2015 VOLVO XC90 ABS

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
330
Starting and driving The vehicle is equipped with features that sup- plement its basic functions, such as shifting gears with steering wheel paddles * and the fuel-
conserving start/stop function.
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans- mission that also makes it possible to shift gearsmanually. Certain functions can also be used when the engine is not running, depending on the ignitionmode being used.
Related information
• Starting the engine (p. 356)
• Ignition modes (p. 355)
• Automatic transmission (p. 367)
• Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 348)
• Start/Stop (p. 364)
• Parking brake (p. 335)
Brakes The brake system is a hydraulic system consist- ing of two separate brake circuits. If a problemshould occur in one of these circuits, it is stillpossible to stop the vehicle with the other brakecircuit.
Brake systemIf one of the brake circuits is not functioning, more pressure will be needed on the brake pedal(and the pedal will go down farther) for normalbraking effect. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure,the stopping distance will be longer. Pressure on the brake pedal is enhanced by the power braking function. The power brakes only function when the engine is running. If the power brakes are not working, considerably higher pressure will be required on the brakepedal to compensate for the lack of power assis-tance. This can happen for example when towingyour vehicle or if the engine is switched off whenthe vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels stifferthan usual. When the Hill Start Assist function is being used, it will take slightly longer for the brake pedal toreturn to its normal position if the vehicle isparked on an incline or uneven surface. When driving in very hilly areas or if the vehicle iscarrying a heavy load, manual gear shifting canbe used (move the gear selector toward +/-) forengine braking to augment the brakes. Hill Descent Control or the
Off Road*
driving mode
can also be used to increase the engine braking effect at low speeds.
Anti-lock Braking System ABSThe ABS system helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe brakingconditions by limiting brake lockup. When ABS is operating, there may be some vibration in the brake pedal, which is normal. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started and driverreleases the brake pedal. Another automatic testmay be performed when the vehicle first reachesa speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Thebrake pedal will pulsate several times and asound may be audible from the ABS controlmodule, which is normal.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discsmay result in delayed brake function. This delay isminimized by cleaning the brake linings. Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and after thevehicle has been washed. Do this by braking gen-tly for a short period while the vehicle is moving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.331
Driving on wet or salted roadsProlonged driving on wet or salted roads can affect brake function and increase stopping dis-tance. Be sure to keep a safe distance to thevehicle ahead when driving under these condi-tions.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condition
of the brake pads can be checked by raising thevehicle and performing a visual inspection of thebrake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to a brake pad inspection, the wheelhub, brake components, etc., will be veryhot. Allow time for these components tocool before carrying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
WARNING
•
Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any other job,use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greased andclean, and should not be damaged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed between thebase of jack and the ground, or betweenthe jack and the attachment bar on thevehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage the jackattachment.
• Never allow any part of your body to beextended under a vehicle supported by ajack.
Instrument panel symbols
SymbolExplanation
Red symbol: Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, top up andhave the system inspected todetermine the cause of the loss offluid.
Yellow symbol: Time for brake sys- tem service.
Steady glow for 2 seconds when the engine is started: automaticfunction control. Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: there is a fault inthe ABS system. The normal brakesystem will still function but withoutABS brake modulation.
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 technician and have the brake system inspected.

STARTING AND DRIVING
333
When Auto-hold is off, Hill Start Assist (HSA) will be activated to help prevent the vehicle from roll-ing backwards when starting up a hill.
Instrument panel symbol
SymbolExplanation
The symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when this func-tion is using the normal brakes tokeep the vehicle stationary.
A
B
This symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when Auto-holdis using the parking brake to keepthe vehicle stationary
A
US models
B Canadian models
Related information
• Hill Start Assist (p. 335)
• Brake functions (p. 332)
Brake assist system
The Brake Assist System (BAS) increases brak- ing force, thereby helping reduce braking dis-tance. The system monitors the driver's braking habits and increases braking force when necessary.Brake force can be increased up to the point atwhich the ABS system is activated. The functionis deactivated when pressure on the brake pedaldecreases.
NOTE
•When BAS is activated, the brake pedal will go down farther than usual. Depressthe pedal as long as necessary.
• Braking will stop when the pedal isreleased.
Related information
•Brakes (p. 330)
Braking effect after a collision
In the event of a collision in which the airbags or seat belt pretensioners deploy or if a collisionwith an animal is detected, the vehicle's brakesare applied to help prevent or mitigate a secon-dary collision.
Maintaining control of the vehicle after a collision may be difficult. To help avoid or mitigate theeffect of a secondary collision, the brakes areapplied automatically to help bring the vehicle toa stop. The brake lights and hazard warning flashers will be activated and the flashers will remain on afterthe vehicle has come to a standstill. The parkingbrake will then be applied automatically. In a situation where stopping the vehicle may not be desirable, the driver can override this systemby pressing the accelerator pedal. This feature can only function if the brake system is intact after the collision.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 332)
• Airbag system (p. 83)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW) (p. 277)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
334
Emergency brake lights
The emergency brake lights activate in the event of hard braking/rapid deceleration at most nor-mal driving speeds or if the ABS system is acti-vated. This function causes an additional taillighton each side of the vehicle to illuminate to helpalert vehicles traveling behind.
Once the emergency brake lights have been acti- vated, if the driver releases the brake pedal, thebrake lights will return to their normal function.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 330)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 144)
• Brake lights (p. 143)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) HDC is a type of low-speed automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase ordecrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhillgradients using only the accelerator pedal, with-out applying the brakes. HDC is integrated into the
Off Road drive mode.
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. The driver hasfull responsibility for driving in a safe manner.
FunctionHDC allows the vehicle to roll forward or in reverse at very low speed with enhanced enginebraking. However, speed can be adjusted withthe accelerator pedal. When the acceleratorpedal is released, the vehicle will return to verylow speed. The driver can use the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle at any time. HDC is activated along with Low Speed Control (LSC), which together make driving on slipperysurfaces at low speeds easier. When HDC and LSC are activated, this changes the response from the accelerator pedal andengine.
Activating HDCHDC only functions at low speeds.
Using the driving mode control
*
Select the Off Road driving mode to activate
HDC. Select a different drive mode to turn HDC off. If this is done while the vehicle is on a steep down-grade, engine braking will decrease gradually.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated by the Off
Road drive mode, the feel of the accelerator
pedal and engine response will change. The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated atlower speeds if so desired.

