2012 VOLVO XC70 towing

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Park assist*
04
186* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Signals from the park assist system
View in the display (warning for objects front left/
right rear)
Visual indicatorThe audio system’s display gives an overview
of the vehicle’s position in relation to a
detected object.
The marked sectors in the display indicate that
one or more of the sensors has detected an
object. The closer the car symbol comes to a
sector, the closer the vehicle is to the object.
If the infotainment system is switched off, the
park assist system will not be able to provide a
visual indicator. An audible signal will still be
provided.
Audible signalThe Park Assist system uses an intermittent
tone that pulses faster as you come close to an
object, and becomes constant when you are
within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object
in front of or behind the vehicle. If there are
objects within this distance both behind and in
front of the vehicle, the tone alternates
between front and rear speakers.
NOTE
The level of the audible signal can be low-
ered/raised with the infotainment volume
control. The level can also be set in the MY
CAR menu system, see page 132.
If the volume of another source from the audio
system is high, this will be automatically low-
ered.
Rear park assist
G017833
The distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The audible signal
comes from the rear speakers.
The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc, which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Blind Spot Information System*
04
194* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
When does BLIS function
The system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
When you pass another vehicle:The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.
When you are passed by another vehicle:The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.
WARNING
•BLIS does not function in sharp curves.
•BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.
•If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness
Daylight
BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.
DarknessBLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.
WARNING
•BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.
•BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.
•The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, intense light directly into the
camera, dense fog, etc.
LimitationsIn certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s)
may illuminate even when there are no other
vehicles in the area monitored by the system.
NOTE
If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occa-
sionally even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the blind area, this does not indicate
a fault in the system.
In the event of a fault,
Blind spot syst.
Service required will be displayed.
The following are several examples of situa-
tions in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may
illuminate even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the area monitored by the system.
Light reflected from a wet road surface

260
Driving recommendations..................................................................... 262
Refueling............................................................................................... 266
Loading................................................................................................. 271
Cargo area ........................................................................................... 276
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 280
Emergency towing................................................................................ 283

06 During your trip
Refueling
06

267 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane label
Volvo recommends premium fuel for best per-
formance, but using 87 octane1 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 tochange gasoline brands to fully utilize your
engine'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.
1AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.

06 During your trip
Towing a trailer
06
280
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
NOTE
See page 355 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 table on
page 293.
•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 holder 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.

06 During your trip
Towing a trailer
06

281
NOTE
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. Always
follow the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendations for wheel chocking.
•When starting on a hill, put the gear
selector in D before releasing the park-
ing brake. See also page 122 for more
detailed information about starting off
on a hill while towing a trailer.
•If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make
sure the gear you select does not put
too much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).
•The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may
be rated for trailers heavier than the
vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer
weights.
•Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 15 %.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer
hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has
7 pins. Use an adapter cable approved by
Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on
the ground.
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
A
C
EDBG010496
Ball holder
Locking bolt
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
Safety 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.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also
included in the kit.
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to
help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer
when the vehicle and trailer have begun to
sway and is part of the Dynamic Stability and
Traction Control system (DSTC). See page
148 for information on DSTC.
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for
various reasons. Normally this only occurs at
high speeds but, for example, if the trailer is
overloaded or if the load is unevenly distributed
in the trailer, there is risk of swaying at speeds

06 During your trip
Towing a trailer
06
282
between approximately 45-55 mph (70-90 km/
h).
Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
•The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden,
strong crosswind
•The vehicle and trailer are traveling on an
uneven road surface or drive over a bump
•Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
•TSA intervenes at speeds above approxi-
mately 40 mph (60 km/h)
•The DSTC symbol () in the instru-
ment panel will flash when TSA is working
•If the driver switches off the DSTC sys-
tem's Spin Control function, TSA will also
be switched off (but will be on again the
next time the engine is started)
•TSA may not intervene when the vehicle
and trailer begin to sway if the driver tries
to compensate for the swaying motion by
moving the steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very diffi-
cult to stop, which makes it difficult to control
the vehicle and trailer.
The TSA system continuously monitors the
vehicle's movements, particularly lateralmovement. If the system detects a tendency to
sway, the brakes are applied individually on the
front wheels, which has a stabilizing effect on
the vehicle and trailer. This is often enough to
enable the driver to regain control of the vehi-
cle.
If this is not adequate to stop the swaying
motion, the brakes are applied to all of the
wheels on the vehicle and on the trailer if it is
equipped with brakes, and engine power is
temporarily reduced. As the swaying motion
begins to decrease and the vehicle-trailer have
once again become stable, TSA will no stop
regulating the brakes/engine power and the
driver regains control of the vehicle.

06 During your trip
Emergency towing
06

283 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 being
towed
•Attach jumper cables (see page 113) to
provide current for releasing the electric
parking brake and to move the gear selec-
tor from the P position to N.
•Be sure that the steering wheel lock is
released (see page 90).
•While the vehicle is being towed, set the
ignition in mode II if the battery is not