04 Driver support
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.137 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 148).
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 Driver support
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
138* 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 143.
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 158) 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 141 for more information.
04 Driver support
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.141
Standby mode due to action by the driverACC is temporarily deactivated and put in
standby mode:
•if the brakes are applied
•if the gear selector is moved to N
•if the driver drives at a speed higher than
the set speed for more than 1 minute.
In this happens, the driver will have to regulate
the vehicle's speed.
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 thevehicle's speed to the surrounding traffic and
regulate the distance to the vehicle ahead.
An automatic switch to standby mode may be
caused if:
•engine speed (rpm) is too high/low
•the vehicle's speed goes below 18 mph
(30 km/h)3
•the wheels lose traction
•brake temperature is high
•the radar sensor is obstructed by, for
example, wet snow or rain.
Resuming the set speedIf ACC is in standby mode, it can be reactivated
by pressing the
button on the steering
wheel keypad. The vehicle will return to the
most recently set speed.
WARNING
The vehicle may accelerate quickly after has been pressed if its current speed is
considerably lower than the set speed.
Passing another vehicleIf your vehicle’s speed is being regulated by
ACC and the driver indicates that he/she would
like to pass the vehicle ahead by using theleft turn signal, ACC can assist by accelerating
briefly.
This function is active at speeds above approx-
imately 45 mph (70 km/h).
WARNING
Please be aware that this function will also
cause the vehicle to accelerate briefly in
certain situations other than passing
another vehicle, for example using the left
turn signal to indicate a lane change or a
turn toward a highway exit at speeds above
approximately 45 mph (70 km/h).
Queue AssistQueue Assist is an added ACC feature that is
linked to your vehicle's automatic transmis-
sion.
Queue Assist consists of the following func-
tions:
•Enhanced speed interval (including when
the vehicle is at a complete stop or is mov-
ing at speed below 18 mph (30 km/h))
•Automatic standby mode when ACC
changes target vehicles
•No automatic braking when at a standstill
•The parking brake is applied automatically
3Does not apply to vehicles equipped with the optional Queue Assist