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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. 251)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction(p. 263)
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.
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.265
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. 263)
• Brakes – general (p. 265)
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. 291) 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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269
Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see Jump starting (p. 250).
Parking on a hill
•
If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away fromthe curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn thefront wheels so that they point toward thecurb.
The parking brake should also be applied.
Related information
• Parking brake – applying (p. 269)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 270)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 271)
• Brakes – general (p. 265)
Parking brake – applying
Applying the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Push the control. >The
symbol in the instrument
panel flashes while the parking brake is being applied and glows steadily whenthe parking brake has been fullyapplied.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selector must be in position P.
NOTE
• In an emergency the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is movingby holding in the control. Braking willbe interrupted when the acceleratorpedal is depressed or the control isreleased.
• An audible signal will sound during thisprocedure if the vehicle is moving atspeeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Related information
•
Parking brake – general information (p. 268)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 270)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 271)
• Brakes – general (p. 265)
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Parking brake – symbols and messages
A text message can be erased by pressing briefly on the OK button on the turn signal
lever.
Symbol and messages in the instrument panel
SymbolMessageDescription/action
"Message"Read the message in the information display
A flashing symbol indicates that the parking brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes in any other situation then this means that a fault has arisen. Read the message on the information display.
-Park brake not fully releasedA fault is preventing the parking brake from being released. Try to apply the parking brake and release it sev- eral times. If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error mes-sage showing, a warning signal sounds.
-Parking brake not appliedA fault is preventing the parking brake from being applied. Try to apply the parking brake and release it several times. If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error messageshowing, a warning signal sounds.
-Parking brake Service requiredA fault has occurred. Try to apply and release. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault remains
WARNING
If the vehicle must be parked before the fault has been corrected, always put thegear selector in P and turn the wheels so
that they point away from the curb if thevehicle is pointing uphill or toward the curbif it is pointing downhill.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 268)
• Parking brake – applying (p. 269)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 270)
• Brakes – general (p. 265)
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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. 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
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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. 305).
Related information
•Changing a wheel – removing wheel(p. 291)
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 334)
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. 331) 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. 305).
• To prevent the washer fluid (p. 344)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.
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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.
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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. 372).
•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. 300).
• 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%.