2015 VOLVO XC90 engine

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
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
332
WARNING
If both symbols illuminate at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a brake system- related 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.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 332)
• Brake assist system (p. 333)
• Emergency brake lights (p. 334)
Brake functions
The vehicle's standard braking features are aug- mented by a number of auxiliary help functions.
In addition to the wheel brakes and the parking brake, the vehicle is equipped with several auto-matic brake assist functions. These systems helpthe driver by e.g., keeping the vehicle stationarywhen the brake pedal is not depressed (at a traf-fic light or intersection), when starting up a hill orwhen driving down a hill. These systems include: • Auto-hold brakes
• Hill Start Assist
• Braking assist after a collision
• Hill Descent Control
*
Related information
•Brakes (p. 330)
• Parking brake (p. 335)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 334)
• Auto-hold brake function (p. 332)
Auto-hold brake function
With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver can release the brake pedal and the brakes willremain applied, for example, when the vehiclehas stopped at a traffic light or intersection.
When the vehicle is no longer moving forward, Auto-hold applies the brakes automatically, eitherusing the normal brakes or the parking brake.The brakes will be released when the acceleratorpedal is depressed. If the driver's door is opened or the engine is turned off, the parking brake will be applied auto-matically.
Auto-hold control
Auto-hold control and indicator light
Turn Auto-hold on or off by pressing the control in the tunnel console. The indicator light illumi-nates when the function is on.

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.

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Symbol in the instrument panel
SymbolExplanation
A
B
The symbol flashes while the park- ing brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes at any other time, this indicates a fault. See themessage in the instrument panel.
AUS models
B Canadian models
Automatic functionThe parking brake is applied automatically:
• If the Auto Hold function is activated and the vehicle has been stationary for approx.5 minutes.
• If the gear selector is moved to
P on a steep
hill.
• When the engine is turned off (this functioncan be selected, see "Parking brake set-tings" below).
Emergency brakingIn an emergency, the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving by pressingand holding up the control. Braking will be inter-rupted when the control is released. An audible signal will sound during this proce- dure if the vehicle is moving at higher speeds.
Releasing the parking brake
Releasing manually1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Press the control.
> This releases the parking brake and thesymbol in the instrument panel will go out.
Releasing automatically1. The driver must fasten his/her seat belt.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.4. Move the gear selector to D or R and press
the accelerator pedal.
> This releases the parking brake and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.
NOTE
• For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engineis running and the driver is wearing a seatbelt.
• The electric parking brake will bereleased immediately when the accelera-tor pedal is pressed and the gear selector is in position
D or R.
Parking on a hillPut the gear selector in P.
• If the vehicle is pointing
uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing
downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
The parking brake should also be applied.
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when parking on hills or uneven surfaces.

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Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician before driving long distances. Yourretailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your usein the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption and the oil level are normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Have the transmission oil level checked.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (including the sparetire where applicable), and replace those thatare worn. Also, check tire inflation pressure.
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-ing gear should be checked by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legallyrequired in some states/provinces.
• Have a word with a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician if you intend to drivein countries where it may be difficult toobtain the correct fuel. •
Consider your destination. If you will be driv-ing through an area where snow or ice arelikely to occur, consider using snow tires.
Driving economically
Better driving economy can be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Observe the following rules: • Bring the engine to normal operating tem- perature as soon as possible by driving witha light foot on the accelerator pedal for thefirst few minutes of operation. A cold engineuses more fuel and is subject to increasedwear.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the vehiclefor driving short distances. This does notallow the engine to reach normal operatingtemperature.
• Drive carefully and avoid rapid accelerationand hard braking.
• Use the transmission's Drive (
D) position as
often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
• Using the engine's Eco function can helpimprove fuel economy.
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when the tires are cold).

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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.

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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.

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The air conditioning may be switched off temporarily.
• After a prolonged period of driving, do notturn off the engine immediately after stop-ping.
• The engine cooling fan commonly continuesto run for several minutes after the enginehas been turned off.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator) maystart or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
Related information
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 351)
• Before a long distance trip (p. 339)
Winter driving
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture willreduce freeze protection. This gives protec-tion against freezing down to –31 °F(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze isnot approved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvoantifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensationin the tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is important.Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting as well as decreasingfuel consumption while the engine is warm-ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-mended for driving in areas with sustainedlow temperatures.
• The load placed on the battery is greater dur-ing the winter since the windshield wipers,lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,the capacity of the battery decreases as thetemperature drops. In very cold weather, apoorly charged battery can freeze and bedamaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently andspray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of snow tires onall four wheels for winter driving.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir fromfreezing, add washer solvents containingantifreeze. This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solventshould be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 partswater Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washersolvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 partswater Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 partwasher solvent and 1 part water.
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
• Avoid using de-icing sprays as they cancause damage to the locks.
Related information
• Snow tires and chains (p. 473)