2012 VOLVO XC90 Owner´s Manual

05 Locks and alarm
Locking and unlocking
05
129
G028485
Unlocking the tailgateThe tailgate lock is incorporated in the central
locking system and is locked or unlocked when
all doors are locked/unlocked.
The tailgate can be unlocked by:
•Pressing UNLOCK on the remote key
twice.
•Using the central locking button on the
driver's door.
•Pressing the remote key's tailgate unlock
button (see the illustration).
•Relock the tailgate using the remote's
LOCK button.
Automatic relockingIf you use the tailgate unlock button to unlock
the tailgate without opening it, it will automati-
cally relock after approximately 2 minutes.
NOTE
If you open the tailgate and close it again, it
will remain unlocked and the alarm will not
be rearmed. Press the lock button on the
remote key to relock the tailgate and rearm
the alarm.

05 Locks and alarm
Child safety locks
05
130* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
G021513
Child safety locks in the rear doors
Manual child safety locks – rear doors/
tailgate
The controls are located on the rear door jambs
and at the lower edge of the tailgate. Use a key
or small screwdriver to adjust these controls.
The door/tailgate cannot be opened
from the inside. The door/tailgate can be
opened from the outside.
The door/tailgate locks function nor-
mally.
G021512
Child safety lock in the tailgate
WARNING
Remember, in the event of an accident, the
rear seat passengers cannot open the doors
from the inside with the buttons in position
A.
REAR
AC
G027105
Power child locks*To prevent the rear doors from being opened
from the inside:
1. Turn the vehicle's ignition key to at least
position 1.
2. Press the button shown above.
Indicator light in the button ON: the doors
cannot be opened from the inside. Normal
operation from the outside.
Indicator light in the button OFF: the doors
can be opened from the inside.

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm
05
131
The alarm is automatically armed whenever
you lock your vehicle.
When armed, the alarm continuously monitors
a number of points on the vehicle. The follow-
ing conditions will set off the alarm:
•The hood is forced open.
•The tailgate is forced open.
•A door is forced open.
•The ignition switch is tampered with.
•If there is movement in the passenger com-
partment (if the vehicle is equipped with
the optional movement sensor).
•The vehicle is lifted or towed (if the vehicle
is equipped with the optional inclination
sensor).
•The battery is disconnected (while the
alarm is armed).
•The siren is disconnected when the alarm
is disarmed.
Arming the alarm1.
Press the LOCK button on the remote key.
2. Lock the vehicle using the key blade in the
driver's door or press the central lock but-
ton on the driver's door with the door open.
One long flash of the turn signals will confirm
that the alarm is armed.
Disarming the alarmPress the UNLOCK button on the remote key
or unlock the doors with the key blade.
Turning off (stopping) the alarmIf the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the remote
key or by unlocking the driver's door with the
key blade.
Visual alarm signalThe visual alarm signal is given by flashing all
turn signals and turning on the interior lighting
for approximately 5 minutes.
Audible alarm signalAn audible alarm signal is given by a battery
powered siren. One alarm cycle lasts for
25 seconds.
"Panic" buttonIn an emergency situation, this feature can be
used to attract attention.
Activate the "panic" button by pressing the red
button on the remote key ( see page 125 for
illustration) for at least 3 seconds or by press-
ing this button twice within 3 seconds. The turn
signals will flash, and the vehicle's horn will
sound.
The function can be turned off by pressing any
of the buttons on the remote key or will stopautomatically after 25 seconds. When a button
is pressed, there is a 5 second delay before the
panic alarm is deactivated.
NOTE
This button will NOT unlock the vehicle.
LED alarm status signalsThe status of the alarm system is indicated by
the red LED at the top of the dash:
•LED off – the alarm is not armed
•LED flashes once per second – the alarm
is armed
•LED flashes rapidly before the ignition is
switched on – the alarm has been triggered
•Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has
been detected in the alarm system, a mes-
sage will be displayed in the text window.
Contact a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician.
Automatic re-lock/re-arm systemIf the vehicle is unlocked with the remote, the
vehicle will re-lock and the alarm will re-arm
after 2 minutes unless a door or the tailgate has
been opened.

132* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
General information............................................................................... 134
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 135
Refueling............................................................................................... 137
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 139
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 141
Economical driving................................................................................ 142
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 143
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 144
Jump starting........................................................................................ 147
All Wheel Drive*..................................................................................... 148
Brake system........................................................................................ 149
Parking brake........................................................................................ 152
Stability system..................................................................................... 153
Front/rear park assist*........................................................................... 155
Towing.................................................................................................. 157
Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 159
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 162
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 163
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 164
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 165
Blind Spot Information System*............................................................ 166

STARTING AND DRIVING

06 Starting and driving
General information
06
134
Engine oil
Although some oil consumption occurs during
normal engine operation, more oil is consumed
when the engine is new as the internal parts
generate higher friction while wearing-in to
each other. From the time the engine is new
until the first maintenance is performed, the oil
consumption could be higher than normal. For
this reason, it is especially important to check
the oil regularly during this period, see
page 215.
Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits. Detergent
gasoline is effective in keeping injectors and
intake valves clean. Consistent use of deposit
control gasolines will help ensure good driva-
bility and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station oper-
ator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of exter-
nal fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliv-
ering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEA-
DED". Only these pumps have nozzles which
fit your vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dis-
pense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline
damages the three-way catalytic converter and
the heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated
use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effective-
ness of the emission control system and could
result in loss of emission warranty coverage.
State and local vehicle inspection programs
will make detection of misfueling easier, pos-
sibly resulting in emission test failure for mis-
fueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affec-
ted, and the Check Engine Light (malfunc-
tion indicator lamp) located on your instru-
ment panel may light. If this occurs, please
return your vehicle to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician for maintenance.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 135 must still be met.
Alcohol – Ethanol: Fuels containing up to 10%
ethanol by volume may be used. Ethanol may
also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gaso-
hol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15%
MTBE may be used.

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06

135 Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane label
Volvo recommends premium for best perform-
ance, 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
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 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
136
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment.
•If the tailgate must be kept open for any
reason, proceed as follows:
•Close the windows
•Set the ventilation system control to air
flow to floor, windshield and side win-
dows and blower control to its highest
setting.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws
require that the service pump be marked indi-
cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,
there are areas in which the pumps are
unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is
alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check
with the service station operator. To meet sea-
sonal air quality standards, some areas require
the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
on page 135 must still be met.
Alcohol – EthanolFuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to
as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to
15% MTBE may be used.
MethanolDo not use gasolines containing methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice
can result in vehicle performance deterioration
and can damage critical parts in the fuel sys-
tem. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the
risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these
properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less
the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommendedpressure according to the vehicle load. See
"Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity
weight or maximum permissible axle loads are
not exceeded.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:
•When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II (see
page 141). Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional infotainment/
navigation systems, power windows, etc)
will function with the ignition key in position
I. This position reduces drain on the bat-
tery.
•Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc that consume a great deal
of current when the engine is not running
could result in the battery being completely
drained. Driving or having the engine run-
ning for approximately 15 minutes will help
keep the battery charged.
NOTE
A warning message will be displayed in the
text window in the instrument panel when
the battery charge is low.