2011 VOLVO XC70 warning

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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.211 Introduction
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is
determined by factors such as the number of
passengers, the amount of cargo, the weight
of any accessories that may be installed, etc.
To increase loading space, the rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down, see page 84.
When loading the cargo area, keep the follow-
ing in mind:
•Load objects in the cargo area against the
backrest whenever possible.
•Unstable loads can be secured to the load
anchoring eyelets with straps or web lash-
ings to help keep them from shifting.
•Stop the engine and apply the parking
brake when loading or unloading long
objects. The gear selector can be knocked
out of position by long loads, which could
set the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
•Stop the engine, put the gear selector in
P, and apply the parking brake when
loading or unloading long objects.
•The vehicle's driving characteristics
may change depending on the weight
and distribution of the load.
•A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a
force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a
head-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
•The cargo area and rear seat should not
be loaded to a level higher than 2 in.
(5 cm) below the upper edge of the rear
side windows. Objects placed higher
than this level could impede the func-
tion of the Inflatable Curtain.
Power tailgate*
G017876
Power tailgate closing button
Automatic openingThe power tailgate can be opened automati-
cally in the three ways:
•By pressing and holding the but-
ton on the lighting panel until the tailgate
begins to open.
•By pressing and holding the button
on the remote key until the tailgate begins
to open.
•By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the
automatic open function is used.

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212
CAUTION
Be sure that there is adequate space above
and behind the vehicle before opening the
tailgate automatically.
The vehicle should not be driven or moved
with the tailgate in the open position. How-
ever, if the vehicle is moved with the tailgate
in the open position, the automatic closing
function will be inoperative until one of the
following occurs:
•The tailgate is closed manually
•The ignition is switched off and the key
is removed for approximately 10
minutes (the tailgate will function again
after restart).
NOTE
If the tailgate has been opened and closed
continuously for more than 90 seconds, the
automatic function will be deactivated to
avoid overloading the electrical system. The
automatic function can be used again after
approximately 10 minutes.
Automatic closingThe power tailgate can be closed by pressing
the
button on the tailgate (see the illus-
tration) or by pressing it down.
NOTE
If the tailgate is pressed down e.g., by the
weight of snow or strong wind, it will close
automatically.
WARNING
Be sure that no one is near the tailgate when
it is opened or closed automatically. The
tailgate should never be obstructed in any
way when it is operated.
Interrupting automatic opening/closingAutomatic opening or closing the tailgate can
be interrupted in four ways:
•By pressing the button on the
lighting panel.
•By pressing the button on the
remote key for several seconds.
•By pressing the button on the lower edge
of the tailgate.
•By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate
a second time.
If one of these actions is taken:
•While the tailgate is being opened, the
electrical function will be switched off andthe tailgate will be released from the elec-
trical system.
•While the tailgate is being closed, it will
return to the fully open position.
Pinch protectionIf the tailgate is obstructed while it is being
operated, the pinch protection function is acti-
vated.
•If the tailgate is being opened, the electri-
cal function will be switched off and the
tailgate will be released from the electrical
system.
•If the tailgate is being closed, it will move
in the opposite direction.
Operating the tailgate manuallyThe power tailgate can be disconnected from
the vehicle’s electrical system by quickly pull-
ing the outer handle twice. The tailgate can
then be opened/closed manually.
Folding down the rear seat backrests
The rear seat backrests can be folded down for
additional loading space. See page 85 for infor-
mation.

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213 Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the
vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., to help
anchor items in the cargo area.
WARNING
•Cover sharp edges on long loads to help
prevent injury to occupants. Secure the
load to help prevent shifting during sud-
den stops.
•Always secure large and heavy objects
with a seat belt or cargo retaining
straps.
•Always secure the load to help prevent
it from moving in the event of sudden
stops.
•Switch off the engine, apply the parking
brake and put the gear selector in P
when loading and unloading the vehicle.
Cargo area floor rails and hooks
Load secured in upper and lower hooks
The floor of the cargo compartment has rails
on opposite sides of the vehicle equipped with
hooks for anchoring loads with straps, nets,
etc.
Cleaning the railsDirt or other small objects that collect in the
rails can make moving, locking, unlocking, and
removing the hooks more difficult. Objects can
be removed from the rails with a vacuum
cleaner, and the rails can be cleaned with a
moist cloth.
Moving the load anchoring hooks
G017742
To move a hook, fold it down in the direc-
tion in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move it to
the desired position.

