
03 Your driving environment
Starting the engine
03
126
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead com-pounds, chemicals known to the state ofCalifornia to cause cancer and reproduc-tive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Follow these instructions to jump start your vehicle's dead battery or to jump startanother vehicle's dead battery using yourvehicle. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to beused is in another vehicle, check that thevehicles are not touching to prevent prema-ture completion of a circuit. Be sure to followjump starting instructions provided for theother vehicle. To jump start your vehicle:
1. Switch off the ignition (set the ignition tomode 0, see page 88).
2. First connect the red jumper cable to the auxiliary battery's positive (+) terminal (1).
3. Fold back the cover over the positive (+) terminal on your vehicle's battery (2), marked with a "+" sign, located under afolding cover. 4. Connect the black jumper cable to the
auxiliary battery's negative (–) terminal (3)and to the ground point in your vehicle'sengine compartment (right engine mountat the top, on the outer screw) (4).
5. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle, then start the engine in the vehicle withdead battery.
6. After the engine has started, first remove the negative (–) terminal jumper cable(black). Then remove the positive (+) ter-minal jumper cable (red).
CAUTION
Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid short circuits with other componentsin the engine compartment.
WARNING
•Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to anymoving parts. Avoid touching hotmanifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas,which is flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Donot allow battery fluid to contact eyes,skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. Ifcontact occurs, flush the affected areaimmediately with water. Obtain medi-cal help immediately if eyes are affec-ted.
• Never expose the battery to openflame or electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions forjump starting can lead to injury.

03 Your driving environment
Transmission
03
128* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Gear indicatorThe gear currently being used is displayed on the rightside of the instrument panel. The " S" symbol turns orange
if Sport mode is being used.
Reverse: position RThe vehicle must be stationary when position R is selected.
Neutral: position NNo gear is engaged and the engine can bestarted with the gear selector in this position.Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is sta-tionary with the gear selector in position N.
Drive: position DD is the normal driving position. The car auto-
matically shifts between the various forwardgears, based on the level of acceleration andspeed. The car must be at a standstill whenshifting from position R to position D.
Geartronic: manual shifting (+S–)Geartronic allows you to manually shiftamong your vehicle's forward gears. Gear-tronic can be selected at any time. To shift gears manually, move thegear selector to the side from
D
toward +S–. The +S– symbol in the
instrument panel will change from
white to orange and the number of the gear
currently being used (
1, 2, 3, etc.) will be dis-
played (see the following illustration).
• To return to automatic shifting mode from +S–
, move the gear selector to the side
toward D.
Gear shift indicator*
Gear shift indicator in a digital instrument panel* 2
This option indicates when to shift up or down to help conserve fuel. A white arrow willappear above or below the number of thecurrent gear to prompt the driver to shift upor down.
While driving
• If you select the manual shifting position while driving, the gear that was beingused in the Drive position will also initiallybe selected in the manual shifting posi-tion.
• Move the gear selector forward (toward
+)
to shift to a higher gear or rearward(toward –) to shift to a lower gear.
• If you hold the gear selector toward "–",the transmission will downshift one gearat a time and will utilize the braking powerof the engine. If the current speed is toohigh for using a lower gear, the downshiftwill not occur until the speed hasdecreased enough to allow the lower gearto be used.
• If you slow to a very low speed, the trans-mission will automatically shift down.
Shiftlock: Neutral (N)If the gear selector is in the
N position and
the vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 seconds (irrespective of whether the engineis running) then the gear selector is locked. In order to move the gear selector from N to
another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition must be in atleast position II, see page 88.
2
Analog instrument panel: the gear shift indicator is displayed in the center of the speedometer

03 Your driving environment
Eco*
03
136* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Other ECO-related settings can be made in the vehicle's MY CAR menu. See page 209
for more information.

03 Your driving environment
Start/Stop*
03
}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.139
Condition/situation
The gear selector is moved from D to SB
, R
or " +/–".
The driver's door is opened with the gear selector in D – an audible signal and a text
message will inform the driver thatStart/Stop is active.
A Certain engines only
B Sport mode (where applicable)
WARNING
Do not open the hood if the engine has auto-stopped. The engine could suddenlyauto-start. Before opening the hood:
• Switch off the ignition using the START/STOP ENGINE
button.
• Be aware that if the engine has beenrunning, components in the enginecompartment will be very hot.
If the engine does not auto-start, this could be due to
:
• The driver's seat belt is not fastened
• The gear selector is in
P and the driver's
door is opened
In these cases, the driver will have to restart the engine by pressing the START/STOP
ENGINE button.
Settings
Settings for the Start/Stop function can be made in the MY CAR menu system.Symbols and messages
Text messagesCombined with the information sym- bol in the instrument panel, theStart/Stop function may also display
messages in certain situations. Follow theinstructions provided in the message. The fol-lowing table gives several examples.

03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.141
Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system con- sisting of two separate brake circuits. If aproblem should occur in one of these circuits,it is still possible to stop the vehicle with theother 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 system message is shown in the information display: DO
NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian and have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi- tion of the brake pads can be checked byraising the vehicle (see page 331 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.
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.
Brake lightsThe brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lightsThe adaptive brake lights activate in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS system isactivated. This function causes an additionaltaillight on each side of the vehicle to illumi-nate to help alert vehicles traveling behind.

