vertical airflow
Direct the outer air vents toward the side win-
dows to defrost.
Direct the vents into the passenger compart-
ment to help maintain the desired temperature
in the rear seat.
Electronic climate control, ECC
Ventilated front driver's seat*
Blower
Heated front driver's seat*
Air distribution
Ventilated front passenger's seat*
Auto
Heated front passenger's seat*
Temperature control, passenger's side
A/C – On/Off
Heated rear window and door mirrors, see
page 97.
Defroster (maximum effect)
Recirculation/Air quality system
Temperature control, driver's side
Ventilated front seats*The ventilation system consists of fans in the
seats and backrests that draw air through the
seat upholstery. The cooling effect increases
as the air in the passenger compartment
becomes cooler.
The ventilation is controlled by the ECC sys-
tem, which takes into account the seat tem-
perature, sunlight in the passenger compart-
ment, and the ambient temperature.
The ventilation can be used at the same time
as seat heating.
The ventilation system can be activated when
the engine is running. There are three comfort
levels that produce different cooling and dehu-
midification effects:
•Level three: press the button once for
maximum output – three indicator lights
come on.
•Level two: press the button twice for a
lower output – two indicator lights come
on.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.127
•Level one: press the button three times for
the lowest output – one indicator light
comes on.
•Press the button a fourth time to switch off
the function – the indicator light will go out.
Blower controlTurn the control clockwise to
increase or counterclockwise
to decrease the blower
speed. Pressing the AUTO
switch will automatically reg-
ulate blower speed and over-
ride manual adjustment.
NOTE
If the blower is turned off completely, the air
conditioning is disengaged, which may
result in fogging on the windows.
Heated front seats*Press the button once for the
highest heat level – three indi-
cator lights come on.
Press the button twice for a
lower heat level – two indica-
tor lights come on.
Press the button three times for the lowest heat
level – one indicator light comes on.
Press the button four times to switch off the
heat – no indicator lights come on.
Heated rear seats*
G021376
Heat control for the outboard seating positions
takes place in the same way as for the front
seat.
Air distributionThe figure consists of three
buttons. When the buttons
are pressed, an indicator light
in front of the respective part
of the figure illuminates and
shows which air distribution is
selected, see page 130.
AutoThe function automatically
regulates cooling, heating,
blower speed, recirculation,
and air distribution to main-
tain the chosen temperature.
If you select one or more man-
ual functions, the other func-
tions continue to be controlled automatically.
The air quality sensor is engaged and all man-
ual settings are switched off when AUTO is
pressed. The display shows
AUTO
CLIMATE.
Blower speed in automatic mode can be set
under Climate settings
Automatic blower
adjust. Choose between
Low, Normal orHigh.
NOTE
Selecting the lowest blower speed may
increases the risk of fog forming on the win-
dows.
For a description of the menu system, see
page 120.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
128
Temperature controlThe temperatures on the
driver and passenger sides
can be set independently.
When the vehicle is started,
the most recent setting is
resumed.
NOTE
Heating or cooling cannot be speeded up by
selecting a higher/lower temperature than
the actual temperature required.
A/C – ON/OFFThe air conditioning is con-
trolled automatically by the
system when the ON light is
on. This cools/heats and
dehumidifies the incoming air.
When the OFF light is on, the
air conditioning is always dis-
engaged. Other functions are still controlled
automatically. When defroster is selected, the
air conditioning system is set for maximum
blower speed and dehumidification.
DefrosterThis function defrosts/de-ices
the windshield and front side
windows. The indicator light
in the defroster button lights
when the function is active.
•Blower speed increases automatically and
the air conditioning will switch on (if not
already on and if the passenger compart-
ment blower is not turned off) to dehumid-
ify the air in the passenger compartment.
Air conditioning can be switched off by
pressing the AC button.
•Recirculation will not function while defrost
is engaged.
The climate system will return to its previous
settings when the defroster function is
switched off.
Recirculation/air quality system
Recirculation
This function can be used to
shut out exhaust fumes,
smoke, etc from the passen-
ger compartment. The air in
the passenger compartment
is then recirculated, i.e., no air
from outside the car is taken
into the car when this function is activated. The
indicator light in the button will illuminate when
recirculation is selected.
If the air in the car recirculates for too long,
there is a risk of condensation forming on the
insides of the windows, especially in winter.
