2014 VOLVO XC90 check engine light

06 Starting and driving
Starting the vehicle
06
143
Starting the engine
WARNING
Before starting, check that the seat, steer- ing wheel and mirrors are adjusted prop-erly. Make sure the brake pedal can bedepressed completely. Adjust the seat ifnecessary, see page 104.
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake (hand brake) ifnot already set. The gear selector is locked in the P position (SHIFTLOCK).
3. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key 1
to the starting posi-
tion. Allow the starter to operate for up to10 seconds. Release the key as soon as the engine starts 2
. If the engine fails to
start, repeat this step.
CAUTION
If the engine does not start after the third try, wait for approximately 3 minutesbefore trying to start it again to give thebattery time to recover its startingcapacity.
WARNING
• Never use more than one floor mat at a time on the driver's floor. An extramat on the driver's floor can cause theaccelerator and/or brake pedal tocatch. Check that the movement ofthese pedals is not impeded.
• Volvo's floor mats are specially manu-factured for your car. They must befirmly secured in the clips on the floorso that they cannot slide and becometrapped under the pedals on the driv-er's side.
NOTE
•If the key blade section of the remote is not fully folded out when starting thevehicle, the immobilizer function maymake it impossible to start the engine.
• After a cold start, idle speed may benoticeably higher than normal for ashort period. This is done to help bringcomponents in the emission controlsystem to their normal operating tem-perature as quickly as possible, whichenables them to control emissions andhelp reduce the vehicle's impact onthe environment.
• To release the gear selector from the
P
(Park) position, the engine must berunning (or the ignition key must be inposition II) and the brake pedal must
be depressed.
• Select the desired gear. The gearengages after a very slight delay whichis especially noticeable when selecting R.
1
If two of the keys to your vehicle are close together, e.g. on the same key ring when you try to start the vehicle, this could cause interference in the immobilizer system and result in the vehicle not starting. If this should occur, remove one of the keys from the key ring before trying to start the vehicle again.
2 On vehicles equipped with the autostart feature, release the key immediately. See also page 145.

06 Starting and driving
Economical driving
06
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
Brake system
06
154* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con- sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-rate brake circuits. If a problem should occurin one of these circuits, it is still possible tostop the vehicle with the other brake circuit. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pres-sure, the stopping distance will be longer. A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault hasoccurred. If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluidlevel in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal – do not pump thebrakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a BRAKE FAILURE
STOP SAFELY 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.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light andthe brake pedal is depressed, the pedalmay go down slightly. This is a normalfunction of the power-assisted brake sys-tem.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi- tion of the brake pads can be checked byraising the vehicle (see page 198 for informa-tion about using the jack and removing awheel) and performing a visual inspection ofthe brake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immedi- ately prior to a brake pad inspection,the wheel hub, brake components,etc., will be very hot. Allow time forthese components to cool before car-rying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
155
WARNING
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any otherjob, use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greasedand clean, and should not be dam-aged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed betweenthe base of jack and the ground, orbetween the jack and the attachmentbar on the vehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage thejack attachment.
• Never allow any part of your body tobe extended under a vehicle suppor-ted by a jack.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is run-ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop withthe engine switched off. If the power brakes are not working, consid- erably higher pressure will be required on thebrake pedal to compensate for the lack ofpower assistance. This can happen for exam- ple when towing your vehicle or if the engineis switched off when the vehicle is rolling. Thebrake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing throughan automatic car wash can cause water tocollect on the brake discs and pads. This willcause a delay in braking effect when thepedal is depressed. To avoid such a delaywhen the brakes are needed, depress thepedal occasionally when driving through rain,slush etc. This will remove the water from thebrakes. Check that brake application feelsnormal. This should also be done after wash-ing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strainwhen driving in mountains or hilly areas, orwhen towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usuallyslower, which means that the cooling of thebrakes is less efficient than when driving onlevel roads. To reduce the strain on thebrakes, shift into a lower gear and let theengine help with the braking. Do not forgetthat, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes willbe subjected to a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)If the ABS warning lamp lights up there is a
malfunction in the ABS system (the standardbraking system will however function) and thevehicle should be driven cautiously to atrained and qualified Volvo service technicianfor inspection. The Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) helps to improve vehicle control (stop-ping and steering) during severe braking con-ditions by limiting brake lockup. When thesystem "senses" impending lockup, brakingpressure is automatically modulated in orderto help prevent lockup, which could lead to askid. The system performs a self-diagnostic test when the engine is started and when thevehicle first reaches a speed of approxi- mately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal
will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from the ABS control module. This isnormal. To obtain optimal effect from the ABS sys- tem, constant pressure should be kept on thebrake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal. The switching of the ABS modulator will be audible and the brake pedal will pulsate dur-ing braking. Please be aware that ABS doesnot increase the absolute braking potential ofthe vehicle. While control will be enhanced,ABS will not shorten stopping distances onslippery surfaces.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
156
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates the hydraulic pressure to therear brakes to help provide optimal brakingcapacity. The brake pedal will pulsate duringbraking, which is normal. If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, this could indicate afault in the brake system.
1. Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
• If both warning lights go off, no further action 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).
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 qualifiedVolvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
• If the brake fluid level is above the
MIN
mark, drive carefully to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician andhave the brake system inspected.
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)The EBA function is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sud-den, hard braking. The system is activated bythe speed with which you depress the brakepedal.
NOTE
• When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressurein the brake system immediatelyincreases to the maximum level. Youmust maintain full pressure on thebrake pedal in order to utilize the sys-tem completely. There will be no brak-ing effect if the pedal is released. EBAis automatically deactivated when thebrake pedal is released.
• When the vehicle has been parked forsome time, the brake pedal may sinkmore than usual when the engine isstarted. This is normal and the pedalwill return to its usual position when itis released.

