2012 VOLVO XC70 brake

03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
03
124* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Introduction
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is
released while driving down hills, the vehicle's
speed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm
(the normal engine braking effect). However, if
the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if
the vehicle is carrying a load, speed increases
despite the engine braking effect. In this situa-
tion, the brakes must be applied to reduce the
vehicle's speed.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on downhill gradients using
only the accelerator pedal, without applying
the brakes. The brake system functions auto-
matically to maintain a low and steady speed.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down
steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the
road may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and
is a supplementary braking aid. The driver
has full responsibility for driving in a safe
manner.
Function
•HDC can be switched on and off with the
button in the center console. An indicator
light in the button illuminates when HDC is
activated.
•The indicator light in the instrument
panel illuminates and a message is dis-
played when the system is controlling the
vehicle's speed.
•HDC only functions when first or reverse
gears are selected (1 will be shown in the
instrument panel display when first gear is
selected).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selector
is the D position.
Using HDC
HDC allows the car to roll forward at a maxi-
mum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph
(7 km/h) in reverse. However, the accelerator
pedal can be used to select any speed that is
possible in first or reverse gears. When the
accelerator pedal is released, speed is quickly
reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or 4 mph
(7 km/h), depending on the gear selected,
regardless of the hill's gradient. It is not nec-
essary to apply the brakes.
•The brake lights illuminate automatically
when HDC is controlling the vehicle's
speed.
•The driver can slow or stop the vehicle at
any time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
•The button on the center console is
pressed
•A gear higher than first gear is selected
•D is selected on vehicles with an automatic
transmission
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is
done while driving down a steep hill, the sys-
tem's braking effect will decrease gradually.

126* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Volvo Sensus........................................................................................ 128
Menus and messages........................................................................... 129
The MY CAR menus.............................................................................. 131
Climate system..................................................................................... 137
Trip computer........................................................................................ 146
Stability system..................................................................................... 148
Active chassis system–Four C*............................................................. 150
Cruise control........................................................................................ 151
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*............................................................ 153
Distance Alert* ..................................................................................... 163
City Safety™ ........................................................................................ 166
Collision warning with Full Auto-brake and Pedestrian Detection*...... 171
Driver Alert System* ............................................................................. 179
Park assist*........................................................................................... 185
Rear Park Assist Camera (PAC)* .......................................................... 189
Blind Spot Information System*............................................................ 193
Passenger compartment convenience................................................. 197

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Stability system
04
149
Symbols and messages in the main instrument panel
SymbolMessageDescription
DSTC Temporarily OFFThe DSTC system function has been temporarily reduced due to high brake disc temperature. DSTC
reactivates automatically when the brakes have cooled.
DSTC Service requiredThe DSTC system is not functioning properly.
•Stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine and restart it.
•If the message is still displayed when the engine has restarted, drive to an authorized Volvo work-
shop to have the system inspected.
and
"Message"Read the message in the information display
Steady glow for 2 secs.The system is performing a self-diagnostic test.
Flashing symbolDSTC is actively functioning to help counteract wheel spin and/or a skid.
-Sport mode has been activated.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help
improve driving safety. It supplements, but
can never replace, the driver's judgment
and responsibility when operating the vehi-
cle. Speed and driving style should always
be adapted to traffic and road conditions.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Cruise control
04

151 Operation
Steering wheel-mounted controls and display
Standby mode
Resume set speed
Deactivating
Activate/set speed
Set speed indicator (parentheses indicate
standby mode)
Engaging the cruise control functionBefore a speed can be set, the cruise control
system must be engaged (put in standby
mode).

