04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.155 Introduction
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an optional
system designed to assist the driver by main-
taining a set speed or a set time interval to the
vehicle ahead. It is primarily intended for use
on long straight roads in steady traffic, such as
on highways and other main roads.
When the driver has set the desired speed and
the time interval to the vehicle ahead, ACC
functions as follows:
•If there are no other vehicles in the lane
ahead of you, your vehicle will travel at the
set speed.
•If ACC's radar sensor detects a slower
moving vehicle in the lane ahead, the sys-
tem will adapt your vehicle's speed to help
maintain the set time interval to the vehicle
ahead. When there are no longer slower
moving vehicles ahead, your vehicle will
accelerate to resume the set speed.
If ACC is switched off completely or in standby
mode and your vehicle comes too close to
another vehicle ahead, the driver will be
warned by the Distance Alert system (see
page 165).
WARNING
•Adaptive Cruise Control cannot cover
all driving situations and traffic, weather
and road conditions. The "Function"
section provides information about lim-
itations that the driver must be aware of
before using this feature.
•This system is designed to be a supple-
mentary driving aid. It is not, however,
intended to replace the driver's atten-
tion and judgement. The driver is
responsible for maintaining a safe dis-
tance and speed and must intervene if
Adaptive Cruise Control does not main-
tain a suitable speed or suitable dis-
tance to the vehicle ahead.
•Maintenance of ACC components may
only be performed by a trained and
qualified Volvo technician.
Function
Function overview1
Warning light, braking by driver required
Controls in steering wheel
Radar sensor in front grille
Adaptive Cruise Control consists of:
•A cruise control system to maintain a set
speed
•A system to maintain a set distance to the
vehicle ahead, which is expressed as a
time interval. For example, you can choose
to remain approximately 2 seconds behind
the vehicle ahead. The actual distance
required to maintain a 2-second interval
will vary according the speed of the vehi-
cles.
1The illustration is schematic; details will vary, depending on the model
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
156* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
•Adaptive Cruise Control is not a colli-
sion avoidance system. The driver is
always responsible for applying the
brakes if the system does not detect
another vehicle.
•Adaptive Cruise Control does not react
to people or animals, or small vehicles
such as bicycles and motorcycles. It
also does not react to slow moving,
parked or approaching vehicles, or sta-
tionary objects.
•Do not use Adaptive Cruise Control in
demanding driving conditions such as
city driving or other heavy traffic situa-
tions, in slippery conditions, when there
is a great deal of water or slush on the
road, during heavy rain or snow, in poor
visibility, on winding roads or on high-
way on- or off-ramps.
The distance to the vehicle ahead (in the same
lane) is monitored by a radar sensor. Your vehi-
cle's speed is regulated by accelerating and
braking. The brakes may emit a sound when
they are being modulated by the adaptive
cruise control system. This is normal.
WARNING
The brake pedal moves when the adaptive
cruise control system modulates the
brakes. Do not rest your foot under the
brake pedal.
The ACC system is designed to smoothly reg-
ulate speed. However, the driver must apply
the brakes in situations that require immediate
braking. This applies when there are great dif-
ferences in speed between vehicles, or if the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
WARNING
Due to limitations in the radar sensor, brak-
ing may occur unexpectedly or not at all,
see page 160.
Adaptive Cruise Control can be put in active
mode at any permitted speed. However, if the
vehicle's speed falls below 18 mph (30 km/h)
or if engine speed (rpm) becomes too low, ACC
disengages (goes into standby mode) and will
no longer modulate the brakes
2. The driver will
then have to maintain a safe distance to the
vehicle ahead.
WARNING
When Adaptive Cruise Control is in standby
mode or is switched off completely, the
brakes will not be modulated automatically.
The driver must assume full control over the
vehicle.
Warning light—driver braking requiredAdaptive Cruise Control can exert brake force
that is equivalent to approximately 40% of the
vehicle's total braking capacity. In situations
requiring more brake force than ACC can pro-
vide and if the driver does not apply the brakes,
an audible signal from the Collision Warning
system will sound and warning light will illumi-
nate (see page 174) in the windshield to alert
the driver to react.
NOTE
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light
contrasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the
driver is not looking straight ahead may
make the visual warning signal in the wind-
shield difficult to see.
2Does not apply to vehicles with the optional Queue Assist. See page 159 for more information.