TimerThe timer function minimizes the risk of fog-
ging, or stale air when the recirculation function
is selected by automatically switching off the
function after a certain length of time, depend-
ing on the ambient temperature. Activate/
deactivate the function under Climate control
settings
Recirculation timer. For a
description of the menu system, see
page 120.
NOTE
When Defroster is selected, recirculation is
always deactivated.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.129
Interior Air Quality System–IAQS*This system consists of a mul-
tifilter and an air quality sen-
sor. The filter helps remove
gases and particles from the
incoming air, thereby reduc-
ing the amounts of odors and
contaminants entering the
vehicle. The air quality sensor detects
increased levels of contaminants in the outside
air. When the air quality sensor detects conta-
minated outside air, the air intake closes and
the air inside the passenger compartment is
recirculated, i.e., no outside air enters the vehi-
cle. The filter also cleans recirculated passen-
ger compartment air. When the AUTO button
is depressed the air quality sensor is always
engaged.Activating the air quality sensorSwitch between the three
functions by pressing the but-
ton repeatedly.
•The left orange light comes on – the air
quality sensor is disengaged.
•The center green light comes on – recircu-
lation not engaged, providing it is not
required for cooling in hot weather.
•The right orange light comes on – recircu-
lation is engaged.
NOTE
•The air quality sensor should always be
engaged in order to obtain the best air
in the passenger compartment.
•Recirculation is limited in cold weather
to avoid fogging.
•If the insides of the windows start fog-
ging, disengage the air quality sensor.
Use the defroster function to increase
airflow to the front, side, and rear win-
dows.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
130
Air distribution table
Air distributionUseAir distributionUse
Air to windows. Some air
flows from the dashboard
air vents. The air is not
recirculated. Air condition-
ing is always engaged.To remove de-fog/de-
ice the front side win-
dows and windshield
quickly.Air to the floor and windows.
Some air flows from the
dashboard air vents.To ensure comfortable
conditions and good de-
fogging in cold or humid
weather.
Air to windshield and side
windows. Some air flows
from the air dashboard
vents.In cold or humid
weather (blower
speed should be
moderate to high).Air to floor and from dash-
board air vents.In sunny weather with
cool outside tempera-
tures.
Airflow to windows and
from dashboard air vents.To ensure good com-
fort in warm, dry
weather.Air to floor. Some air flows to
the dashboard air vents and
windows.To warm or cool the feet.
Airflow to the head and
chest from the dashboard
air vents.To ensure efficient
cooling in warm
weather.Airflow to windows, from
dashboard air vents and to
the floor.To cool the feet or pro-
vide warmer air to the
upper body in cold
weather or hot, dry
weather.
05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
05
193
Driving through water
•The vehicle can be driven through water up
to a depth of approximately 10 in. (25 cm),
at a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Take particular care when driving through
flowing water.
•Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water.
•When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
After driving through water, press lightly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes
are functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
•Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.
•If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than 10 in (25 cm), water may
enter the differential and the transmis-
sion. This reduces the oil's lubricating
capacity and may shorten the service
life of these components.
•Do not allow the vehicle to stand in
water up to the door sills longer than
absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
•If the engine has been stopped while the
vehicle is in water, do not attempt to
restart it. Have the vehicle towed out of
the water.
Engine and cooling systemUnder special conditions, for example when
driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with
heavy loads, there is a risk that the engine and
cooling system will overheat. Proceed as fol-
lows to avoid overheating the engine.
•Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep hills.
•Do not turn the engine off immediately
when stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to
operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine
has been switched off.
•Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of
the grille when driving in hot weather con-
ditions.
•Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm
if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil
temperature could become too high.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:
•When the engine is not running, avoid
using ignition mode II. Many electrical sys-
tems (the audio system, the optional navi-
gation system, power windows, etc) will
function in ignition modes 0 and I. These
modes reduce drain on the battery.
•Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc., that consume a great
deal of current when the engine is not run-
ning could result in the battery being com-
pletely drained.
•The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo
area provides electrical current even with
05 During your trip
Refueling
05
197 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane label
Volvo recommends premium fuel for best per-
formance, 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
Never carry a cell phone that is switched
on while refueling your vehicle. If the phone
rings, this may cause a spark that could
ignite gasoline fumes, resulting in fire and
injury.
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.