
SAFETY
81
WARNING
•Keep the following points in mind with respect to the OWS system. Failure tofollow these instructions could adverselyaffect the system's function and result inserious injury to the occupant of the frontpassenger's seat:
• The full weight of the front seat passen-ger should always be on the seat cushion.The passenger should never lift him/herself off the seat cushion using thearmrest in the door or the center console,by pressing the feet on the floor, by sit-ting on the edge of the seat cushion, orby pressing against the backrest in a waythat reduces pressure on the seat cush-ion. This could cause OWS to disable thefront, passenger's side airbag.
WARNING
•Do not place any type of object on the front passenger's seat in such a way thatjamming, pressing, or squeezing occursbetween the object and the front seat,other than as a direct result of the correctuse of the Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)seat belt.
• No objects should be placed under thefront passenger's seat. This could inter-fere with the OWS system's function.
Related information
• Airbag system (p. 83)
Safety mode As a safety precaution after a collision, the func- tionality of some of the vehicle's systems may bereduced.
If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, the text Safety mode may appear in the information
display.
NOTE
This text can only be shown if the display is undamaged and the vehicle's electrical sys-tem is intact.
Safety mode is a feature that is triggered if one or more of the safety systems such as the front/side airbags inflatable curtain, etc., or one ormore of the seat belt pretensioners has deployed.The collision may have damaged an importantfunction in the vehicle, such as the fuel lines,sensors for one of the safety systems, the brakesystem, etc.

SAFETY
85
certain non-frontal collisions where rapid deceleration occurs.
• The airbag system sensors, which trigger thefront airbags, are designed to react to boththe impact of the collision and the inertialforces generated by it, and to determine ifthe intensity of the collision is sufficient forthe seat belt pretensioners and/or airbags tobe deployed.
However, not all frontal collisions activate the front airbags.
• If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow drift or bush), or a rigid, fixed objectat a low speed, the front airbags will not nec-essarily deploy.
• Front airbags do not normally deploy in aside impact collision, in a collision from therear or in a rollover situation.
• The amount of damage to the bodyworkdoes not reliably indicate if the airbagsshould have deployed or not.
NOTE
• Deployment of front airbags occurs only one time during an accident. In a collisionwhere deployment occurs, the airbagsand seat belt pretensioners activate.Some noise occurs and a small amountof powder is released. The release of thepowder may appear as smoke-like matter.This is a normal characteristic and doesnot indicate fire.
• Volvo's front airbags use special sensorsthat are integrated with the front seatbuckles. The point at which the airbagdeploys is determined by whether or notthe seat belt is being used, as well as theseverity of the collision.
• Collisions can occur where only one ofthe airbags deploys. If the impact is lesssevere, but severe enough to present aclear injury risk, the airbags are triggeredat partial capacity. If the impact is moresevere, the airbags are triggered at fullcapacity.
WARNING
• Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the frontpassenger's seat. We also recommendthat occupants under 4 feet 7 inches(140 cm) in height who have outgrownthese devices sit in the rear seat with theseat belt fastened. See also the Occu-pant Weight Sensor information,.
• Never drive with the airbags deployed.The fact that they hang out can impair thesteering of your vehicle. Other safety sys-tems can also be damaged.
• The smoke and dust formed when theairbags are deployed can cause skin andeye irritation in the event of prolongedexposure.
Should you have questions about any component in the SRS system, please contact a trained andqualified Volvo service technician or Volvo cus-tomer support: In the USA Volvo Cars of North America, LLC Customer Care Center1 Volvo DriveP.O. Box 914Rockleigh, New Jersey 076471-800-458-1552

SAFETY
86www.volvocars.com/us In Canada Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. National Customer Service9130 Leslie Street, Suite 101Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 0B91-800-663-8255www.volvocars.com/ca
Airbag decals
Airbag decal on the outside of both sun visors
Passenger's side airbag decal
WARNING
•
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger's seat.
• Occupants in the front passenger's seatmust never sit on the edge of the seat, sitleaning toward the instrument panel orotherwise sit out of position.
• The occupant's back must be as uprightas comfort allows and be against the seatback with the seat belt properly fastened.
• Feet must be on the floor, e.g., not on thedash, seat or out of the window.
WARNING
•
No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dashboard covers, may be placed on,attached to, or installed near the air baghatch (the area above the glove compart-ment) or the area affected by airbagdeployment.
• There should be no loose articles, suchas coffee cups on the floor, seat, or dash-board area.
• Never try to open the airbag cover on thesteering wheel or the passenger's sidedashboard. This should only be done by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian.
• Failure to follow these instructions canresult in injury to the vehicle occupants.
Related information
• Seat belts (p. 58)
• Occupant weight sensor (p. 78)

