2016 VOLVO XC70 steering

08 Starting and driving
08
255
Geartronic: starting on slippery surfaces
Selecting 3rd gear in Geartronic’s manual shifting mode can help provide better tractionwhen starting off on slippery surfaces. To doso:
1. Depress the brake pedal and move thegear selector to the side from D toward
+S– .
2. Press the gear selector forward and release it (this selects 2nd gear). Press the selector forward again and release itto select 3rd gear. The optional steeringwheel paddles can also be used; see theprevious section "Geartronic: steeringwheel paddles."
3. Release the brake pedal and press gently on the accelerator pedal.
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 251)
• Transmission – positions (p. 251)
• Transmission – shiftlock override (p. 255)
• Fuel tank volume – specification and vol-ume (p. 377)
Transmission – shiftlock override
If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example because of a dead battery, the gear selectormust be moved from the
P position before the
vehicle can be moved 8
.
Shiftlock override
Lift away the rubber mat on the floor of the storage compartment behind the cen-ter console to expose the small openingfor overriding the shiftlock system.
Insert the key blade into the opening. Press the key blade down as far as possi-ble and keep it held down.
Move the gear selector from the P posi-
tion. For information on the key blade, see Detachable key blade – general infor-mation (p. 157).
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 251)
• Transmission – positions (p. 251)
• Transmission – Geartronic (p. 253)
• Fuel tank volume – specification and vol-ume (p. 377)
8
If the battery is dead, the electric parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see Jump starting (p. 250).

||
08 Starting and driving
08
258* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Condition/situation
The driver is turning the steering wheel hard.
The road's incline is very steep.
A trailer's electrical system is connected to the vehicle.
The hood has been opened A
.
The transmission has not reached its nor- mal operating temperature.
Atmospheric pressure is below a level equivalent to an altitude of approx. 4,900–8,200 ft (1500–2500 m) above sea level.The actual pressure is also affected by cur-rent weather conditions.
The Adaptive Cruise Control's* Queue Assist feature is activated.
The gear selector is in the SB
or " +/–" posi-
tion.
A Certain engines only
B Sport mode (where applicable)
Related information
• Start/Stop – introduction (p. 256)
• Start/Stop – function (p. 256)
• Start/Stop – settings (p. 259)
• Start/Stop – Auto-start exceptions (p. 258) •
Start/Stop – Hill Start Assist (HSA)(p. 256)
• Start/Stop – symbols and messages(p. 260)
Start/Stop – Auto-start exceptions
In certain situations or conditions, the engine may auto-start
even though the driver is still
pressing the brake pedal, such as if:
Condition/situation
Condensation forms on the windows.
The climate system cannot keep the desired settings in the passenger compart-ment.
Electrical current consumption is tempo- rarily high or the main battery's charge isbelow the minimum level.
The brake pedal is pumped repeatedly.
The hood has been opened A
.
The vehicle begins to move or increases speed slightly (if the engine auto-stoppedbefore the vehicle was at a standstill (seeECO* (p. 261))).
The driver unbuckles his/her seat belt while the gear selector is in the D or N positions.
The steering wheel is turned A
.

||
08 Starting and driving
08
262* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
This feature is primarily intended to be used in driving situations where a decrease inspeed is expected, such as when approach-ing an intersection or a traffic light. Eco Coast enables proactive driving with as little braking as possible.
Combinations of On and OffDepending on the driving situation, Eco can be used in different ways to help reduce fuelconsumption:
• With Eco activated
: this enables Eco
Coast, which allows the vehicle to roll
freely for as far as possible when the
driver releases the accelerator pedal (e.g., when approaching a traffic light or inter-section).
or
• With Eco deactivated
: engine braking
can be used when the vehicle will only
roll for a short distance (in heavy traffic,
etc.) or when driving down hills .
To help keep fuel consumption as low as possible, Eco Coast should not be used intraffic situations where the brakes have to beused frequently.
Activating Eco CoastEco Coast is activated when the accelerator pedal is released completely if:
• Eco is activated
• The gear selector is in
D •
The vehicle's speed is between approxi- mately 40–85 mph (65–140 km/h). Alwaysobserve posted speed limits
• The gradient of a down-slope is less thanapproximately 6%
Deactivating Eco CoastIn certain situations, it may be advisable to switch off the Eco Coast function, such as:
• When driving down steep hills, in order to utilize engine braking
• Prior to passing another vehicle, in orderto do so as safely as possible
Deactivating Eco Coast (and reactivating engine braking) can be done in the followingways:
• Press the
ECO button on the center con-
sole
• Move the gear selector to the manual "
S
+/– " position
• Change gears using the steering wheel paddles*
• Press the brake or accelerator pedal
Eco Coast limitationsThis function will not be available if:
• Cruise control is activated
• The gradient of a down-slope is morethan approximately 6%
• The steering wheel paddles* are used tomanually change gears •
The engine and/or transmission have notreached their normal operating tempera-ture
• The gear selector is moved from
D to the
manual " S+/–" position
• The vehicle's speed is not within the40–85 mph (65–140 km/h). interval
Additional information and settings
Other ECO-related settings can be made in the vehicle's
MY CAR menu. See My Car –
introduction (p. 76) for more information.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 124)
• Transmission – general information (p. 251)

08 Starting and driving
08
267
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. 265)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 268)
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. 268)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)(p. 268)
• Brakes – general (p. 265)
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. 265)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 268)

08 Starting and driving
08
}}
273
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. 281)
• 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. 141) 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. 377)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. 290). Check tire pres-sure (p. 297).
• 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

||
08 Starting and driving
08
280* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
• Using the engine's optional Eco func- tion20
can help improve fuel economy. For
additional information, see ECO* (p. 261).
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 21
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. 253).
• 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. 124)
20
Available on certain 4-cyl. engines
21 Models with the T6 turbo engine only.

08 Starting and driving
08
283
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the
one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the lockingbolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.
Related information
• Towing a trailer (p. 281)
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. 175)
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 alsobe switched off (but will be on again thenext 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. 281)
• Loading – general (p. 142)

08 Starting and driving
08
}}
285
Attaching the towing eyeletThe towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area, with the spare tire.This eyelet must be screwed into thepositions provided on the right sides ofeither the front or rear bumper (see illus-tration).
There are two different types of covers over the openings for the towing eyeletand they have to be opened differently.
• If the cover has a notch, insert a coin, etc., into the notch and pry open theedge of the cover. Open the covercompletely and remove it.
• If the cover has a mark along one edgeor in a corner, press the mark whileprying out the opposite side/cornerusing a coin, etc. Open the cover andremove it.
Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it issecurely in place. After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its stor-age location. Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
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. 79)
• 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. 284)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 285)
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.