STARTING AND DRIVING
341
CAUTION
•Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• Damage to any components, the engine,transmission, turbo-charger, differential orits internal components caused by flood-ing, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand in waterup to the door sills longer than absolutelynecessary. This could result in electricalmalfunctions.
• If the engine has been stopped while thevehicle is in water, do not attempt torestart it. Have the vehicle towed out ofthe water.
WARNING
•Avoid driving through standing or rushing water. Doing so can be dangerous and itmay also be difficult to determine theactual depth of the water.
• If water cannot be avoided, after drivingthrough the water, press lightly on thebrake pedal to ensure that the brakes arefunctioning normally. Water or mud canmake the brake linings slippery, resultingin delayed braking effect.
Related information
•Towing recommendations (p. 344)
Overheating the engine and transmission
In demanding driving conditions, such as when transporting heavy loads, driving in mountainousareas or in very hot weather there is a risk ofoverheating the engine or transmission.
• The engine's output may be slightly limited if there is a risk of overheating.
• Remove e.g., auxiliary lights mounted in frontof the grille in hot weather.
• If the temperature of the engine coolantbecomes too high, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Engine
temperature/Stop safely will be displayed.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe place and let the engine idle for severalminutes.
• If the message
Engine temperature/High
temperature Turn off engine or Engine
coolant/Stop safely is displayed, stop
safely and turn off the engine.
• If the transmission begins to overheat, an alternative gear shifting program will beselected. An integrated protective functionwill also by activated, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Transmission
warmHigh temperature Reduce speed
or Transmission warmStop safely, wait
for cooling will be displayed in the instru-
ment panel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
351
WARNING
•Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 355)
• Starting the engine (p. 356)
• Turning the engine off (p. 359)
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par- ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch is notbeing used.
NOTE
• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before put- ting the gear selector in
P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda- tions for wheel chocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking
brake.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make surethe gear you select does not put toomuch strain on the engine (using toohigh a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch maybe rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-cle is designed to tow. Please adhere toVolvo's recommended trailer weights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 15%.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.359
Turning the engine off
The engine can be turned off using the start knob on the tunnel console.
Start knob in the tunnel console between the front seats
To turn off the engine:
–Turn the start knob toward STOP and
release it to switch the engine off.
If the gear selector is in P or if the vehicle is mov-
ing:
–Hold the knob in the STOP position until the
engine stops.
Related information
• Starting the engine (p. 356)
• Ignition modes (p. 355)
Drive modes
*
Selecting a drive mode affects the vehicle's driv- ing characteristics to help make driving moreenjoyable or easier in certain types of situations.
The following systems are adapted to help pro- vide the best vehicle performance in the respec-tive drive modes: • Steering
• Engine/transmission/All Wheel Drive
• Brakes
• Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
• Instrument panel
• Start/Stop
• Climate system settings
Select the drive mode best suited to the current driving conditions. Please be aware that not all modes can be selected in all driving situations. The selectedmode will be displayed in the instrument panel.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.361
INDIVIDUALThis setting allows you to adapt a driving mode to your personal preferences. Select one of the other driving modes as a basis and change the settings to provide the drivingcharacteristics that you prefer. These settings willbe stored in a separate driver profile. This drivingmode is only available if it has been activated inthe center display. INDIVIDUAL is only available if it has been acti- vated in the center display.
Settings view6
for INDIVIDUAL driving mode
1. Tap Settings in the center display's Top
view.
2. Tap
My CarIndividual Drive Mode and
tap Individual Drive Mode. 3.
Select:
Eco, Comfort or Dynamic.
The following settings can be modified: •
Driver Display
•Steering force
•Powertrain Characteristics
•Brake Characteristics
•Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
Related information
• Adjustable steering force
* (p. 308)
• Loading (p. 207)
• Start/Stop (p. 364)
• ECO drive mode (p. 362)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 372)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 334)
• Driver profiles (p. 112)
6
Generic ilustration.