06 Starting and driving
Stability system
06
159
DSTC-related messages in the text window
•TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF : The system has been temporarily
switched off due to high brake tempera- ture and will automatically switch onagain when the brakes have cooled.
•
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED: The
system has been automatically disen- gaged due to a fault. A trained and quali-fied Volvo service technician shouldcheck the system.
Symbols in the instrument panel
The Stability Control indicator lightThis light indicates different con- ditions, depending on how it illu-minates.
The Stability Control indicator light illuminates for approximately 2 seconds
This indicates that the system is performing a self-diagnostic test when the ignition isswitched on.
The Stability Control indicator light
flashes
This indicates that the stability system is actively functioning to help counteract wheelspin and/or a skid.
The Stability Control indicator light glows steadily
ANTI-SKID SERVICE REQUIRED will be
displayed in the text window at the same time. A fault is indicated in the stability system.
• Stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine.
• Restart the engine.
• If the indicator light goes out, the faultwas temporary and no further action isrequired.
• If the indicator light remains on, drive toan authorized Volvo workshop as soon aspossible to have the system checked.
The Stability Control indicator light
glows steadily
If DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF is displayed
in the text window at the same time, this is a reminder that spin control has been disabledby the driver.
The warning symbolThe warning symbol glowssteadily yellow
The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature.
TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF will be displayed. The system will auto-
matically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.
WARNING
The stability system is intended to help improve driving safety. It supplements, butcan never replace, the driver's judgementand responsibility when operating the vehi-cle. Speed and driving style should alwaysbe adapted to traffic and road conditions.

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
163
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the front wheels off the ground should notbe towed at speeds above 50 mph(70 km/h) or for distances longer than30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•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, do notattempt to start the vehicle by pushingor pulling it as this will damage thethree-way catalytic converter(s). Theengine must be jump started using anauxiliary battery (see page 152).
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to pull the vehicle up onto theflat bed or to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.
WARNING
•The power brakes and power steering will not function when the engine is notrunning. Approximately 5 times morepressure will be required on the brakepedal and the steering wheel will beconsiderably harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be usedfor pulling the vehicle out of a ditch orfor any similar purpose involvingsevere strain.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip- ment. If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage tothe vehicle.
In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on theground if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, pleaserefer to the towing information on the previ-ous page.
CAUTION
• Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air con-ditioning lines.
• It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lift-ing equipment inside the rear wheels;serious damage to the rear axle mayresult.
• If the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed truck, the towing eyelets must notbe used to secure the vehicle on theflat bed. Consult the tow truck opera-tor.

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
169
If 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). See section "Coolant".
• The use of "recycled" antifreeze is notapproved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvoengine coolant to protect your vehicleduring cold weather.
• Try to keep the
fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation inthe tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel 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 synthetic0W-30 oil is recommended for driving inareas with sustained low temperatures.
• The load placed on the
battery is greater
during the winter since the windshieldwipers, lighting, etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the batterydecreases as the temperature drops. Invery cold weather, a poorly charged bat-tery can freeze and be damaged. It istherefore advisable to check the state ofcharge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of
snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – seesection "Wheels and tires."
• To prevent the
washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-taining antifreeze (see page 224 for thelocation of the washer fluid reservoir).This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Sol-vent should be diluted as follows:
• Down to 14 ° F (–10 ° C):
1 part washer
solvent and 4 parts water
• Down to 5 ° F (–15 ° C):
1 part washer
solvent and 3 parts water
• Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):
1 part washer
solvent and 2 parts water
• Down to –18 ° F (–28 ° C):
1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (
D)rive position.
• Press the button at the base of the gearselector to engage/disengage this drivingmode.
• An LED in the button will light up to indi-cate that W is engaged and this will alsobe displayed in the instrument panel (seepage 58).
• This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.