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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.271
NOTE
Engine response to pressure on the accel- erator pedal may be slightly slower thannormal when HDC is activated.
Related information
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction (p. 269)
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
Brakes – general
The brake system is a hydraulic system con- sisting of two separate brake circuits. If aproblem should occur in one of these circuits,it is still possible to stop the vehicle with theother brake circuit. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pres-sure, the stopping distance will be longer. A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault hasoccurred. If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluidlevel in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal – do not pump thebrakes.
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 techni-cian and have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi- tion of the brake pads can be checked byraising the vehicle (see Changing a wheel –removing wheel (p. 296) for informationabout using the jack and removing a wheel)and performing a visual inspection of thebrake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immedi- ately prior to a brake pad inspection,the wheel hub, brake components,etc., will be very hot. Allow time forthese components to cool before car-rying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.
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WARNING
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any otherjob, use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greasedand clean, and should not be dam-aged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed betweenthe base of jack and the ground, orbetween the jack and the attachmentbar on the vehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage thejack attachment.
• Never allow any part of your body tobe extended under a vehicle suppor-ted by a jack.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is run-ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop withthe engine switched off. If the power brakes are not working, consid- erably higher pressure will be required on thebrake pedal to compensate for the lack ofpower assistance. This can happen for exam-ple when towing your vehicle or if the engineis switched off when the vehicle is rolling. Thebrake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water tocollect on the brake discs and pads. This willcause a delay in braking effect when thepedal is depressed. To avoid such a delaywhen the brakes are needed, depress thepedal occasionally when driving through rain,slush, etc. This will remove the water from thebrakes. Check that brake application feelsnormal. This should also be done after wash-ing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strainwhen driving in mountains or hilly areas, orwhen towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usuallyslower, which means that the cooling of thebrakes is less efficient than when driving onlevel roads. To reduce the strain on thebrakes, shift into a lower gear and let theengine help with the braking. Do not forgetthat if you are towing a trailer, the brakes willbe subjected to a greater than normal load.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discsmay result in delayed brake function. Thisdelay is minimized by cleaning the brake lin-ings. Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and afterthe vehicle has been washed. Do this by braking gently for a short period while thevehicle is moving.
Related information
•
Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)(p. 274)
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 273)
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Brakes – symbols
Symbols in the instrument panel
SymbolSpecification
Steady glow – Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fillwith brake fluid and check forthe cause of the brake fluidloss.
Automatic function check: steady glow for two secondswhen the engine is started.
WARNING
If and come on at the
same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a brake sys-
tem-related message is shown in the infor-mation display: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the
vehicle towed to a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician and have thebrake system inspected.
Related information
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The ABS system helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severebraking conditions by limiting brake lockup. When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulatedin order to help prevent lockup that couldlead to a skid. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started anddriver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-matic test may be performed when the vehi-cle first reaches a speed of approximately6 mph (10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsateseveral times and a sound may be audiblefrom the ABS control module, which is nor-mal.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)(p. 274)
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lightsThe adaptive brake lights activate in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS system isactivated. This function causes an additionaltaillight on each side of the vehicle to illumi-nate to help alert vehicles traveling behind. The adaptive brake lights activate if: • The ABS system activates for more than approximately a half second
• In the event of sudden braking while thevehicle is moving at speeds aboveapproximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake lights and additional taillights remain onfor as long as the brake pedal is depressed oruntil braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
Related information
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
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Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hardbraking.
Emergency Brake AssistanceThe EBA system is activated by the speedwith which the brake pedal is depressed. When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brakesystem immediately increases to the maxi-mum level. Maintain full pressure on thebrake pedal in order to utilize the systemcompletely. EBA is automatically deactivatedwhen the brake pedal is released.
NOTE
•When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressurein the brake system immediatelyincreases to the maximum level. Youmust maintain full pressure on thebrake pedal in order to utilize the sys-tem completely. There will be no brak-ing effect if the pedal is released. EBAis automatically deactivated when thebrake pedal is released.
• When the vehicle has been parked forsome time, the brake pedal may sinkmore than usual when the engine isstarted. This is normal and the pedalwill return to its usual position when itis released.
Related information
•
Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 273)
Parking brake – general information
The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Electric parking brake
Parking brake control
NOTE
•A faint sound from the parking brake's electric motor can be heard when theparking brake is being applied. Thissound can also be heard during theautomatic function check of the park-ing brake.