Press the
symbol (1).>
The symbol
illuminates and the text
(---) mph (5) indicates that cruise con-
trol is in standby mode.
NOTE
•Putting cruise control in standby mode
does not set a cruising speed.
•When cruise control is in standby mode,
the driver's seat belt must be fastened
before a cruising speed can be set.
Setting a speed
Use the or buttons set the vehicle's cur-
rent speed. The set speed is shown in the dis-
play.
NOTE
Cruise control cannot be engaged at
speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h).
Adjusting the set speedAfter a speed has been set, it can be increased
or decreased by using the
or buttons.
1.
Press and hold down
or until the
vehicle reaches the desired speed.
> This will become the set speed when the
button is released.2.
Press
or for approximately a half
second and release the button to increase
or decrease vehicle speed by approxi-
mately 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
NOTE
•A temporary increase in speed by
pressing the accelerator pedal, for less
than 1 minute (e.g. when passing
another car), does not affect the current
cruise control setting. The vehicle will
automatically return to the previously
set speed when the accelerator pedal is
released.
•If one of the cruise control buttons is
kept depressed for more than approx.
1 minute cruise control is disengaged.
The engine must then be switched off in
order to reset cruise control.
Automatic deactivationCruise control is automatically deactivated
temporarily if one of the following occurs:
•If the speed drops below approximately
20 mph (30 km/h).
•When the brake pedal is depressed.
•If the gear selector is moved to position N.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
154* 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 158.
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 172) 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 157 for more information.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.155
WARNING
Adaptive Cruise Control only warns of vehi-
cles detected by the radar sensor, see
page 158. In some cases there may be no
warning or the warning may be delayed. The
driver should always apply the brakes when
necessary.
Steep inclines and/or heavy loadsACC is primarily intended for use on fairly level
roads. The system may have difficulty main-
taining the correct distance to a vehicle ahead
on steep inclines, if the vehicle is carrying a
heavy load or is towing a trailer. In these situa-
tions, the driver should always be prepared to
apply the brakes if necessary.
Operation
Controls and display
Resume previous settings, increase speed
(each additional press increases speed by
1 mph (approximately 2 km/h).
Standby mode on/off
Set time interval
Put in active mode and set a speed
Set speed (parentheses indicate standby
mode)
Time interval while it is being set
Time interval after it has been set
Putting ACC in standby modeBefore ACC can be used to regulate speed
and/or the distance to a vehicle ahead, it must
first be put in standby mode.
To do so:
Press
.
The
symbol appears in the display and
parentheses (---) indicate that ACC is in
standby mode.
NOTE
The driver's door must be closed and the
driver's seat belt must be fastened before
ACC can be put in active mode. If the driv-
er's seat belt is taken off or if the driver's
door is opened, ACC will return to standby
mode.
Setting a speedOnce ACC has been put in standby mode, use
the
or buttons to store (set) the vehicle's
current speed. This puts the system in active
mode. The set speed, for example 55 mph, is
shown in the display.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.157
Standby mode due to action by the driverACC is temporarily deactivated and put in
standby mode:
•when the brakes are applied
•if the driver's seat belt is taken off
•If the driver's door is opened
•if the gear selector is moved to N
•if the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than 1 minute.
NOTE
If the accelerator pedal is only depressed for
a short time, such as when passing another
vehicle, ACC is deactivated temporarily and
is reactivated when the pedal is released.
Automatic standby modeAdaptive cruise control is linked to other sys-
tems such as the stability and traction control
system (DSTC). If this system is not functioning
properly, adaptive cruise control is automati-
cally deactivated and will go into standby
mode.
In the event of automatic deactivation, an audi-
ble signal will sound and the message
Cruise
control Cancelled is shown in the display.
The driver must then intervene and adapt the
vehicle's speed to the surrounding traffic and
regulate the distance to the vehicle ahead.An automatic switch to standby mode may be
caused if:
•the wheels lose traction
•brake temperature is high
•the radar sensor is obstructed by, for
example, wet snow or rain.
Queue Assist*The following functions are linked to your vehi-
cle's automatic transmission and comprise the
Queue Assist feature.
Please note that the lowest speed that can be
set is 18 mph (30 km/h), although ACC can
maintain a set speed/distance to a vehicle
ahead down to a standstill. Queue Assist con-
sists of the following features:
Enhanced speed intervalYour vehicle can maintain the set time interval
to the vehicle ahead at any permissible speed,
including a complete stop.
In order to activate ACC at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h):
•The vehicle ahead must be within a rea-
sonable distance (not farther away than
approx. 100 ft/30 meters)
•The lowest speed that can be selected is
18 mph (30 km/h), although ACC will also
help maintain the set time interval to thevehicle ahead at lower speeds, including a
complete stop.
During short stops (less than approximately
3 seconds) in slow-moving traffic, your vehicle
will begin moving again automatically as soon
as the vehicle ahead begins to move.
If it takes more than 3 seconds for the vehicle
ahead to begin moving, ACC will be automati-
cally go into standby mode.
The driver will then have to reactivate ACC in
one of the following ways:
•By pressing
•By accelerating up to at least 3 mph
(4 km/h)
Your vehicle will then resume following the
vehicle ahead at the set time interval.
NOTE
ACC can remain active and keep your vehi-
cle at a standstill for up to 2 minutes. After
2 minutes have elapsed, the parking brake
will be engaged and ACC will go into
standby mode.
To reactivate ACC, the driver must release
the parking brake (see page 122) and press
.

04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
158* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Automatic standby mode when ACC
changes target vehicles
If the vehicle ahead turns suddenly, there may be
a stationary vehicle ahead
The following only applies at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km/h):
If ACC changes target vehicles (the vehicle that
the radar sensor has detected) from a moving
vehicle to a stationary one, the system will
apply the brakes in your vehicle.
WARNING
At speeds above 18 mph (30 km/h), ACC
will not react to a stationary vehicle and
apply the brakes but will instead accelerate
to the previously set speed. The driver must
actively apply the brakes to stop the vehicle.
ACC disengages and goes into standby mode
if:
•Your vehicle's speed goes below 10 mph
(15 km/h) and ACC cannot determine if the
target object is a stationary vehicle or some
other type of object such as e.g., a speed
bump.
•Your vehicle's speed goes below 10 mph
(15 km/h) and the vehicle ahead turns so
that ACC no longer has a target vehicle to
follow.
No automatic braking when at a
standstill
In certain situations, ACC will no longer apply
the brakes and go into standby mode while the
vehicle is not moving. This means that the
driver will have to apply the brakes.
This happens if:
•The driver presses the brake pedal
•The parking brake is activated
•The gear selected is moved to P,N or R
•The driver presses the button to put
ACC in standby mode
The parking brake is applied
automatically
In certain situations, ACC will apply the parking
brake in order to continue keeping the vehicle
at a standstill.
This happens if:
•The driver opens the door or takes off
his/her seat belt
•DSTC is put in Sport mode (see page 148)
•ACC has kept the vehicle at a standstill for
more than 2 minutes
•The engine has been switched off
•The brakes have overheated
Turning ACC off completely
•From standby mode, press once.
•From active mode, press twice.
The set speed and time interval are then
cleared from the system's memory and cannot
be resumed by pressing
.
The radar sensor and its limitations
In addition to being used by ACC, the radar
sensor is also used by Distance Alert (see
page 163) and Collision Warning with Full
Auto-brake and Pedestrian Detection (see
page 171). This sensor is designed to detect
cars or larger vehicles driving in the same
direction as your vehicle, in the same lane.