2011 VOLVO V50 emergency towing

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06

153 Severe strain on the brake system
The 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)
The 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 self-diagnostic test
when the engine is started and when the
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.
For optimal ABS braking effect:1. Press down on the brake pedal with full
force. The pedal will pulsate.
2. Steer the vehicle in the direction of travel
and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)
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 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.
If the warning lamp lights up there is a mal-
function of the ABS system (the standard brak-
ing system will still function) and the vehicle
should be driven cautiously to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician for inspec-
tion.
WARNING
If the BRAKES and ABS warning symbols
light at the same time, there may be a prob-
lem in the brake system. If the brake fluid
level is normal in these circumstances, drive
carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician to have the brake system
checked.
Emergency Brake Assistance – EBAEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. The system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake
system immediately increases to the maximum
level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal
in order to utilize the system completely. EBA
is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
158
Emergency towing
G021297
The towing eyelet (1) is located under the
floor of the cargo area.
Remove the cover over the openings for
the towing eyelet on the bumpers by prying
open the lower edge with a coin, etc.
Screw the towing eyelet in place 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 its storage
space.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground
WARNING
Volvo does not recommend towing a disa-
bled vehicle behind another vehicle. Signif-
icant difficulty in steering and braking, com-
bined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and
road conditions may make it impossible to
maintain vehicle control.
1. Apply the parking brake.
WARNING
Towing a vehicle with a locked steering
wheel will make the vehicle impossible to
steer.
2. Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the
steering wheel. The steering wheel must be
unlocked. With the engine off and the vehi-
cle at a standstill, great effort will be
required to turn the steering wheel.
3.
Turn the ignition key to position II.4. Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehi-
cles with automatic transmissions, follow
instruction on page 151, "Shiftlock over-
ride" to allow the gear selector to be moved
from the Park position.
5. Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal
while releasing the parking brake.
6. When towing has been completed, return
the gear selector to Park and apply the
parking brake.
The following points should also be
observed:
•Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never
exceed local towing speed limits and heed
all local towing restrictions.
•Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).
•Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
•The disabled vehicle should be towed in
the forward direction only.

12 Index
12
284
DSTC, stability system............................ 156
E
Economical driving.................................. 138
Electrical current – conserving................ 140
Electrically operated moonroof.................. 82
Electrical system...................................... 275
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)........................................................ 153
Electronic Climate Control......................... 93
air distribution table............................ 101
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)............... 98
Emergency brake..................................... 155
Emergency locking retractor...................... 38
Emergency starting.................................. 160
Emergency towing................................... 158
Emission inspection readiness................ 213
Engine
specifications...................................... 273
starting................................................ 146
starting with keyless drive.................. 148
Engine compartment overview................216Engine oil................................................. 217
changing............................................. 217
checking............................................. 217
specifications...................................... 272
volumes.............................................. 271
Environment............................................... 14
Equalizer, audio system........................... 245
Eyelets for anchoring loads..................... 119
F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 212
Flat tires
changing..................................... 190, 197
repairing with tire sealing system....... 192
Fluids and oils.......................................... 271
FM1/FM2 menu....................................... 246
Fog lights
front...................................................... 65
rear........................................................ 65
Front airbags.............................................. 24
disconnecting passenger’s side airbag 28
Front fog lights........................................... 65
Front seats............................................... 104
adjusting the head restraints.............. 107folding backrests................................ 104
manually operated.............................. 104
power.................................................. 105
Fuel filler door
unlocking.............................................. 66
Fuel gauge................................................. 54
Fuel requirements.................................... 142
Fuel tank volume.....................................271
Fuses, replacing......................................231G
Gasoline requirements............................. 142
Geartronic................................................ 150
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 183
Glove compartment................................. 112
locking................................................ 131
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)............184, 269
H
Hand brake (parking brake)..................... 155
Hazard warning flashers............................ 76