2015 VOLVO XC90 brakes

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Towing recommendations
Always check with state and local authorities before attempting to tow another vehiclebecause this type of towing is subject to regula-tions regarding maximum towing speed, lengthand type of towing device, lighting, etc.
Towing your vehicle behind another
vehicle
1. After securely attaching the towing line to both vehicles, put the gear selector in posi- tion N and release the parking brake.
2. Put the ignition in mode II by turning the
start knob to START (without depressing
the brake pedal) and hold it in this position
for approx. 4 seconds. Release the knob.
3. Put the gear selector in position N and
release the parking brake.
4. The towing vehicle can now begin driving.
5. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This will help prevent jar-ring movements of the vehicle being towed.
6. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, an auxiliary battery will be necessary to provide cur-rent for releasing the electric parkingbrake and to move the gear selector from the
P position to N. If this is not possible,
use the shiftlock override procedure tomanually release the gear selector from P
and move it to N.
• Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.
WARNING
• When the vehicle is being towed, the igni- tion should be in mode
II (in mode I, all of
the vehicle's airbags are deactivated).
• The remote key must remain inside the vehicle.
• The power brakes and power steering willnot function when the engine is not run-ning. Approximately 5 times more pres-sure will be required on the brake pedaland the steering wheel will be considera-bly harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be used forpulling the vehicle out of a ditch or forany similar purpose involving severestrain.

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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%.

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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
352
CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and therefore thecar's climbing ability are impaired because ofthe reduced air density, so the maximumtrailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.The weight of the vehicle and trailer must bereduced by 10% for every further 3,280 ft(1000 m) (or part thereof). When towing5,950 lbs (2,700kg) hill inclination is restric-ted to 14%.
WARNING
• Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safetychains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brakesystem directly to the vehicle brake sys-tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directlyto the vehicle lighting system. Consultyour nearest authorized Volvo retailer forcorrect installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safetychains or wire must be correctly fastenedto the attachment points provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetychain or wire must never be fastened toor wound around the towing ball.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins.Use an adapter cable approved by Volvo. Makesure the cable does not drag on the ground.
Self-leveling suspension
*With this system, the rear suspension maintains aconstant level, regardless of the load in the cargocompartment (up to the max. permissible load).When the engine is not running, the rear of thevehicle sinks down slightly, which is normal.
Related information
•Detachable trailer hitch (p. 353)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 354)
• Weights (p. 539)

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Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun to swayand is part of the Electronic Stability Control sys-tem.
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at highspeeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloa-ded or if the load is unevenly distributed in thetrailer, there is risk of swaying. Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• The stability system symbol in the instrumentpanel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability system'sSpin Control function, TSA will also beswitched off (but will be on again the nexttime the engine is started)
• TSA may not intervene when the vehicle andtrailer begin to sway if the driver tries to com-pensate for the swaying motion by movingthe steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very difficult to stop, which makes it difficult to control thevehicle and trailer. The TSA system continuously monitors the vehi- cle's movements, particularly lateral movement. Ifthe system detects a tendency to sway, thebrakes are applied individually on the frontwheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehi-cle and trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on thevehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped withbrakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced.As the swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle-trailer have once again become sta-ble, TSA will now stop regulating the brakes/engine power and the driver regains control ofthe vehicle. TSA is deactivated if the driver deactivates
ESCin the center display's menu system.
When the ESC symbol in the
instrument panel flashes, TSA is active.
Related information
• Detachable trailer hitch (p. 353)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (p. 308)

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* 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.

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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.363
a short distance
(in heavy traffic, etc.) or
when driving down hills .
To help keep fuel consumption as low as possi- ble, Eco Coast should not be used in traffic situa-tions where the brakes have to be used fre-quently.
Activating Eco CoastEco Coast is activated when the accelerator pedal is released completely if:
• Eco is activated
• The gear selector is in
D
• The vehicle's speed is between approxi- mately 25–85 mph (40–140 km/h). Alwaysobserve posted speed limits
• The gradient of a down-slope is less thanapproximately 6%
COASTING will appear in the instrument panel
when Eco Coast is being used.
LimitationsEco Coast is not available if:
• The engine and/or transmission have not reached their normal operating temperature
• Cruise control is activated
• The gear selector is moved from
D to " +/-"
for manual shifting
• The vehicle's speed is not within the25–85 mph (40–140 km/h) range
• The gradient of a down-slope is more thanapproximately 6% •
The steering wheel paddles
* are used for
manual shifting
Deactivating and turning off Eco CoastIn certain situations, it may be advisable to switch off the Eco Coast function, such as:
• When driving down steep hills, in order to uti- lize engine braking
• Prior to passing another vehicle, in order todo so as safely as possible
Deactivating Eco Coast (and reactivating engine braking) can be done in the following ways: • Move the gear selector to the manual "
+/

