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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 127 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 tailgate open:
Driving
with the tailgate open could lead to poi- sonous exhaust gases entering the pas-senger compartment. If the tailgate mustbe kept open for any reason, proceed asfollows: • 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 cargo area, the less the tendency toundersteer.
1
Models with the T6 turbo engine only.
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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.
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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. •
The optional 12 volt socket in the cargoarea provides electrical current even withthe ignition switched off, which drains thebattery.
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 todrive 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)
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.283
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 cargo area, keep the fol- lowing in mind:
• Load objects in the cargo area 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 cargo area and rear seat shouldnot be loaded to a level higher than2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge ofthe rear side windows. Objects placedhigher than this level could impede thefunction of the Inflatable Curtain.
Power tailgate*
G017876
Power tailgate closing button
Automatic openingThe power tailgate can be opened automati- cally in the three ways:
• By pressing and holding the
but-
ton on the lighting panel until the tailgate begins to open.
• By pressing and holding the
but-
ton on the remote key until the tailgate begins to open.
• By pressing the rubber-covered buttonunder the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the automatic open function is used.
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CAUTION
Be sure that there is adequate space above and behind the vehicle before open-ing the tailgate automatically. The vehicle should not be driven or moved with the tailgate in the open position. How-ever, if the vehicle is moved with the tail-gate in the open position, the automaticclosing function will be inoperative untilone of the following occurs:• The tailgate is closed manually
• The ignition is switched off and the key is removed for approximately 10minutes (the tailgate will function againafter restart).
NOTE
If the tailgate has been opened and closed continuously too long, the automatic func-tion will be deactivated to avoid overload-ing the electrical system. The automaticfunction can be used again after approxi-mately 2 minutes. If the vehicle's battery has been dis- charged or disconnected, the tailgate mustbe opened and closed once manually toreset the system.
Programming the tailgate opening angle
The tailgate's maximum opening angle can be programmed, which can be useful, forexample, if the tailgate has to be opened in agarage with a low ceiling. To do so:
• Open the tailgate manually, hold it at the desired maximum opening angle andpress the tailgate's closing button for atleast 3 seconds. When the tailgate isreleased, programming is complete.
• To remove this programming, open thetailgate manually to a higher openingangle.
Automatic closingThe power tailgate can be closed by pressing the
button on the tailgate (see the
illustration) or by pressing it down.
NOTE
If the tailgate is pressed down e.g., by the weight of snow or strong wind, it will closeautomatically.
WARNING
Be sure that no one is near the tailgate when it is opened or closed automatically.The tailgate should never be obstructed inany way when it is operated.
Interrupting automatic opening/closingAutomatic opening or closing the tailgate can be interrupted in four ways:
• By pressing the
button on the
lighting panel.
• By pressing the
button on the
remote key.
• By pressing the button on the lower edge of the tailgate.
• By pressing the rubber-covered buttonunder the outer handle on the tailgate.
If one of these actions is taken, the tailgate will stop moving.
Pinch protectionIf the tailgate is obstructed while it is being operated, the pinch protection function isactivated.
• If the tailgate is being
opened, the electri-
cal function will be switched off and the
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tailgate will be released from the electrical system.
• If the tailgate is being
closed, it will stop
and move slightly in the opposite direc-tion.
Operating the tailgate manuallyThe power tailgate can be disconnected from the vehicle’s electrical system by quickly pull-ing the outer handle twice. The tailgate canthen be opened/closed manually.
Folding down the rear seat backrests
The rear seat backrests can be folded down for additional loading space, see page 93.
Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., tohelp anchor items in the cargo area.
WARNING
• Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants.Secure the load to help prevent shift-ing during sudden stops.
• Always secure large and heavy objectswith a seat belt or cargo retainingstraps.
• Always secure the load to help preventit from moving in the event of suddenstops.
• Switch off the engine, apply the park-ing brake and put the gear selector inP
when loading and unloading the
vehicle.
Cargo area floor rails and hooks
Load secured in upper and lower hooks The floor of the cargo compartment has rails on opposite sides of the vehicle equippedwith hooks for anchoring loads with straps,nets, etc.
Cleaning the railsDirt or other small objects that collect in therails can make moving, locking, unlocking,and removing the hooks more difficult.Objects can be removed from the rails with avacuum cleaner, and the rails can be cleanedwith a moist cloth.
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Moving the load anchoring hooks
G017742
To move a hook, fold it down in the direc- tion in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move it to the desired position.
Fold up the hook. It will lock in place.
NOTE
There should be at least 2 in. (50 cm) between the hooks in the rail.
WARNING
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when
loading and unloading the vehicle.
Removing a hook
G018134
The load-securing hooks can easily be removed, for example, to clean the rail.
To remove a hook, fold it down in the direction in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move the it to an opening in the rail.
Pull the hook straight up.
Replace a hook in the rail in the reverse order.
NOTE
In order to return a removed hook into a rail, it must be pressed down lightly.
Reinserting a hook
G019581
Upper illustration: hooks correctly installed, Lower illustration: hooks incorrectly installed
It is important to insert the hooks correctly in the rails. The hooks' openings should pointaway from each other.
• The opening on the hook closest to the rear seat backrest should point towardthe backrest.
• The opening on the hook closest to thetailgate should point toward the tailgate.
WARNING
The hooks must be installed correctly in the rail. Incorrectly installed hooks will befolded down by the strap, allowing them tomove. The load will then no longer besecurely anchored.
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Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for thevehicle.
NOTE
See page 373 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 307.
• 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.