2016 VOLVO XC90 T8 engine

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
348
Instrument panel symbols
SymbolExplanation
A
B
Red symbol: Check the brake fluid
level. If the level is low, top up and have the system inspected todetermine the cause of the loss offluid. Yellow symbol: there is a fault in
the brake pedal sensor.
A
B
Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: there is a fault in theABS system. The normal brakesystem will still function but with-out ABS brake modulation.
If Brake pedalCharacteristics
changed Service required is
displayed, the Brake-by-Wire sys- tem is not functioning properly.The brake pedal must be pressedfarther down and with more pres-sure for braking effect.
A US models
B Canadian models
WARNING
If both symbols illuminate at the same time and the brake level is below the MIN mark in
the reservoir or if a brake system-related mes-sage is shown in the instrument panel: DO
NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a
trained and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected. If both symbols illuminate at the same time and the brake level is normal (not below the
MIN mark in the reservoir) or if a brake sys-
tem-related message is shown in the instru- ment panel: drive the vehicle carefully to anauthorized Volvo workshop and have thebrake system inspected by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 348)
• Brake assist system (p. 349)
• Emergency brake lights (p. 350)
• General information about the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid (p. 16)
Brake functions
The vehicle's standard braking features are aug- mented by a number of auxiliary help functions.
In addition to the wheel brakes and the parking brake, the vehicle is equipped with several auto-matic brake assist functions. These systems helpthe driver by e.g., keeping the vehicle stationarywhen the brake pedal is not depressed (at a traf-fic light or intersection), when starting up a hill orwhen driving down a hill. These systems include: • Auto-hold brakes
• Hill Start Assist
• Braking assist after a collision
• Hill Descent Control
*
Related information
•Brakes (p. 346)
• Parking brake (p. 352)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 350)
• Auto-hold brake function (p. 349)

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Auto-hold brake function
With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver can release the brake pedal and the brakes willremain applied, for example, when the vehiclehas stopped at a traffic light or intersection.
When the vehicle is no longer moving forward, Auto-hold applies the brakes automatically, eitherusing the normal brakes or the parking brake.The brakes will be released when the acceleratorpedal is depressed. If the driver's door is opened or the engine is turned off, the parking brake will be applied auto-matically.
Auto-hold control
Auto-hold control and indicator light
Turn Auto-hold on or off by pressing the control in the tunnel console. The indicator light illumi-nates when the function is on. When Auto-hold is off, Hill Start Assist (HSA) willbe activated to help prevent the vehicle from roll-ing backwards when starting up a hill.
Instrument panel symbol
SymbolExplanation
The symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when this func-tion is using the normal brakes tokeep the vehicle stationary.
A
B
This symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when Auto-holdis using the parking brake to keepthe vehicle stationary
A
US models
B Canadian models
Related information
• Hill Start Assist (p. 351)
• Brake functions (p. 348)
Brake assist system
The Brake Assist System (BAS) increases brak- ing force, thereby helping reduce braking dis-tance. The system monitors the driver's braking habits and increases braking force when necessary.Brake force can be increased up to the point atwhich the ABS system is activated. The functionis deactivated when pressure on the brake pedaldecreases.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 346)

