01 Safety
Occupant safety 01
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Volvo's concern for safety
Safety is the Volvo cornerstone. Our concern dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolledoff the production line. Three-point seat belts(a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-absorbing impact zones were designed intoVolvo vehicles long before it was fashionableor required by government regulation. We willnot compromise our commitment to safety.We continue to seek out new safety featuresand to refine those already in our vehicles.You can help. We would appreciate hearingyour suggestions about improving automobilesafety. We also want to know if you ever havea safety concern with your vehicle. Call us inthe U.S. at: 800-458-1552 or in Canada at:800-663-8255.
Occupant safety reminders
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:• How well you see.
• Your ability to concentrate.
• How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.
The tips listed below are suggestions to help you cope with the ever changing traffic envi-ronment. •
Never drink and drive.
• If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its potential effectson your driving abilities.
• Take a driver-retraining course.
• Have your eyes checked regularly.
• Keep your windshield and headlightsclean.
• Replace wiper blades when they start toleave streaks.
• Take into account the traffic, road, andweather conditions, particularly withregard to stopping distance.
• Never send text messages while driving.
• Refrain from using or minimize the use ofa cell phone while driving.Recall information
Information regarding recalls or other service campaigns is available on our website atwww.volvocars.com/us/. Select the tabYOUR VOLVO and the heading RECALLINFORMATION will be displayed at the lowerleft side of the screen. Enter your VehicleIdentification Number for your vehicle (foundat the base of the windshield). If your vehiclehas any open Recalls, they will be displayedon this page.
Volvo customers in CanadaFor any questions regarding open recalls foryour vehicle, please contact your authorizedVolvo retailer. If your retailer is unable toanswer your questions, please contact VolvoCustomer Relations at 905 695-9626, Mon-day through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.EST or by e-mail at [email protected] may also write us at: Volvo Cars of CanadaNational Customer Service9130 Leslie Street, Suite 101Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 0B9
02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
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Gear and driving mode indicator – The currently selected driving mode is dis-played here. If you use the Geartronicfunction on the automatic transmission,the currently selected gear will be dis-played.
Ambient temperature gauge – This dis- play indicates the air temperature outsideyour vehicle. A "snowflake" symbol in thetext window is displayed when the tem-perature is in the range of 23 – 36 °F (–5 –+2 °C). Please note that this symbol doesnot indicate a fault with your vehicle. Atlow speeds or when the vehicle is notmoving, the temperature readings may beslightly higher than the actual ambienttemperature.
Clock/set button – Turn the button to set the clock.
Fuel gauge – see page 288 for fuel tank volume. When the warning light in thegauge comes on, the vehicle should berefueled as soon as possible. The tripcomputer section (see page 76) pro-vides more information on fuel level andconsumption.
Indicator and warning symbols – The indi- cator and warning symbols1
light up when you turn the ignition key to the driving position (position II) before starting.
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This shows that the symbols are functioning. When the engine starts, all symbols go out. Ifthe engine is not started within 5 seconds, all symbols except
CHECK ENGINE and
go out. Certain symbols may not have their functions illustrated, depending on the vehi-cle's equipment. The symbol for the parkingbrake goes out when the parking brake isreleased.
Warning/information symbol in center of the instrument panel
This symbol shines as a red or yellow light depending on thenature of the information dis-played.
Red symbol – Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible in a suitable location and read the message shown in the text window. The sym-bol and accompanying text will remain onuntil the fault has been corrected. Yellow symbol – Follow the instructions
shown in the text window. The text can be erased by pressing the READ button (see
page 62), or will disappear automaticallyafter two minutes.
NOTE
When the message TIME FOR REGULAR
SERVICE is displayed, the text can be
erased and the yellow symbol light can be turned off by pressing the READ button.
The text will disappear and the symbollight will go out automatically after twominutes.
1 On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see page 222.
02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
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Seat belt reminderThis symbol lights up to indicate that the driver has not fastenedhis/her seat belt.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)If this light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, or remainson for longer than approximately10 seconds after the vehicle hasbeen started, the SRS system's
diagnostic functions have detected a fault ina seat belt lock or pretensioner, a front air-bag, side impact airbag, and/or an inflatablecurtain. Have the system(s) inspected by atrained and qualified Volvo service technicianas soon as possible.
BRAKE – Brake failure warning lightIf the light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately, open the hood and checkthe brake fluid level in the reservoir. seepage 225.
Canadian models are equippedwith this warning light.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate afault in the brake system.
• Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
• Restart the engine.
• If both warning lights go off, no furtheraction is required.
• If both lights are still on after the enginehas been restarted, switch off the engineagain and check the brake fluid level (seepage 225 for the location of the brakefluid reservoir).
