2014 VOLVO XC90 service

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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.

06 Starting and driving
Brake system
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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.

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Brake system
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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
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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
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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
Front/rear park assist*
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.161
NOTE
• Front park assist is disengaged auto- matically when the parking brake isapplied.
• If the vehicle is equipped with frontand rear park assist, both systems willbe deactivated by pressing the button.
Audible signals from the park assist system
The Park Assist system uses an intermittent tone that pulses faster as you come close toan object, and becomes constant when youare within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of anobject in front of or behind the vehicle. If thevolume of another source from the audio sys-tem is high, this will be automatically lowered. If there are objects within this distance both behind and in front of the vehicle, the signalalternates between front and rear speakers.
Faults in the system
If the yellow warning symbol illu- minates and PARK ASSIST
SERVICE REQUIRED is shown
on the information display, this indicates that the system is not
functioning properly and has been disen-gaged. Consult a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning sig-nals that can be caused by external soundsources that use the same ultrasound fre-quencies as the system. This may includesuch things as the horns of other vehicles,wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes,motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This doesnot indicate a fault in the system.
Cleaning the sensors
G026946
Park assist sensors The sensors must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they work properly. Clean themwith water and a suitable car washing deter-gent. Ice and snow covering the sensors may cause incorrect warning signals.
NOTE
If the sensors are obstructed by e.g., dirt, snow, or ice, this could result in falsewarning signals from the park assist sys-tem.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
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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 a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician for correctinstallation.
• 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.
LevelingIf your vehicle is equipped with automatic lev- eling, the rear suspension always retains thecorrect ride height regardless of the load.
• The system adjusts the rear suspension to the correct level after the vehicle hasbeen driven a short distance.
• When the vehicle is stationary, the rearsuspension lowers, which is normal.

06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
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It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician before driving long dis-tances. Your retailer or service technician willalso be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses,spark plugs and wiper blades for your use inthe event that problems 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.
• Check transmission oil level 1
.
• 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 your Volvo retailer ifyou intend to drive in countries where itmay be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will bedriving through an area where snow or iceare likely to occur, consider snow tires.
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To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle’s transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service techni- cian.