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Driving recommendations
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270
General information
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts andstops and adjusting the speed of your vehicleto immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
• Bring the engine to normal operating tem- perature as soon as possible by drivingwith a light foot on the accelerator pedalfor the first few minutes of operation. Acold engine uses more fuel and is subjectto increased wear.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the vehi-cle for driving short distances. This doesnot allow the engine to reach normaloperating temperature.
• Drive carefully and avoid rapid accelera-tion and hard braking.
• Use the transmission's Drive (
D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 1
may increase fuel consumption some-what. Use the transmission's Drive ( D)
position as often as possible. See page 125 for additional information about Sportmode.
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extraload) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snowor ice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,increase air resistance and also fuel con-sumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-tion will be lower with the air conditioningon and the windows closed than with theair conditioning off and the windowsopen.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuelconsumption modes can help you learnhow to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are: • Dirty air cleaner
• Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
• Dragging brakes
• Incorrect front end alignment Some of the above mentioned items and oth- ers are checked at the standard maintenanceintervals.WARNING
Driving with the trunk open:
Driving with
the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passengercompartment. If the trunk must be keptopen 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 the blower control to itshighest setting.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe trunk, the less the tendency to under-steer.
1
Certain models only.
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Driving recommendations
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271
Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pres- sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the recom-mended pressure according to the vehicleload. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loadsshould be distributed so that capacity weightor maximum permissible axle loads are notexceeded.
Driving through water
•The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 10 in.(25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph(10 km/h).
• Take particular care when driving throughflowing water.
• Clean the electrical connections for trailerwiring after driving in mud or water.
• When driving through water, maintain lowspeed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING
•Avoid driving through standing or rushing water. Doing so can be dan-gerous and it may also be difficult todetermine the actual depth of thewater.
• If water cannot be avoided, after driv-ing through the water, press lightly onthe brake pedal to ensure that thebrakes are functioning normally. Wateror mud can make the brake liningsslippery, resulting in delayed brakingeffect.
CAUTION
• Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• If the vehicle is driven through waterdeeper than 10 in (25 cm), water mayenter the differential and the transmis-sion. This reduces the oil's lubricatingcapacity and may shorten the servicelife of these components.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand inwater up to the door sills longer thanabsolutely necessary. This could resultin electrical malfunctions.
• If the engine has been stopped whilethe vehicle is in water, do not attemptto restart it. Have the vehicle towedout of the water.
Engine and cooling systemUnder special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or withheavy loads, there is a risk that the engineand cooling system will overheat. Proceed asfollows to avoid overheating the engine. •
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
• Do not turn the engine off immediatelywhen stopping after a hard drive.
07 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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272
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after theengine has been switched off.
•Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weatherconditions.
• Do not exceed engine speeds of4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hillyterrain. The oil temperature could becometoo high.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode
II. Many electrical
systems (the audio system, the optionalnavigation system, power windows, etc)will function in ignition modes 0 and I.
These modes reduce drain on the battery.
• Please keep in mind that using systems,accessories, etc., that consume a greatdeal of current when the engine is notrunning could result in the battery beingcompletely drained. Driving or having theengine running for approximately15 minutes will help keep the batterycharged.
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician before driving long dis-tances. Your retailer will also be able to sup-ply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs andwiper blades for your use in the event thatproblems occur. As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage
• Have the transmission oil level checked.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (the spare tire aswell), and replace those that are worn.Check tire pressures.
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, andsteering gear should be checked by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legallyrequired in some states/provinces.
• Have a word with a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficultto obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will bedriving through an area where snow or iceare likely to occur, consider snow tires.
Cold weather precautionsIf you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the followingadvice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant con- tains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). The use of "recycled"antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Dif-ferent types of antifreeze must not bemixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensa-tion in the tank. In addition, in extremelycold weather conditions it is worthwhileto add fuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is impor-tant. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil)improves cold-weather starting as well asdecreasing fuel consumption while theengine is warming up. Full synthetic
07 During your trip
Loading
07
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.279
Introduction
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number ofpassengers, the amount of cargo, the weightof any accessories that may be installed, etc. To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests can be folded down, see page 91. When loading the trunk, keep the following in mind:
The trunk lid can be unlocked anpopped open slightly via the buttonlocated on the lighting panel, see
page 70.
• Load objects in the trunk against the backrest whenever possible.
• Unstable loads can be secured to theload anchoring eyelets with straps or weblashings to help keep them from shifting.
• Stop the engine and apply the parkingbrake when loading or unloading longobjects. The gear selector can beknocked out of position by long loads,which could set the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
• Stop the engine, put the gear selector in
P, and apply the parking brake
when loading or unloading longobjects.
• The vehicle's driving characteristicsmay change depending on the weightand distribution of the load.
• A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces aforce of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in ahead-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
• The rear seat should not be loaded toa level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) belowthe upper edge of the rear side win-dows. Objects placed higher than thislevel could impede the function of theVolvo Inflatable Curtain.
Folding down the rear seat backrests
The rear seat backrests can be folded down for additional loading space, see page 92.
Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., tohelp anchor items in the trunk.
07 During your trip
Towing a trailer
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282
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for thevehicle.
NOTE
See page 364 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 withenergy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-ers. Trailer hitch installation should notinterfere with the proper operation of thisbumper 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 tableon page 296.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towingheavy 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 toincreased loads. Therefore, engine cool-ant temperature should be closely watched when driving in hot climates orhilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn offthe air conditioner if the temperaturegauge needle enters the red range.
• If the automatic transmission begins tooverheat, a message will be displayed inthe text window.
• Avoid overload and other abusive opera-tion.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-ity, and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakeswith the towing vehicle brakes to providea safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch isnot being used.
WARNING
• Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety wire must be correctly fastenedto the hole or hook provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetywire should never be fastened to orwound around the drawbar ball.
07 During your trip
Emergency towing
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286
Towing the vehicle
1. With the remote key fully pressed into theignition slot 1
, press START/STOP
ENGINE for approximately 2 seconds to
activate ignition mode II.
2. The remote key must remain in the igni- tion slot 2
for the entire time that the vehi-
cle is being towed.
3. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This willhelp prevent jarring movements of thevehicle being towed.
4. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this typeof towing, as vehicles being towed aresubject to regulations regarding maxi-mum towing speed, length and type oftowing device, lighting, etc.
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, attachjumper cables (see page 121) to pro-vide current for releasing the electricparking brake and to move the gearselector from the
P position to N. If
this is not possible, see page 126 forinformation about manually overridingthe shiftlock system to move the gearselector from P to N.
• Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h).Do not exceed the maximum allowabletowing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheelson ground: 50 miles (80 km).
• The vehicle should only be towed inthe forward direction.
Having the vehicle towed by a tow truck
Call for professional help from an authorized towing company.Volvo recommends the useof flat bed equipment. The towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck if:
• The angle of the tow truck’s ramp is not more than 12 degrees from a horizontalplane
• The vehicle’s wheels rotate freely and rollstraight ahead
WARNING
No person or object should be behind the tow truck while the vehicle is being pulledup onto the flatbed.
1
Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
2 For vehicles with the the optional keyless dirive, the remote key must be in the vehicle.
08 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
08
316
Introduction
NOTE
USA – FCC ID: KR5S122780002 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the fol-lowing conditions: (1) This device may notcause harmful interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation.
The tire pressure monitoring system1
uses
sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When the vehicle ismoving at a speed of approximately 20 mph(30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmitinflation pressure data to a receiver located inthe vehicle. When low inflation pressure is detected or if a sensor is not functioning properly, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
)
(also referred to as a telltale) in the instrument panel and will display one of the following messages in the text window:
Tire pressure
low or
Tire needs air now.
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and
Tire press. syst Service
required will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare 2
(if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-mended by the vehicle manufacturer on thevehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different sizethan the size indicated on the vehicle placardor tire inflation pressure label, you shoulddetermine the proper tire inflation pressure forthose tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tirepressure telltale when one or more of yourtires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-minates, you should stop and check yourtires as soon as possible, and inflate them tothe proper pressure. Driving on a significantlyunder-inflated tire causes the tire to overheatand can lead to tire failure. Under-inflationalso reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling andstopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-er's responsibility to maintain correct tirepressure, even if under-inflation has notreached the level to trigger illumination of theTPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate whenthe system is not operating properly. TheTPMS malfunction indicator is combined withthe low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-tem detects a malfunction, the telltale willflash for approximately one minute and thenremain continuously illuminated. Thissequence will continue upon subsequentvehicle start-ups as long as the malfunctionexists. When the malfunction indicator is illu-minated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended.TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety ofreasons, including the installation of replace-ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehi-cle that prevent the TPMS from functioningproperly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-tion telltale after replacing one or more tiresor wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
1
Not available in all markets or in all models.
2 Available as an accessory
08 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
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317
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function prop-erly.
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. Forinformation on correct tire pressure, pleaserefer to the tire inflation pressure table inthis chapter or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressurewarning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the
inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pres- sure (consult the tire pressure placard or the inflation pressure table on page 296.
3. In certain cases, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle for several minutes at aspeed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster. Thiswill erase the warning text and the warn-ing light will go out.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control ofthe vehicle.
Changing wheels with TPMSPlease note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/tires on the vehicle:
• Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in thevalves.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a tempo-rary spare tire, this tire does not have aTPMS sensor.
• If wheels without TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle,
TIRE PRESS
SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be dis-
played each time the vehicle is driven above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes ormore.
• Once TPMS sensors are properly instal-led, the warning message should notreappear. If the message is still displayed,drive the vehicle for several minutes at aspeed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster toerase the message.
• Volvo recommends that TPMS sensorsbe fitted on all wheels used on the vehi-cle. Volvo does not recommend moving sensors back and forth between sets ofwheels.
CAUTION
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straightonto the valve to help avoid bending orotherwise damaging the valve.
CAUTION
•
After pumping the tires, always rein- stall the valve cap to help avoid dam-age to the valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metalcaps could corrode and become diffi-cult to remove.