07 Driver support
07
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.167
Adjustable steering force*
Steering force increases with the speed of the vehicle to give the driver enhanced sense ofcontrol and stability. At low speed the vehicleis easy to steer in order to facilitate parking,etc.
Adjustable steering force*Steering force can be changed under MY
CAR
Car settingsSteering wheel
force
. Select Low, Medium or High. For a
description of the menu system, My Car – introduction (p. 70).
NOTE
This steering force level menu function cannot be accessed when the vehicle is inmotion.
NOTE
In certain situations, the power steering may become too warm and will have to betemporarily cooled down. While this ishappening, the power steering effect willbe reduced slightly and somewhat moreeffort may be required to turn the steeringwheel. If this occurs, a message will be displayed in the instrument panel.
Related information
• Active chassis* (Four C) (p. 162)
Road Sign Information (RSI)* – introduction
RSI is a feature that helps the driver see road signs with the posted speed limit.
Introduction
Examples of readable road signs If the vehicle passes a sign showing the speed limit, this will be displayed in the centerconsole.
WARNING
RSI does not function in all situations and is only intended to provide supplementaryinformation. The driver is always responsible for oper- ating the vehicle safely.
Related information
•Road Sign Information (RSI) – operation (p. 168)
• Road Sign Information (RSI) – limitations(p. 168)
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Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or withheavy loads, there is a risk that the engine andcooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine. •Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills. For informa-tion, see Towing a trailer (p. 279)
• Do not turn the engine off immediatelywhen stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after theengine has been switched off.
•
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weatherconditions.
• Do not exceed engine speeds of4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hillyterrain. The oil temperature could becometoo high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode
II. Many electrical
systems (the audio system, the optionalnavigation system, power windows, etc)will function in ignition modes 0 and I.
These modes reduce drain on the battery.
• Please keep in mind that using systems,accessories, etc., that consume a greatdeal of current when the engine is notrunning could result in the battery beingcompletely drained. Driving or having theengine running for approximately15 minutes will help keep the batterycharged.
• The optional 12-volt socket in thetrunk (p. 134) area provides electrical cur-rent even with the ignition switched off,which drains the battery.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-ice technician before driving long distances.Your retailer will also be able to supply youwith bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiperblades for your use in the event that problemsoccur. As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Have the transmission oil level (p. 374)checked.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (the spare tire aswell), and replace those that areworn (p. 287). Check tire pres-sure (p. 294).
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, andsteering gear should be checked by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian 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
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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 thereforethe car's climbing ability are impairedbecause of the reduced air density, so themaximum trailer weight has to be reducedaccordingly. The weight of the vehicle andtrailer must be reduced by 10% for everyfurther 3,280 ft (1000 m) (or part thereof).When towing 5,950 lbs (2,700kg) hill incli-nation is restricted to 14%.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailerhas 7 pins. Use an adapter cable approvedby Volvo. Make sure the cable does not dragon the ground.
Related information
•
Loading – general (p. 135)
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 tosway and is part of the stability system. Forinformation on the stability system, see Stabil-ity system – introduction (p. 162)
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to swayfor various reasons. Normally this only occursat high speeds but, for example, if the traileris overloaded or if the load is unevenly dis-tributed in the trailer, there is risk of swayingat speeds between approximately 45-55 mph(70-90 km/h). Swaying may be caused by factors such as: •
The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sud- den, 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
• TSA intervenes at speeds above approxi-mately 40 mph (60 km/h)
• The stability system symbol in the instru-ment panel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability sys-tem's Spin Control function, TSA will also
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be switched off (but will be on again the next time the engine is started)
• TSA may not intervene when the vehicleand trailer begin to sway if the driver triesto compensate for the swaying motion bymoving the steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very diffi- cult to stop, which makes it difficult to controlthe vehicle and trailer. The TSA system continuously monitors the vehicle's movements, particularly lateralmovement. If the system detects a tendencyto sway, the brakes are applied individuallyon the front wheels, which has a stabilizingeffect on the vehicle and trailer. This is oftenenough to enable the driver to regain controlof the vehicle. If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of thewheels on the vehicle and on the trailer if it isequipped with brakes, and engine power istemporarily reduced. As the swaying motionbegins to decrease and the vehicle-trailerhave once again become stable, TSA will nowstop regulating the brakes/engine power andthe driver regains control of the vehicle.
Related information
• Towing a trailer (p. 279)
• Loading – general (p. 135)
Towing the vehicle
Always check with state and local authorities before attempting to tow another vehiclebecause this type of towing is subject to reg-ulations regarding maximum towing speed,length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
1. With the remote key fully pressed into the
ignition slot 16
, press START/STOP
ENGINE for approximately 2 seconds to
activate ignition mode II. 2. The remote key must remain in the igni-
tion slot 17
for the entire time that the vehi-
cle is being towed.
3. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This willhelp prevent jarring movements of thevehicle being towed.
4. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
16Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.283
WARNING
• When the vehicle is being towed, the ignition should be in mode
II (in mode
I , all of the vehicle's airbags are deac-
tivated). For more information, seeIgnition modes (p. 73)
• Never remove the remote key from theignition slot when the vehicle is beingtowed. For vehicles with keyless drive,the remote key must remain inside thevehicle.
• The power brakes and power steeringwill not function when the engine is notrunning. Approximately 5 times morepressure will be required on the brakepedal and the steering wheel will beconsiderably harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be usedfor pulling the vehicle out of a ditch orfor any similar purpose involvingsevere strain.
Related information
•
Towing the vehicle (p. 281)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 283)
Towing by tow truck
When necessary, call for professional help from an authorized towing company. Volvorecommends the use of flat bed equipment.
CAUTION
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto aflatbed tow truck.
• The vehicle's position and ground clearance determine if it can be pulledup onto a flatbed tow truck using thetowing eyelet.
• If the angle of the tow truck’s ramp istoo steep or the ground clearanceunder the vehicle is insufficient, dam-age could occur by attempting to pullthe vehicle using the towing eyelet.
• If necessary, lift the vehicle using thetow truck’s lifting device.
WARNING
No person or object should be behind the tow truck while the vehicle is being pulledup onto the flatbed.
CAUTION
• The vehicle should always be towed in the forward direction.
• Vehicles with All Wheel Drive (AWD)*that are being towed with the frontwheels off the ground should not betowed at a speed above approx.45 mph (70 km/h) and should not betowed farther than 30 miles (50 km).
Related information
•
Towing eyelet (p. 282)
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320
Maintenance – owner maintenance
Periodic maintenance requirements and inter- vals are described in your vehicle's Warrantyand Service Records Information booklet. The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenanceservices.
Owner maintenance
Each time the car is refueled:
•Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights.
Monthly:
• Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
• Check that engine coolant and other fluidlevels are between the indicated "min"and "max" markings.
• Clean interior glass surfaces with a glasscleaner and soft paper towels.
• Wipe driver information displays with asoft cloth.
• Visually inspect battery terminals for cor-rosion. Corrosion may indicate a looseterminal connector, or a battery near theend of its useful service life. Consult yourVolvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that can be caused bysalt residues. Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from otherplaces where they may collect.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchaseor subscription at www.volvotechinfo.com.
Related information
•
Maintenance – opening/closing hood (p. 324)
• Engine compartment – overview (p. 325)
• Engine compartment – coolant (p. 328)
• Engine compartment – engine oil (p. 326)
• Engine compartment – power steeringfluid (p. 330)
• Engine compartment – washer fluid(p. 341)
• Cleaning the interior (p. 359)
• Washing the car (p. 357)
• Tire inflation – checking pressure (p. 294)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 287)
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Engine compartment – overview
The overview shows the main inspection points in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir
Dipstick-engine oil
Filler cap-engine oil
Cover over brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay/fuse box
Washer fluid reservoir
Engine compartment - 4-cylinder engines only
Filler cap-engine oil
Coolant expansion tank
Radiator
Brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay/fuse box
Washer fluid reservoir
Air cleaner
The appearance of the engine compartment may vary depending on engine model.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator)may start or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
WARNING
Before performing any operations in the engine compartment, the ignition shouldalways be completely switched off (inmode 0, see Ignition modes (p. 73)) and
there should be no remote keys in the pas-senger compartment. The gear selectorshould be in the P (park) position. If the
engine has been running, wait until it hascooled before touching any components inthe engine compartment. The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precau-tions must be followed to prevent injury.Always turn the ignition off when:
• Replacing distributor ignition compo- nents e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
• Do not touch any part of the distributorignition system while the engine is run-ning. This may result in unintendedmovements and body injury.
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Checking the levelThe fluid reservoir is concealed under the round cover at the rear of the engine com-partment. The round cover must be removedfirst before the reservoir cap can beaccessed. Check, without removing the cap, that there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir. Fluid type: DOT 4 boiling point >536 °F
(>280 °C).Replace : The fluid should be replaced
according to the intervals specified in the Warranty and Service Records Informationbooklet. When driving under extremely hard condi- tions (mountain driving, etc), it may be neces-sary to replace the fluid more often. Consult atrained and qualified Volvo service technician. Always entrust brake fluid changing to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
• If the fluid level is below the
MIN mark
in the reservoir or if a brake-related message is shown in the informationdisplay: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the car
towed to a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician and have the brakesystem inspected.
• Dot 4 should never be mixed with anyother type of brake fluid.
Filling1. Turn and open the cover.
2. Unscrew the reservoir cap and fill the
fluid. The level must be between the MIN
and MAX marks.
Engine compartment – power steering fluid
The fluid level must be between the MIN and
MAX marks. For capacities and recom-
mended fluid grade, see Fuel tank volume – specification and volume (p. 374).
Check the level frequently. It does not nor- mally require changing.
WARNING
If a problem should occur in the power steering system or if the vehicle has noelectrical current and must be towed, it isstill possible to steer the vehicle. However,keep in mind that greater effort will berequired to turn the steering wheel.