• The brake pedal will move slightlywhen the electric parking brake isapplied or released.
Low battery voltageIf the battery voltage is too low, the park- ing brake cannot be applied or released.
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Parking brake – releasing
Releasing the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
Manual release1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slotand press the START/STOP ENGINE
button (or press the START/STOP
ENGINE button with a valid remote key in
the passenger compartment on vehicles with the optional keyless drive).
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
4. Pull the parking brake control.
Automatic release1. Start the engine.
NOTE
• For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engineis running and the driver is wearing aseat belt.
• The electric parking brake will bereleased immediately when the acceler-ator pedal is pressed and the gearselector is in position
D or R.
2. Fasten the seat belt.
3. Move the gear selector to position D or R
and press the accelerator pedal. The parking brake will release when the vehi-cle begins to move.
Heavy load uphillA heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parkingbrake is released automatically on a steepincline. To help avoid this:
1. Keep the electric parking brake lever pushed in with the left hand while shifting into Drive with the right.
2. While pressing the accelerator pedal to pull away, release the parking brake leveronly after the vehicle begins to move.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 274)
• Parking brake – applying (p. 275) •
Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 277)
• Brakes – general (p. 271)
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Driving through water
The vehicle should be driven with extreme caution if it is necessary to drive throughstanding water. The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 10 in. (25 cm), (V60Cross Country: approximately 12 in. (30 cm))at walking speed to help prevent water fromentering the differential and the transmission.Water reduces the oil's lubricating capacityand may shorten the service life of thesecomponents.
• Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
• 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.WARNING
•Avoid driving through standing or rushing water. Doing so can be dan-gerous and it may also be difficult todetermine the actual depth of thewater.
• If water cannot be avoided, after driv-ing through the water, press lightly onthe brake pedal to ensure that thebrakes are functioning normally. Wateror mud can make the brake liningsslippery, resulting in delayed brakingeffect.
CAUTION
•
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• If the vehicle is driven through waterdeeper than approximately 10 in.(25 cm), (V60 Cross Country: approxi-mately 12 in. (30 cm)), water may enterthe differential and the transmission.This reduces the oil's lubricatingcapacity and may shorten the servicelife of these components.
• Damage to any components, theengine, transmission, turbo-charger,differential or its internal componentscaused by flooding, vapor lock orinsufficient oil is not covered underwarranty.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand inwater up to the door sills longer thanabsolutely necessary. This could resultin electrical malfunctions.
• If the engine has been stopped whilethe vehicle is in water, do not attemptto restart it. Have the vehicle towedout of the water.
Related information
•
Towing the vehicle (p. 289)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 291)
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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. 384)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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drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will bedriving through an area where snow or iceare likely to occur, consider snowtires (p. 310).
Related information
•Changing a wheel – removing wheel(p. 296)
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 338)
Driving in cold weather
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather. The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine cool- ant (p. 335) contains 50 percent anti-freeze. Any other mixture will reducefreeze protection. This gives protectionagainst freezing down to –31 °F (–35 °C).The use of "recycled" antifreeze is notapproved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensa-tion in the tank. In addition, in extremelycold weather conditions it is worthwhileto add fuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is impor-tant. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil)improves cold-weather starting as well asdecreasing fuel consumption while theengine is warming up. Full synthetic0W-30 oil is recommended for driving inareas with sustained low temperatures.
• The load placed on the battery is greaterduring the winter since the windshieldwipers, lighting, etc., are used moreoften. Moreover, the capacity of the bat-tery decreases as the temperature drops.In very cold weather, a poorly chargedbattery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state ofcharge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of snow tireson all four wheels for winter driving, seeSnow tires/studded tires (p. 310).
• To prevent the washer fluid (p. 348)reser-voir from freezing, add washer solventscontaining antifreeze. This is importantsince dirt is often splashed on the wind-shield during winter driving, requiring thefrequent use of the washers and wipers.Volvo Washer Solvent should be dilutedas follows: Down to 14 °F (–10 °C): 1 partwasher solvent and 4 parts water Downto 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washer solventand 3 parts water Down to 0 °F (–18 °C):1 part washer solvent and 2 parts waterDown to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 part washersolvent and 1 part water.
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
• Avoid using de-icing sprays as they cancause damage to the locks.