
04 Interior
Securing cargo
04
119
G027031
As a safety precaution, all cargo in your vehi- cle should be securely anchored to keep itfrom being thrown forward in the event ofsudden braking, etc. The vehicle is equippedwith eyelets in the cargo space to whichstraps or other cargo restraints can beattached.
WARNING
The eyelets are not to be used as passen- ger restraints or as anchorages for childrestraints.
Consult your Volvo retailer about suitable accessories for this purpose.Remember that an object weighing 44 lbs(20 kg) produces a force of 2,200 lbs(1,000 kg) in a head-on collision at 30 mph(50 km/h)! Keep the following in mind when loading the vehicle:
• The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as thenumber of passengers, the amount ofcargo, the weight of any accessories thatmay be installed, etc. See the section"Vehicle loading" in the chapter "Wheeland tires" for more detailed information.
• Load the cargo
against the backrest.
• Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
• If no one is sitting in the outboard rearseat(s), reinforce the backrest by fasten-ing the seat belts.
• Never load cargo above the backrestwithout a cargo net.
WARNING
When the rear backrest(s) are folded down, the vehicle should not be loaded toa level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below theupper edge of the rear side windows.Objects placed higher than this level couldimpede the function of the inflatable cur-tain.
G027058
Attachment bracket
Nylon cargo net (accessory)The Volvo XC90 can be equipped with a cargo net made of strong nylon fabric. This net can be installed in two places:
• Behind the rear seat backrests (the sec- ond row of seats)
• Behind the front seat backrests if the rearseat backrests (the second row of seats)have been folded down.

05 Locks and alarm
Child safety locks
05
132* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
G021513
Child safety locks in the rear doors - driver's side and passenger's side respectively
Manual child safety locks – rear doorsThe controls are located on the rear door jambs. Use a key or small screwdriver toadjust these controls.
Turn outward: the door cannot be
opened from the inside. The door can be opened from the outside.
Turn inward: the door locks function
normally (the door can be opened from the inside).
WARNING
Remember, in the event of an accident, the rear seat passengers cannot open thedoors from the inside with the buttons inposition A.
REAR AC
G027105
Power child locks*To prevent the rear doors from being opened from the inside:
1. Turn the vehicle's ignition key to at least
position I or II.
2. Press the button in the center console (see the illustration). Indicator light in the button ON:
the rear
doors and windows cannot be opened from the inside. Indicator light in the button OFF: the rear
doors can be opened from the inside and the windows can be opened. A message will appear in the instrument panel display when the child safety locks areactivated/deactivated.

05 Locks and alarm
Alarm
05
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.133
The alarm is automatically armed whenever you lock your vehicle. When armed, the alarm continuously moni- tors a number of points on the vehicle. Thefollowing conditions will set off the alarm: •
The hood is forced open.
• The tailgate is forced open.
• A door is forced open.
• The ignition switch is tampered with.
• If there is movement in the passenger compartment (if the vehicle is equippedwith the optional movement sensor).
• The vehicle is lifted or towed (if the vehi-cle is equipped with the optional inclina-tion sensor).
• The battery is disconnected (while thealarm is armed).
• The siren is disconnected when the alarmis disarmed.
Arming the alarm1. Press the
LOCK button on the remote
key.
2. Lock the vehicle using the key blade in the driver's door or press the central lock button on the driver's door with the dooropen.
One long flash of the turn signals will confirmthat the alarm is armed.
Movement sensor*In addition to triggering the alarm if there ismovement in the passenger compartment,currents of air may also affect the movementsensor. This means that locking the vehiclewith the windows or the moonroof open, orusing an accessory portable passenger com-partment heater, could trigger the alarm. To help avoid this, close the windows and moonroof before locking the vehicle. If a pas-senger compartment heater is used when thevehicle is locked, direct airflow from the heat-er's vent(s) so that it isn't directed upward inthe passenger compartment.
Disarming the alarmPress the UNLOCK button on the remote key
or unlock the doors with the key blade.
Turning off (stopping) the alarmIf the alarm is sounding, it can be stopped bypressing the UNLOCK button on the remote
key or by unlocking the driver's door with thekey blade.
Visual alarm signalThe visual alarm signal is given by flashing allturn signals and turning on the interior lightingfor approximately 5 minutes.
Audible alarm signalAn audible alarm signal is given by a batterypowered siren. One alarm cycle lasts for25 seconds.
"Panic" buttonIn an emergency situation, this feature can beused to attract attention. Activate the "panic" button by pressing the red button on the remote key ( see page 127for illustration) for at least 3 seconds or bypressing this button twice within 3 seconds.The turn signals will flash, and the vehicle'shorn will sound. The function can be turned off by pressing any of the buttons on the remote key or willstop automatically after 25 seconds. When abutton is pressed, there is a 5 second delaybefore the panic alarm is deactivated.
NOTE
This button will NOT unlock the vehicle.
LED alarm status signalsThe status of the alarm system is indicated by the red LED at the top of the dash: • LED off – the alarm is not armed
• LED flashes once per second – the alarm is armed

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
140
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 must be kept open for any reason, proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to airflow to floor, windshield and side win-dows and blower control to its highestsetting.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols orethers. In some areas, state or local lawsrequire that the service pump be marked indi-cating use of alcohols or ethers. However,there are areas in which the pumps areunmarked. If you are not sure whether there isalcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy,check with the service station operator. Tomeet seasonal air quality standards, someareas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxy- genated" fuels; however, the octane ratingslisted on page 139 must still be met.
Alcohol – EthanolFuels containing up to 10% ethanol by vol- ume may be used. Ethanol may also be refer-red to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol". Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
MethanolDo not use gasolines containing methanol(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practicecan result in vehicle performance deteriora-tion and can damage critical parts in the fuelsystem. Such damage may not be coveredunder the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa 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 stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that theseproperties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less the tendency to understeer.
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 "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loadsare not exceeded.
Conserving electrical currentKeep the following in mind to help minimizebattery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position
II (see
page 145). Many electrical systems (theaudio system, the optional infotainment/navigation systems, power windows, etc)will function with the ignition key in posi-tion I. This position reduces 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.
NOTE
A warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel whenthe battery charge is low.

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
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.