2014 VOLVO XC90 towing

Contents
4* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
06
06 Starting and driving
General information................................ 138
Fuel requirements................................... 139
Refueling................................................. 141
Starting the vehicle................................. 143
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock.. 145
Economical driving.................................. 146
Difficult driving conditions...................... 147
Automatic transmission.......................... 149
Jump starting.......................................... 152
All Wheel Drive*....................................... 153
Brake system.......................................... 154
Parking brake.......................................... 157
Stability system....................................... 158
Front/rear park assist*............................. 160
Towing.................................................... 162
Towing a trailer....................................... 164
Detachable trailer hitch........................... 167
Load carriers (accessory)........................ 168
Cold weather precautions....................... 169
Before a long distance trip...................... 170
Blind Spot Information System*.............. 171
07
07 Wheels and tires
General information................................ 178
Tire inflation ............................................ 181
Tire inflation pressure table..................... 183
Tire designations..................................... 184
Glossary of tire terminology.................... 186
Vehicle loading........................................ 187
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.................. 189
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires.. 190
Temporary spare..................................... 191
Tire Sealing System ............................... 192
Changing wheels.................................... 198
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 203
08
08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle.......... 208
Paint touch up......................................... 213

02 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel
02
61
Rear fog lightThis light indicates that the fog light is on.
CHECK ENGINE Malfunction indicator light
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII): As you drive, a computer called "OBDII" monitorsyour vehicle's engine, transmission, electricaland emission systems. The CHECK ENGINE
light will light up if the computer senses acondition that potentially may need correct-ing. When this happens, please have yourvehicle checked by a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician as soon as possible. A CHECK ENGINE light may have many cau-
ses. Sometimes, you may not notice a change in your vehicle's behavior. Even so,an uncorrected condition could hurt fueleconomy, emission cleanliness, and driveabil-ity. Extended driving without correcting thecause could even damage other componentsin your vehicle.
Canadian models are equippedwith this symbol for the Malfunc-tion Indicator Light.
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)If the warning light comes on, there is a malfunction of the ABSsystem (the standard braking sys-tem will still function). The vehicleshould be driven to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician for inspec-tion. See page 154 for additional information.
DSTC systemThe Dynamic Stability and Trac- tion Control system (DSTC) isexplained in greater detail onpage 158.
Tire pressure monitoring lightSee page 203 for more informa- tion on this function.
Turn signal indicator – trailer (certain models)
If you are towing a trailer, this light will flash simultaneously withthe turn signals on the trailer. Ifthe light does not flash when sig-naling, neither the trailer's turn
signals nor the vehicle's turn signals are func-tioning.

02 Instruments and controls
Center console buttons
02
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.65
NOTE
If the door mirrors have been inadvertently pushed out of position (in a car wash,parking lot, etc.) manually return them tonormal position. If mirror adjustment doesnot seem to operate after manual folding,reset the folding mirrors as follows:
• Turn the ignition key to position
II.
• Manually fold the mirror(s) to the nor- mal position.
• Press the button to fold both mirrorsin.
• Press the button again to fold the mir-rors out to their normal position.
Park Assist*This system provides an audi- ble warning when the vehicleis being parked or if it is drivenclose to a person or object.For more information seepage 160.
NOTE
The system activates automatically when the engine is started, and can be deacti-vated by pressing this button (e.g. whentowing a trailer) or reactivated if necessary.
Auxiliary lightsThis button is used to switch on auxiliary lights (if installed).A light in the button will lightup to indicate that the auxiliarylights are illuminated.
12-volt socketsThe 12-volt sockets can be used to plug in certain acces-sories such as cell phones,etc. The ignition key must bein position I (or higher) for theauxiliary socket to function.
The maximum current consumption is 10A(120W) if only one of the 12-volt sockets is inuse. If both the front and rear sockets areused at the same time, the maximum currentconsumption per socket is 7.5A (90W).
NOTE
The auxiliary sockets can also be used for cigarette lighters, which are available asaccessories at your Volvo retailer.
Power child locks*For more information on this function, see page 132.

136* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction. General information............................................................................... 138
Fuel requirements................................................................................. 139Refueling............................................................................................... 141
Starting the vehicle............................................................................... 143
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock................................................ 145
Economical driving................................................................................ 146
Difficult driving conditions..................................................................... 147
Automatic transmission........................................................................ 149Jump starting........................................................................................ 152All Wheel Drive*..................................................................................... 153
Brake system........................................................................................154Parking brake........................................................................................ 157Stability system..................................................................................... 158
Front/rear park assist*........................................................................... 160Towing.................................................................................................. 162Towing a trailer...................................................................................... 164
Detachable trailer hitch......................................................................... 167
Load carriers (accessory)...................................................................... 168
Cold weather precautions..................................................................... 169
Before a long distance trip.................................................................... 170
Blind Spot Information System*............................................................ 171

06 Starting and driving
Fuel requirements
06
139
Octane rating
Minimum octane
G028920
Typical pump octane labelVolvo recommends premium for best per- formance, but using 87 octane 1
or above will
not affect engine reliability.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing atrailer, or driving for extended periods athigher altitudes than normal, it may be advis-able to switch to higher octane fuel (91 orhigher) or to change gasoline brands to fullyutilize your engine's capacity, and for thesmoothest possible operation.
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be nec-essary to fill the tank more than oncebefore a difference in engine operation isnoticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead addi-tives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-sion control systems on your vehicle, leadhas been strongly linked to certain forms ofcancer. Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linkedto certain forms of cancer. If you live in anarea where you must fill your own gas tank,take precautions. These may include:
• standing upwind away from the filler noz- zle while refueling
• refueling only at gas stations with vaporrecovery systems that fully seal themouth of the filler neck during refueling
• wearing neoprene gloves while handling afuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze dur- ing winter months, do not add solvents, thick-eners, or other store-bought additives to yourvehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems.Overuse may damage your engine, and someof these additives contain organically volatilechemicals. Do not needlessly expose yourselfto these chemicals.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, color- less, and odorless gas. It is present in allexhaust gases. If you ever smell exhaustfumes inside the vehicle, make sure thepassenger compartment is ventilated, andimmediately return the vehicle to a trainedand qualified Volvo service technician forcorrection.
1
AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.

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
Front/rear park assist*
06
160* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Front/rear park assist
The park assist system is designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces,garages, etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sen-sors located in one or both bumpers to meas-ure the distance to a vehicle, object, or a per-son who may be close to the front or rear ofyour vehicle. Park assist is available in two versions:
• Rear bumper only
• Front and rear bumpers
WARNING
Park Assist is an information system, NOT a safety system. This system is designedto be a supplementary aid when parkingthe vehicle. It is not, however, intended toreplace the driver's attention and judge-ment.
Function
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started. The indicator light in thebutton in the center console illuminates. • The front park assist system is active from the time the engine is started untilthe vehicle exceeds a speed of approxi-mately 10 mph (15 km/h). It is also activewhen the vehicle is backing up.
• Rear park assist is active when the engineis running and reverse gear has beenselected.
Rear park assistThe distance monitored behind the vehicle is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comesfrom the rear speakers. The system must be deactivated when towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mountedcarrier, etc, which could trigger the rear parkassist system's sensors.
NOTE
Rear park assist is deactivated automati- cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuinetrailer wiring is used.
Front park assistThe distance monitored in front of the vehicle is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audiblesignal comes from the audio system's frontspeakers.
• It may not be possible to combine auxili- ary headlights and front park assist sincethese lights could trigger the system'ssensors.
Activating/deactivating park assist
The system is activated automatically when the vehicle is started.
• Press the Park assist button on the center console (see page 65) to temporarilydeactivate the system(s). The indicatorlight in the button will go out when thesystem has been deactivated.
• Park assist will be automatically reactiva-ted the next time the engine is started, orif the button is pressed (the indicator lightin the button will illuminate).

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
162
G027042
Positions for attaching towing eyelets
Emergency towingThe towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the cargo area. This eyeletmust be screwed into the positions providedon the right sides of either the front or rearbumper (see illustrations).
To attach the towing eyelet:1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge ofthe cover (A)
2. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place (B), first by hand and then using the tire ironuntil it is securely in place. After the vehicle has been towed, the eyeletshould be removed and returned to the toolbag. Press the cover back into position.
WARNING
Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
•
The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position
I or II.
• The gear selector must be in position
N. •
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Donot exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• While the vehicle is being towed, try tokeep the tow rope taut at all times.
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.