If the brake fluid level is above the MIN mark,
drive carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake systeminspected.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a Brake failure –
Service urgent message is displayed in
the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have
the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
PARK BRAKE Parking brake appliedThis light will be on when the parking brake (hand brake) is applied. The parking brakepedal is located on the left side of the driver'sfootwell, see page 80 for more information.
Canadian models are equippedwith this symbol.
Oil pressure warning light 2If the light comes on while driv- ing, stop the vehicle and thenstop the engine immediatelyand check the engine oil level, see page 62. If the light stays
on after restart, have the vehicle towed to the nearest trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician. After hard driving, the light maycome on occasionally when the engine isidling. This is normal, provided it goes offwhen the engine speed is increased.
Generator warning lightIf the light comes on while the engine is running, have the charg-ing system checked.
2 On certain engines, the symbol for low oil pressure is not used. Instead, a text warning is provided in the information display, see page 62.
02 Instruments and controls
Information display
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MessageMeaning
ABS SERVICE REQUIREDETake your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection at your convenience (but preferably before the next scheduled maintenance service).
TIME FOR REGULAR MAIN- TENANCEThis message will be displayed at 10,000 mile (16,000 km) intervals, after 500 hours of driving or after 12 months, whichever occurs first, to remind the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The mes-sage will be displayed for 2 minutes each time the vehicle is started until reset by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician.
DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFFThe stability system's spin control function has been turned off, see page 158 for details.
AThis is one example of several similar texts containing "stop safely"
B This is one example of several similar texts containing "stop engine"
C This is one example of several similar texts containing "service urgent"
D This is one example of several similar texts containing "see manual"
E This is one example of several similar texts containing "service required"
02 Instruments and controls
Power windows
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Power windows
The power windows are controlled by buttons in the arm rests. The ignition switch must be ON1
(ignition key in position I, II or the engine
running) for the electrically operated windows to function. To lower: Press down the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop"). To raise: Lightly pull up the front edge of the button to the first detent ("stop").
Auto up/down function (front doors
only):
Either front door window can be opened orclosed automatically. Auto down: Press the front part of the button
as far down as possible and release it imme- diately. To stop the window at any time, pullthe button up. Auto up: Pull the front part of the button up
as far as possible and release it immediately. To stop the window at any time, press thebutton down.
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Power window controls
Front windows
Rear windows
NOTE
If a window is obstructed during auto-up, it will automatically reverse direction andreturn to its starting position. If a window isrepeatedly obstructed during auto-upoperation, an overload protection circuitbreaker will temporarily halt window func-tion. The window will return to normalfunction after a brief cool-down period.
WARNING
Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is unattended. Make sure that the windows are com- pletely unobstructed before they are oper-ated. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
NOTE
To reduce buffeting wind noise if the rear windows are opened, also open the frontwindows slightly.
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1 The power windows will also function after the ignition has been switched off as long as neither of the front doors has been opened.
06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
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146
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 thefollowing 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
D (Drive) position
as often as possible and avoid using"kickdown" to help improve fuel econ-omy.
• 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 MaintenanceService intervals.
CAUTION
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways,etc.). Damage to the engine could result ifexcess water is drawn in through the airintake system. Never drive the vehicle inwater deeper than 18 inches (48 cm).
06 Starting and driving
Difficult driving conditions
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Driving on rough/unpaved surfaces
The Volvo XC90 is designed primarily for on- road driving, and it has excellent handlingcharacteristics on very rough or unpavedroads. When driving on poorly maintained or unpaved roads, please keep the following inmind:
• Reduce speed on rough surfaces to mini- mize possible damage to the vehicle'sunderbody.
• When driving on soft surfaces such as drysand or snow, try to avoid stopping if atall possible.
WARNING
•Avoid driving diagonally across steep inclines as this could increase the riskof a roll-over. Try to drive straight upor down the slope.
• If the road is very steep, avoid turningthe vehicle around to help avoid therisk of rolling over. Back the vehicle upor down the incline instead.
NOTE
Avoid driving on steep inclines if the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the flow of fuel tothe engine is interrupted due to the vehi-cle's angle of inclination, this could resultin damage to the three-way catalytic con-verter. We recommend keeping the fueltank at least half full when driving on steepinclines.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 16 inches (40 cm),at a maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). Take particular care when driving through flowing water. Clean the electrical connections for trailer wir- ing after driving in mud or water. When driving through water, maintain low speed 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.
06 Starting and driving
Difficult driving conditions
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CAUTION
•Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• If the vehicle is driven through waterdeeper than 18 in (48 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 car is in water, do not attempt torestart the engine. Have the car towedout of the water.