LOADING AND STORAGE
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.207
Loading
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number ofpassengers, the amount of cargo, the weight ofany accessories that may be installed, etc.
Tailgate opening button on the lighting panel
Open the tailgate by pressing the button on the lighting panel, pressing the
button on the
remote key or by using the optional foot move- ment sensor under the rear bumper.
Loading recommendations
• Load objects in the cargo compartment against the backrest whenever possible.
• If the backrests of the second row seats arefolded down, they should not be in contactthe front seat backrests. This could impede the function of the Whiplash ProtectionSystem (WHIPS).
• Unstable loads can be secured to the loadanchoring eyelets with straps or web lash-ings to help keep them from shifting.
• Stop the engine and apply the parking brakewhen loading or unloading long objects. Thegear selector can be knocked out of positionby long loads, which could set the vehicle inmotion.
WARNING
•
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P
, and apply the parking brake when
loading or unloading long objects.
• The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and dis-tribution of the load.
• A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces aforce of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in ahead-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
• The cargo area and rear seat should notbe loaded to a level higher than 2 in.(5 cm) below the upper edge of the rearside windows. Objects placed higher thanthis level could impede the function ofthe Inflatable Curtain.
WARNING
•
Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure theload to help prevent shifting during sud-den stops.
• Always secure large and heavy objectswith a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
• Always secure the load to help prevent itfrom moving in the event of sudden stops.
• Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in
P
when loading and unloading the vehicle.
Raising/lowering the rear-end of the vehicle *
Using the buttons on the read edge of the cargo compartment, the rear-end of the vehicle (thelevel of the cargo compartment floor) can beraised or lowered for easier loading or to make attaching a trailer 1
simpler.
1 An accessory trailer hitch can be purchased from a Volvo retailer.

LOADING AND STORAGE
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
208
Level control buttons on the rear edge of the cargo compartment
The level control consists of two buttons: one to raise and one to lower the rear-end of the vehi-cle. Press and hold the respective buttons until the desired level has been reached.
NOTE
The level cannot be adjusted if a door or the hood are open (this does not apply to the tail-gate).
WARNING
Be sure that the entire area under the vehicle is completely unobstructed before loweringthe level.
Extra loading spaceThe rear seat backrests can be folded down to added cargo space or for transporting longobjects.
Roof loadsLoad carriers are available as Volvo accessories.Observe the following points when in use:
• To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, werecommend using the load carriers that Volvohas developed especially for your vehicle.
• Volvo-approved removable roof racks aredesigned to carry the maximum allowableroof load for this vehicle (see the article"Weights" for specific information).
• Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weighlimits.
• Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loadsevenly.
• Place heavier cargo at the bottom of theload.
• Secure the cargo correctly with appropriatetie-down equipment.
• Check periodically that the load carriers andload are properly secured.
• Remember that the vehicle's center of gravityand handling change when you carry a loadon the roof. •
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel con-sumption will increase with the size of theload.
• Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cor-nering and hard braking.
See the article "Weights" for information about the maximum permissible load that can be trans-ported on the roof.
Related information
• Folding the second row backrests (p. 170)
• Folding the third row
* backrests (p. 172)
• Weights (p. 539)
• Cargo net (p. 209)
• Cargo compartment cover
* (p. 213)
• Load anchoring eyelets (p. 212)
• Whiplash protection system (p. 89)

LOADING AND STORAGE
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.209
Grocery bag holder
The grocery bag holders (hooks) and elastic strap help keep shopping bags in place.
Under the cargo compartment floor 2
There are two grocery bag holders and an elastic strap
3
in the hatch that is part of the cargo area
floor. The strap can be attached in four positions. Open the hatch to access the grocery bag hold- ers and attach the elastic strap. Grocery bagswith handles can also be hung on the hooks.
On the sides of the cargo compartment
There are also two fold-out holders in the side panels, one on each side.
CAUTION
The grocery bag holders (hooks) are only intended to hold weights less than approx.11 lbs (5 kg).
Related information
• Cargo net (p. 209)
• Steel cargo grid
* (p. 211)
• Cargo compartment cover
* (p. 213)
Cargo net
The cargo net helps protect passengers from objects in the cargo compartment in the event ofa sudden stop or hard braking.
The cargo net is attached at four points.
Cargo net
The cargo net can be mounted in two positions: • Rear mounting: behind the second row seats' backrests.
• Front mounting: behind the front seats' back-rests.
2
5-seat models only.3
Can be replaced by ordering a new one from a Volvo retailer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
340•
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increaseair resistance and also fuel consumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consumptionwill be lower with the air conditioning on andthe windows closed than with the air condi-tioning off and the windows open.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuel con-sumption modes can help you learn how todrive 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 others are checked at the standard maintenance inter-vals.
Handling and roadholding
• Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres- sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the rec-ommended pressure according to the vehicleload. Loads should be distributed so thatcapacity weight or maximum permissible axleloads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned more than might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo compartment, the less the ten-dency to understeer.
Driving through standing water
The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau- tion if it is necessary to drive through standingwater.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 17.7 in. (45 cm) at walk-ing speed to help prevent water from enteringthe differential and the transmission. Thisreduces the oil's lubricating capacity and mayshorten the service life of these components.
• Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
• After driving through water, apply the brakesand check that they are functioning correctly.
• Clean the electrical connections for trailerwiring after driving in mud or water.
• When driving through water, maintain lowspeed and do not stop in the water.

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%.