
08 Starting and driving
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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. 287)
• 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 the cargoarea (p. 138) 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. 383)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. 295). Check tire pres-sure (p. 302).
• 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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286* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
• Using the engine's optional Eco func- tion18
 can help improve fuel economy. For
additional information, see ECO* (p. 267).
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 19
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. 259).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extraload) 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 tailgate open:  Driving
with the tailgate open could lead to poi- sonous exhaust gases entering the pas-senger compartment. If the tailgate mustbe kept open for any reason, proceed asfollows: • 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 alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo area, the less the tendency toundersteer. •
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 cargo compart-ment, the less the tendency to under-steer.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 122)
18
Available on certain 4-cyl. engines
19 Models with the T6 turbo engine only. 

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288
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. 139)
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. 169)
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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289
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. 287)
• Loading – general (p. 139)
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 20
, press  START/STOP
ENGINE  for approximately 2 seconds to
activate ignition mode  II. 2. The remote key must remain in the igni-
tion slot 21
 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.
20Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive. 

08 Starting and driving
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.291
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. 77)
• 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. 289)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 291)
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. 290) 

09 Wheels and tires
09
}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.321
WARNING
Please keep the following points in mind when using the tire sealing system:
• The sealing compound bottle (no. 8 in the illustration) contains 1) rubberlatex, natural and 2) ethanediol. Thesesubstances are harmful if swallowed.
• The contents of this bottle may causeallergic skin reactions or otherwise bepotentially harmful to the respiratorytract, the skin, the central nervous sys-tem, and the eyes.
Precautions: • Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest the contents.
• Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin.
• Wash thoroughly after handling.
First aid:
• Skin: Wash affected areas of skin withsoap and water. Get medical attentionif symptoms occur.
• Eyes: Flush with plenty of water forleast 15 minutes, occasionally liftingthe upper and lower eyelids. Get medi-cal attention if symptoms occur.
• Inhalation: Move the exposed personto fresh air. If irritation persists, getmedical attention.
•Ingestion: Do 
NOT induce vomiting
unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Get medical attention.
• Disposal: Dispose of this material andits container to a hazardous or specialwaste collection point.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle isscrewed into the holder.
Related information
•
Tire sealing system* – general information (p. 319)
• Tire sealing system* – inflating tires(p. 324)
• Tire sealing system – checking inflationpressure (p. 323)
• Tire sealing system* – sealing hole(p. 321)
• Tire sealing system* – sealing compoundcontainer (p. 325)
Tire sealing system* – sealing hole
The tire sealing system can be used to tem- porarily seal a hole in the tread surface of atire.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will beclearly visible to the driver.
2. Ensure that the on/off switch is in posi- tion  0 (the  0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may cause skin irritation. If contact occurs,wash the affected area immediately withsoap and water.
3. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle isscrewed into the holder.
4. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder. 

09 Wheels and tires
09
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.323
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi (1.8 bar) after approximately sevenminutes, turn off the compressor. In thiscase, the hole is too large to be sealed andthe vehicle should not be driven.
10. Switch off the compressor and discon-
nect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
11. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation valve and reinstall the valve cap.
CAUTION
•After inflating the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage tothe valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
12. Immediately drive the vehicle for approxi-
mately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) to distributethe sealing compound in the tire.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), theuse of the sealing compound may lead toincorrect tire pressure readings or in rarecases, damage to the tire pressure sensor.Use the tire sealing system to check andadjust the damaged tire's inflation pres-sure.
NOTE
•Safely stow the tire sealing system in a convenient place as it will soon beused again to check the tire’s inflationpressure.
• The empty bottle of sealing compoundcannot be removed from the bottleholder. Consult a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician to have thebottle removed and properly disposedof.
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering behavior, or noises should occur whiledriving, reduce speed and park the vehiclein a safe place. Recheck the tire forbumps, cracks, or other visible damage,and recheck its inflation pressure. If thepressure is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do notcontinue driving. Have the vehicle towedto a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician.
Tire sealing system – checking inflation pressure
The tire sealing system can also be used to check the tires' inflation pressure.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure1. Connect the tire sealing system as
described in  stage 1, see Tire sealing
system* – sealing hole (p. 321).
2. Refer to the inflation pressure table in this chapter for the correct inflation pressure.If the tire needs to be inflated, start thetire sealing system’s compressor. If nec-essary, release air from the tire by turningthe air release knob counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
WARNING
If you interrupt your trip for more than 1 hour, check the inflation pressure in thedamaged tire again before continuing. 

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10 Maintenance and servicing
10
336* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Left: digital instrument panel*, Right: analog instrument panel
Message
Oil level
The oil level can be checked when the engine is not running by scrolling to the oil level sen-sor using the thumb wheel on the left steeringwheel lever.
CAUTION
• If Oil service required is displayed,
the oil level may be too high. Take the vehicle to an authorized Volvo work-shop as soon as possible.
• If the oil level sensor indicates that thelevel is too low, using the correct oil,top up with the amount of oil indicatedas soon as possible, see oil specifica-tions (p. 380).
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.
Electronically checking the oil levelThe oil level should be checked at regular intervals, particularly during the period up tothe first scheduled maintenance service. To check the oil level:
1. Activate ignition mode 
II, see Ignition
modes (p. 77).
2. Turn the thumb wheel on the left steering wheel lever until 
Oil level is displayed.
> The oil level will be displayed.
NOTE
• The system cannot detect changes in the oil level immediately. The vehiclemust be driven approximately 20 miles(30 km) or have been parked on levelground with the engine off for5 minutes before the oil level readingwill be correct.
• If the necessary conditions are not metfor checking the oil level electronically(time interval after the engine wasswitched off, if the vehicle is parked on an incline, etc.), 
No values availablewill be displayed. This does 
not indi-
cate a problem with the oil level sen- sor.
Engine compartment – coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, con-sult a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-nician.
Level check and filling
Location of the coolant reservoir
See Fuel tank volume – specification and vol- ume (p. 383) for information on cooling sys-tem capacities.