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Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
•Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involvingthe electrical, fuel or distributor ignitionsystems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Donot continue to operate your vehicle ifyou detect engine misfire, noticeable lossof power or other unusual operating con-ditions, such as engine overheating orbackfiring. A properly tuned engine willhelp avoid malfunctions that could dam-age the three-way catalytic converter.
• Do not park your vehicle over combusti-ble materials, such as grass or leaves,which can come into contact with the hotexhaust system and cause such materialsto ignite under certain wind and weatherconditions.
• Excessive starter cranking (in excess ofone minute), or an intermittently firing orflooded engine can cause three-way cat-alytic converter or exhaust system over-heating.
• Remember that tampering or unauthor-ized modifications to the engine, theEngine Control Module, or the vehiclemay be illegal and can cause three-waycatalytic converter or exhaust systemoverheating. This includes: altering fuelinjection settings or components, alteringemission system components or location or removing components, and/or repea-ted use of leaded fuel.NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxy- gen content of the exhaust gases. Readingsare fed into a control module that continu-ously monitors engine functions and controlsfuel injection. The ratio of fuel to air into theengine is continuously adjusted for efficientcombustion to help reduce harmful emis-sions.
Related information
•
Information displays – warning symbols (p. 68)
• Engine and cooling system (p. 271)
Economical driving
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts andstops and adjusting the speed of your vehicleto immediate traffic conditions.
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Observe the following rules:
• Bring the engine to normal operating tem- perature as soon as possible by drivingwith a light foot on the accelerator pedalfor the first few minutes of operation. Acold engine uses more fuel and is subjectto increased wear.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the vehi-cle for driving short distances. This doesnot allow the engine to reach normaloperating temperature.
• Drive carefully and avoid rapid accelera-tion and hard braking.
• Use the transmission's Drive (
D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
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278* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
•
Using the transmission's Sport mode 14
may increase fuel consumption some- what. Use the transmission's Drive ( D)
position as often as possible. For addi-tional information about Sport mode, seeTransmission – Geartronic (p. 252).
• Using the engine's optional Eco func- tion15
can help improve fuel economy. For
additional information, see ECO* (p. 260).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snowor ice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,increase air resistance and also fuel con-sumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-tion will be lower with the air conditioningon and the windows closed than with theair conditioning off and the windowsopen.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuelconsumption modes can help you learnhow to drive 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 oth-ers are checked at the standard maintenanceintervals.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open: Driving with
the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passengercompartment. If the trunk must be keptopen for any reason, proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side win-dows and the blower control to itshighest setting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan 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 in the trunk, the less the tendency to under-steer. •
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling.Therefore, check that the tires are inflatedto the recommended pressure accordingto the vehicle load. Loads should be dis-tributed so that capacity weight or maxi-mum permissible axle loads are notexceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehiclehas a tendency to understeer, whichmeans that the steering wheel has to beturned more than might seem appropriatefor the curvature of a bend. This ensuresgood stability and reduces the risk of rearwheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. Theheavier the load in the trunk, the less thetendency to understeer.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 118)
14
Certain models only.
15 Available on certain 4-cyl. engines
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Towing a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
NOTE
For the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo, seeWeights (p. 368).
•All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-ers. Trailer hitch installation should notinterfere with the proper operation of thisbumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into considera-tion: • Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure, see Tire inflation – pressuretable (p. 297).
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towingheavy trailers 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 cool-ant temperature should be closelywatched when driving in hot climates orhilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn offthe air conditioner if the temperaturegauge needle enters the red range. •
If the automatic transmission begins tooverheat, a message will be displayed inthe text window.
• Avoid overload and other abusive opera-tion.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-ity, and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakeswith the towing vehicle brakes to providea safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations).
• 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 isnot being used.
NOTE
• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brakebefore putting the gear selector in
P.
Always follow the trailer manufactur-er's recommendations for wheelchocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gearselector in
D before releasing the park-
ing brake.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shiftpositions while towing a trailer, makesure the gear you select does not puttoo much strain on the engine (usingtoo high a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitchmay be rated for trailers heavier thanthe vehicle is designed to tow. Pleaseadhere to Volvo's recommended trailerweights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclinesof more than 15%.
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280
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)
09 Wheels and tires
09
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.305
Related information
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – general information (p. 303)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– recalibrating (p. 305)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– messages (p. 306)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– activating/deactivating (p. 306)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – recalibrating
In certain cases, it may be necessary to recali- brate TPMS to conform to Volvo's recom-mended tire inflation pressures (see the infla-tion pressure table in Tire inflation – pressuretable (p. 297)), for example, if higher inflationpressure is necessary when transportingheavy loads, etc.
Recalibrating TPMS (Canadian models only)*
This is done in the vehicle's menu system. To recalibrate:
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Inflate the tires to the desired pressure
and put the ignition in mode I or II (see
Ignition modes (p. 73) for additional infor- mation).
3. Press the MY CAR key in the center con-
sole control panel and select
Settings
Car settingsTire pressure.
4. Press OK/MENU , select
Calibrate tire
pressure and press OK/MENU again. 5. Drive the vehicle at a speed above
20 mph (30 km/h) continuously for at least 10 minutes.
> Calibration is done automatically onceinitiated by the driver and the system does not give any confirmation whencalibration is finished.
The new pressures are used until step 1-5above are repeated.
Related information
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – general information (p. 303)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– messages (p. 306)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– activating/deactivating (p. 306)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– changing wheels (p. 304)
• My Car – introduction (p. 70)
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306
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – activating/deactivating
Activating/deactivating TPMS
(Canadian models only)
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Put the ignition in mode I or II (see Igni-
tion modes (p. 73) for additional informa- tion).
3. Press the MY CAR key in the center con-
sole control panel and select
Settings
Car settingsTire pressure
4. Select Tire monitoring and press OK/
MENU to turn the system on or off.
Related information
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – general information (p. 303)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – messages
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed and the tire pressure warning light in the instrument panell (
)
has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pres- sure (consult the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side B-pillar (thestructural member at the side of the vehi-cle, at the rear of the driver's door open-ing) or the inflation pressure table, seeTire inflation – pressure table (p. 297).
3. In certain cases, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle for several minutes at aspeed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster. Thiswill erase the warning text and the telltalewill go out.
NOTE
•Tire monitoring systems use a tem- perature compensated pressure value.This pressure value is dependent ontire temperature and ambient tempera-ture, which can differ from the recom-mended cold tire pressure in the tireinflation table and on the tire pressureplacard located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at theside of the vehicle, at the rear of thedriver's door opening). This meansthat it may sometimes be necessary toinflate them slightly above the recom-mended cold pressure value(approx. 3-4 psi or 0.2-0.3 bar) in orderto reset a low tire pressure warning.
• To help avoid incorrect tire inflationpressure, if possible only inflate thetires when they are cold. The tires areconsidered to be cold when they havethe same temperature as the sur-rounding (ambient) air. This tempera-ture is normally reached after the vehi-cle has been parked for at least3 hours. After driving a distance ofapproximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tiresare considered to be hot.