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Start/Stop
Start/Stop is a function that temporarily switches off the engine when the vehicle is not moving,for instance in heavy traffic or at a traffic light, tohelp reduce fuel consumption. The engine startsagain automatically when the brake pedal isreleased.
Start/Stop is one of several fuel-conserving fea- tures that also help reduce emissions. This feature helps make it possible to drive more economically by allowing the engine to auto-stopin certain situations.
Related information
• Conditions for Start/Stop (p. 365)
• Using the Start/Stop function (p. 364)
• ECO drive mode (p. 362)
Using the Start/Stop function Start/Stop is a function that temporarily switches off the engine when the vehicle is not moving,for instance in heavy traffic or at a traffic light, tohelp reduce fuel consumption. The engine startsagain automatically when the brake pedal isreleased.
Start/Stop is available when the engine has been started. The instrument panel will indicate if thefunction is available/unavailable/active. All of the vehicle's normal systems such as light- ing, infotainment, etc., function normally when theengine has auto-stopped. However, certain func-tions, such as climate system blower speed orvery high infotainment system volume, will betemporarily reduced.
Auto-stopThe following conditions must be met for theengine to auto-stop:
• Stop the vehicle by applying the brakes and keep the brake pedal depressed. The engine will auto-stop. If the COMFORT 8
or ECO driv-
ing modes are activated, the engine can auto-stop before the vehicle has come to astandstill.
If the
Adaptive cruise or Pilot Assist functions
are activated, the engine will auto-stop after approx. 3 seconds. See also the article "Condi-tions for Start/Stop."
Auto-startThe following conditions must be met for theengine to auto-start:
• Release the brake pedal; the engine will automatically restart. When starting on anuphill incline, the Hill Start Assist (HSA)function will be activated to help prevent thevehicle from rolling backward.
• When the brake system's Auto Hold functionis activated, the engine will not auto-startuntil the accelerator pedal is pressed.
• When
Adaptive cruise or Pilot Assist are
activated, the engine will auto-start when the accelerator pedal is pressed or if the
button is pressed on the left-side steering wheel keypad.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed but pressthe accelerator pedal. The engine will auto-start.
• On a downhill incline, release the brake pedalso that the vehicle begins to roll. The enginewill auto-start after a slight increase in speed.
8
The default driving mode.

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the road's incline is very steep.
• the hood is opened.
• the transmission has not reached its normal operating temperature.
• driving at high altitude and the engine hasnot reached its normal operating tempera-ture.
• the gear selector is in the manual shiftingposition.
• the ABS brakes have activated.
• hard braking (even if the ABS brakes havenot activated).
• many starts during a short time period havetriggered the starter motor's overheating pro-tection.
• a trailer's electrical system is connected tothe vehicle's electrical system.
The engine does not auto-startIn certain situations or conditions, the engine may not auto-start
after an auto-stop, such as:
• if the driver is not wearing a seat belt
• the gear selector is in the
P position and the
driver's door is open. The engine must be started normally.
The engine auto-starts while the brake
pedal is depressed
In the following situations, the engine will auto-
start even though the brake pedal is depressed: •
condensation forms on the inside of the win-dows.
• the climate system cannot keep the desiredsettings in the passenger compartment.
• electrical current consumption is temporarilyhigh or the main battery's charge is belowthe minimum level.
• the brake pedal is pumped repeatedly.
• the hood is opened.
• the vehicle begins to move or increasesspeed slightly (if the engine auto-stoppedbefore the vehicle was at a standstill).
• the driver's seat belt is unbuckled while the gear selector is in the
D or N positions.
• the gear selector is moved from
D to R or ±.
• the driver's door is opened with the gearselector in
D: an audible signal and a text
message will inform the driver that the igni- tion is on.
WARNING
Do not open the hood if the engine has auto- stopped. The engine could suddenly auto-start. Before opening the hood:
• Switch off the ignition by turning the start knob in the tunnel console toward
STOP.
• Be aware that if the engine has been run- ning, components in the engine compart-ment will be very hot.
Related information
• Using the Start/Stop function (p. 364)