
08 Starting and driving
08
264
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power isdistributed automatically between the frontand rear wheels.
Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the frontwheels. However, if there is any tendency forthe front wheels to spin, an electronicallycontrolled coupling distributes power to thewheels that have the best traction.
NOTE
The message AWD disabled Service
required will be appear in the information
display if an electrical fault should occur in the AWD system. A warning light will alsoilluminate in the instrument panel. If thisoccurs, have the system checked by atrained and qualified Volvo service techni-cian.
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 252)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction(p. 264)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 12
–
introduction
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase or decrease thevehicle's speed on downhill gradients usingonly the accelerator pedal, without applyingthe brakes. The brake system functions auto-matically to maintain a low and steady speed.
IntroductionNormally, when the accelerator pedal isreleased while driving down hills, the vehicle'sspeed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm(the normal engine braking effect). However, ifthe downhill gradient becomes steeper and ifthe vehicle is carrying a load, speed increasesdespite the engine braking effect. In this sit-uation, the brakes must be applied to reducethe vehicle's speed. 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. Thedriver has full responsibility for driving in asafe manner.
12 Available on the V60 Cross Country in combination with certain engines only.

08 Starting and driving
08
}}
265
Related information
•Hill Descent Control (HDC) – operation (p. 265)
• Brakes – general (p. 266)Hill Descent Control (HDC) 14
–
operation
Function
• HDC can be switched on and off with the button in the center console. An indicatorlight in the button illuminates when HDCis activated.
• The indicator light
in the instrument
panel illuminates and a message is dis- played when the system is controlling thevehicle's speed.
• HDC only functions when
first or reverse
gears are selected (
1 will be shown in the
instrument panel display when first gear is selected).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selec- tor is the D position.
Using HDCHDC allows the car to roll forward at a maxi- mum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph(7 km/h) in reverse. However, the acceleratorpedal can be used to select any speed that ispossible in first or reverse gears. When theaccelerator pedal is released, speed isquickly reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or4 mph (7 km/h), depending on the gearselected, regardless of the hill's gradient. It isnot necessary to apply the brakes.
• The brake lights illuminate automatically when HDC is controlling the vehicle'sspeed.
• The driver can slow or stop the vehicle atany time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
• The button on the center console ispressed
• A gear higher than first gear is selected
• D
is selected on vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is done while driving down a steep hill, the sys-tem's braking effect will decrease gradually.
14 Available on the V60 Cross Country in combination with certain engines only.

08 Starting and driving
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282
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. 374).
•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. 301).
• 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%.

12 Index
12
386
A
ABS (anti-lock brake system).................. 268
Accessory installation warning.................. 23
Active chassis system............................. 174
Active high beams..................................... 90Active yaw control........................... 174, 175
Adaptive brake lights............................... 268
Adaptive cruise control.................... 184, 185Airbags disconnecting the front passenger’s
side....................................................... 36
front...................................................... 32
inflatable curtain................................... 41
side impact........................................... 39
Air conditioning................................ 131, 132
Air distribution.................................. 127, 133
Air distribution table................................. 135
Air vents................................................... 127
Alarm........................................ 169, 170, 171
All Wheel Drive......................................... 264
Ambient temperature sensor..................... 77
Anti-freeze....................................... 275, 332Anti-lock brake system warning light......................................... 73
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................. 268 Approach lighting.............................. 97, 153
Auto-dim rearview mirror......................... 104
Automatic locking retractor....................... 47Automatic transmission
Eco (driving function).......................... 262
Geartronic........................................... 254
general description..................... 252, 254
oil........................................................ 379
shiftlock override................................ 256
Axle weight.............................................. 302
B
Battery maintenance............................... 347, 348
remote key, replacing......................... 158
replacing............................................. 348
specifications...................................... 381
start/stop............................................ 381
warning symbols................................. 346
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)..... 240 Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)..................... 243
Booster cushion, integrated.......... 57, 59, 60
Booster cushions....................................... 54
Brake lights.............................................. 268 Brake system
ABS..................................................... 268
Brake pad inspection.......................... 266
checking fluid level............................. 333
emergency brake assistance.............. 269
fluid..................................................... 379
general information............................. 266
Hill Descent Control.................... 264, 265
Bulbs cargo area lighting.............................. 341
headlights........... 335, 336, 337, 338, 339
introduction......................................... 335
license plate lights.............................. 341
specifications...................................... 342
taillight................................................ 340
C
Camera, Park Assist................................ 236
Capacity weight....................................... 302Cargo area changing bulbs................................... 341
steel grid............................................. 147
Cargo area cover..................................... 147
Cargo area net......................................... 144
Cargo net................................................. 144
Catalytic converter................................... 280

12 Index
12
388
Electronic oil level sensor........................ 331
Electronic stability control....................... 174Emergency locking retractor...................... 47
Emergency starting.................................. 251
Emergency towing........................... 285, 286
Emission inspection readiness................ 326Engine overheating........................................... 75
specifications...................................... 376
Start/Stop........... 257, 258, 259, 260, 261
starting................................................ 247
switching off............................... 249, 250
Engine compartment overview................ 329
Engine Drag Control (EDC)...................... 175
Engine oil................................................. 377 checking............................................. 330
low pressure warning light.................... 74
volumes.............................................. 378
Engine remote start (ERS)........................ 249
Environment............................................... 22
F
Federal Clean Air Act............................... 323 Flat tires repairing with tire sealing system....... 314 Floor mats
cleaning.............................................. 364
placing correctly................................. 247
Fluid specifications.......................... 379, 380
Fog lights................................................... 73 rear................................................ 94, 340
Four C (active chassis system)................ 174
Front airbags.............................................. 32 disconnecting passenger’s side airbag 36
Front park assist.............................. 232, 236
Front seats................................................. 80 heated................................................. 130
Fuel filler cap........................................... 279
Fuel filler door, opening................... 278, 279
Fuel level warning light.............................. 73
Fuel requirements............................ 276, 277
Fuel tank volume..................................... 380
Fuses....................................... 349, 351, 358
G
Garage door opener HomeLink ®
Wireless Control
System........................................ 109, 110
Gasoline requirements............................. 277
Gas tank volume...................................... 380 Gauges...................................................... 68
Geartronic................................................ 254
Geartronic automatic transmission.......... 254
Generator warning light............................. 75
Glossary of tire terminology..................... 303
Grocery bag holder.................................. 144
Gross vehicle weight............................... 302
H
Hazard warning flashers............................ 94 Headlights
Active Bending Lights........................... 92
active high beams................................. 90
changing bulbs........... 336, 337, 338, 339
daytime running lights.......................... 89
high/low beams.................................... 90
high beam flash.................................... 90
tunnel detection.................................... 92
Headlight washers..................................... 99
Head restraints, rear seat.................... 84, 85
Heated front seats................................... 130
Heated oxygen sensors........................... 280
Heated rear seats.................................... 130
Heated steering wheel............................... 88
Heated windshield........................... 104, 132