03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
142
The adaptive brake lights activate if: •The ABS system activates for more than approximately a half second
• In the event of sudden braking while thevehicle is moving at speeds aboveapproximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake lights and additional taillights remain onfor as long as the brake pedal is depressed oruntil braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
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 the pedal 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 braking system (ABS)The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps toimprove vehicle control (stopping and steer-ing) during severe braking conditions by limit-ing brake lockup. When the system "senses"impending lockup, braking pressure is auto-matically modulated in order to help preventlockup that could lead to a skid. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started anddriver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-matic test may be performed when the vehi-
cle first reaches a speed of approximately6 mph (10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsateseveral times and a sound may be audiblefrom the ABS control module, which is nor-mal.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discsmay result in delayed brake function. Thisdelay is minimized by cleaning the brake lin-ings. Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and afterthe vehicle has been washed. Do this bybraking gently for a short period while thevehicle is moving.
Emergency Brake AssistanceEBA is designed to provide full brake effectimmediately in the event of sudden, hardbraking. The system is activated by the speedwith which the brake pedal is depressed. When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brakesystem immediately increases to the maxi-mum level. Maintain full pressure on thebrake pedal in order to utilize the systemcompletely. EBA is automatically deactivatedwhen the brake pedal is released.

03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
03
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.147
Introduction
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is released while driving down hills, the vehicle'sspeed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm(the normal engine braking effect). However, ifthe downhill gradient becomes steeper and ifthe vehicle is carrying a load, speed increasesdespite the engine braking effect. In this sit-uation, the brakes must be applied to reducethe vehicle's speed. HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase or decrease thevehicle's speed on downhill gradients usingonly the accelerator pedal, without applyingthe brakes. The brake system functions auto-matically to maintain a low and steady speed. HDC is particularly useful when driving down steep hills with rough surfaces, and where theroad may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and is a supplementary braking aid. Thedriver has full responsibility for driving in asafe manner.
Function
• HDC can be switched on and off with the button in the center console. An indicatorlight in the button illuminates when HDCis activated.
• The indicator light
in the instru-
ment panel illuminates and a message is displayed when the system is controllingthe vehicle's speed.
• HDC only functions when
first or reverse
gears are selected (
1 will be shown in the
instrument panel display when first gear is selected).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selec- tor is the D position.
Using HDC
HDC allows the car to roll forward at a maxi- mum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph(7 km/h) in reverse. However, the acceleratorpedal can be used to select any speed that ispossible in first or reverse gears. When theaccelerator pedal is released, speed isquickly reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or4 mph (7 km/h), depending on the gearselected, regardless of the hill's gradient. It isnot necessary to apply the brakes.
• The brake lights illuminate automatically when HDC is controlling the vehicle'sspeed.
• The driver can slow or stop the vehicle atany time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
• The button on the center console ispressed
• A gear higher than first gear is selected
• D
is selected on vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is done while driving down a steep hill, the sys-tem's braking effect will decrease gradually.

04 Driver support
Stability system
04
152
Introduction
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC) consists of a number of func-tions designed to help reduce wheel spin,counteract skidding, and to generally helpimprove directional stability.
CAUTION
A pulsating sound will be audible when the system is actively operating and is normal.
Traction control (TC)This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drivewheel that begins to lose traction to thewheel on the opposite side of the vehicle (onthe same axle). TC is most active at low speeds.This is one of DSTC's permanent functions and cannot be switched off.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)This function helps maintain directional stabil-ity, for example when cornering, by brakingone or more of the wheels if the vehicleshows a tendency to skid or slide laterally.This is one of DSTC's permanent functionsand cannot be switched off.
Spin control (SC)The spin control function is designed to helpprevent the drive wheels from spinning whilethe vehicle is accelerating.
Trailer Stability Assist – TSA
1Trailer Stability Assist helps stabilize a vehiclethat is towing a trailer when the vehicle andtrailer have begun to sway. See page 304 formore information. This system is automatically deactivated if the driver selects
Sport mode.
Operation
Sport modeThe stability system is always activated and cannot be switched off. However, the driver can select Sport mode,
which offers more active driving characteris- tics. In this mode, the engine managementsystem monitors movement of the acceleratorpedal and steering wheel for sportier driving by allowing more lateral movement of the rearwheels before DSTC is activated. Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deepsnow or loose sand, it may be advisable totemporarily use
Sport mode for maximum
tractive force. If the driver releases pressure on the acceler- ator pedal, DSTC will also activate to helpstabilize the vehicle. To switch to Sport mode:
1. Press the My Car button in the center
console control panel and select
My
XC70
DSTC in the menu.
2. Unselect the symbol and leave the menu by pressing EXIT.
> This puts DSTC in Sport mode.
Sport mode remains active until the driver
switches it off in the menu or until the engine is switched off. DSTC will return to normalmode when the engine is restarted.
1 Included when a Volvo trailer hitch is installed