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214
Fold up the hook. It will lock in place.
NOTE
There should be at least 2 in. (50 cm)
between the hooks in the rail.
WARNING
Switch off the engine, apply the parking
brake and put the gear selector in P when
loading and unloading the vehicle.
Removing a hook
G018134
The load-securing hooks can easily be
removed, for example, to clean the rail.
To remove a hook, fold it down in the direc-
tion in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move the
it to an opening in the rail.
Pull the hook straight up.
Replace a hook in the rail in the reverse order.
NOTE
In order to return a removed hook into a rail,
it must be pressed down lightly.
Reinserting a hook
G019581
Upper illustration: hooks correctly installed, Lower
illustration: hooks incorrectly installed
It is important to insert the hooks correctly in
the rails. The hooks' openings should point
away from each other.
•The opening on the hook closest to the rear
seat backrest should point toward the
backrest.
•The opening on the hook closest to the
tailgate should point toward the tailgate.
WARNING
The hooks must be installed correctly in the
rail. Incorrectly installed hooks will be folded
down by the strap, allowing them to move.
The load will then no longer be securely
anchored.
Straps for securing loads
G019397
Securing loads
Wrapping straps a full turn around the hooks
helps keep them in place.

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Cargo area
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218
Attaching the cassette(s)
The two-sections of the net are attached to the
rear side of the rear seat backrest. The cas-
settes have different widths, and the widest
section should be mounted on the right side
(seen from the rear of the vehicle).
1. Fold down the rear seat backrests.
2. Align the cassette’s mounting rail above
the mounting brackets on the backrest
.
3. Slide the cassette onto the mounting
brackets
.
4. Return the backrest to the upright position.
Using the net(s)
G018246
With the backrests uprightThe net is pulled up from the cassette and locks
in position after approximately 1 minute.
Pull up the right side of the net by grasping
its strap.
Insert the net’s rod in the retaining bracket
on the right side near the ceiling and press
it forward. It will click into place.
Extend the left section of the rod and insert
it in the bracket on the left side of the cargo
compartment. Press it forward until it clicks
into place.
Pull up the left side of the cargo net and
secure it on the rod.
NOTE
•The net can be fastened in the same
way if the rear seat backrests are folded
down. In this case, use the retaining
brackets near the ceiling, above the
front seats.
•The front passenger's seat backrest
can also be folded down for carrying
long objects, see page 81.
Removing the cargo net cassettes1. Retract the net(s) in the reverse order.
2. Fold the entire rear seat backrest down.
3. Slide the cassettes outward until they
release from the mounting brackets.
WARNING
•When not in use, return the cassettes to
their storage compartment under the
cargo area floor.
•Objects in the cargo area should be
securely anchored, even if the cargo net
is correctly installed and in use.

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Towing a trailer
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220
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
NOTE
See page 295 for the maximum trailer and
tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
•Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
•All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this
bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:
•Increase tire pressure to recommended full
pressure. See the tire inflation tables
beginning on page 231.
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).
•Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watchedwhen driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.
•If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the text window.
•Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.
•Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.
•It is necessary to balance trailer brakes
with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a
safe stop (check and observe state/local
regulations).
•Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.
•More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.
•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.
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 your nearest author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.
•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.

05 During your trip
Emergency towing
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222
Towing eyelet
G017464
Location of the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyeletThe towing eyelet is located under the floor
of the cargo area, with the spare tire. This
eyelet must be screwed into the positions
provided on the right sides of either the
front or rear bumper (see illustration).
There are two different types of covers over
the openings for the towing eyelet and they
have to be opened differently.
•If the cover has a notch, insert a coin,
etc., into the notch and pry open the
edge of the cover. Open the cover com-
pletely and remove it.
•If the cover has a mark along one edge
or in a corner, press the mark while pry-
ing out the opposite side/corner using a
coin, etc. Open the cover and remove it.
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
location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back
into position.
NOTE
On certain models equipped with a trailer
hitch, the towing eyelet cannot be screwed
into the hole in the rear bumper. The towing
rope should be attached to the trailer hitch
instead. For this reason, the detachable
section of the trailer hitch should be safely
stowed in the vehicle at all times.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be used
to pull the vehicle up onto the flat bed.
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 con-
siderably higher pressure will be
required on the brake pedal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling the 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.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
•Attach jumper cables (see page 109) to
provide current for releasing the optional
electric parking brake and to move the gear
selector from the P position.
•The gear selector must be in position N.
•Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not
exceed the maximum allowable towing
speed.

05 During your trip
Emergency towing
05
223
•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.
WARNING
The ignition key should always be fully
inserted in the ignition slot when the vehicle
is being towed to help prevent the steering
wheel from locking.
On vehicles with the optional keyless drive,
the remote key must be in the passenger
compartment and the driver's door must be
closed.
NOTE
During towing, ignition mode II should be
used so that the lighting can be switched on.
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the
front wheels off the ground should not be
towed at speeds above 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 109).
•If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to pull the vehicle up onto the flat
bed or to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/
All Wheel Drive
Volvo 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 vehi-
cle with the front wheels on the ground,please refer to the towing information on
page 222.
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.