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Braking effect after a collisionIn certain types of collisions, the vehicle's brakes are applied to help prevent or mitigate a secon-dary collision.
Maintaining control of the vehicle after a collision may be difficult. To help avoid or mitigate theeffect of a secondary collision, the brakes areapplied automatically to help bring the vehicle toa stop. The brake lights and hazard warning flashers will be activated and the flashers will remain on afterthe vehicle has come to a standstill. The parkingbrake will then be applied automatically. In a situation where stopping the vehicle may not be desirable, the driver can override this systemby pressing the accelerator pedal. This feature can only function if the brake system is intact after the collision.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 348)
• Airbag system (p. 89)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW) (p. 292)
Emergency brake lights
The emergency brake lights activate in the event of hard braking/rapid deceleration at most nor-mal driving speeds or if the ABS system is acti-vated. This function causes an additional taillighton each side of the vehicle to illuminate to helpalert vehicles traveling behind.
Once the emergency brake lights have been acti- vated, if the driver releases the brake pedal, thebrake lights will return to their normal function.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 346)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 147)
• Brake lights (p. 146)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) HDC is a type of low-speed automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase ordecrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhillgradients using only the accelerator pedal, with-out applying the brakes. HDC is integrated into the
Off Road drive
mode.
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. The driver hasfull responsibility for driving in a safe manner.
FunctionHDC allows the vehicle to roll forward or in reverse at very low speed with enhanced enginebraking. However, speed can be adjusted withthe accelerator pedal. When the acceleratorpedal is released, the vehicle will return to verylow speed. The driver can use the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle at any time. HDC is activated along with Low Speed Control (LSC), which together make driving on slipperysurfaces at low speeds easier.

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When HDC and LSC are activated, this changes the response from the accelerator pedal andengine.
Activating HDC
Select the Off Road drive mode to activate the
function. Select any other drive mode to turn it off.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated by the Off
Road drive mode, the feel of the accelerator
pedal and engine response will change. The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated atlower speeds if so desired.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 348)
• Low Speed Control (LSC) (p. 399)
• Drive modes (p. 390)
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist (HSA) helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting up a hill. Ifyou are backing up a hill, HSA helps prevent thevehicle from rolling forward.
HSA makes it easier to start or back up on a hill by retaining pressure on the brake pedal for sev-eral seconds after the pedal has been released inorder to keep the vehicle at a standstill. The brakes will be released after several seconds or when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. HSA is available even if the Auto-hold braking function is turned off.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 348)
• Auto-hold brake function (p. 349)

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353
Symbol in the instrument panel
SymbolExplanation
A
B
The symbol flashes while the park- ing brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes at any other time, this indicates a fault. See themessage in the instrument panel.
AUS models
B Canadian models
Automatic function
The parking brake is applied automatically:
• If the Auto Hold function is activated and the vehicle has been stationary for approx.5 minutes.
• If the gear selector is moved to
P on a steep
hill.
• When the engine is turned off (this functioncan be selected, see "Parking brake set-tings" below).
Emergency braking
In an emergency, the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving by pressingand holding up the control. Braking will be inter-rupted when the control is released. An audible signal will sound during this proce- dure if the vehicle is moving at higher speeds.
Releasing the parking brake
Releasing manually
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Press the control.
> This releases the parking brake and thesymbol in the instrument panel will go out.
Releasing automatically
1. The driver must fasten his/her seat belt.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.4. Move the gear selector to D or R and press
the accelerator pedal.
> This releases the parking brake and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.
NOTE
• For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engineis running and the driver is wearing a seatbelt.
• The electric parking brake will bereleased immediately when the accelera-tor pedal is pressed and the gear selector is in position
D or R.
Parking on a hillPut the gear selector in P.
• If the vehicle is pointing
uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing
downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
The parking brake should also be applied.
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when parking on hills or uneven surfaces.

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Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician before driving long distances. Yourretailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your usein the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption and the oil level are normal.
• Before leaving on a trip, fill the fuel tank andmake sure the hybrid battery is fully charged.During the trip, make a habit of refueling reg-ularly.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully and replace thosethat are worn. Also, check tire inflation pres-sure.
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-ing gear should be checked by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician 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 drive in countries where it may be difficult toobtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will be driv-ing through an area where snow or ice arelikely to occur, consider using snow tires.
Driving economically
Better driving economy can be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Driving economically with the XC90 T8Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid
Plan your driving in order to utilize the electric motor as much as possible. An energy-conserving driving style lowers current consumption from the hybrid battery and helpsincrease electric driving range.
Charging
• Charge the hybrid battery regularly using the charging cable. Whenever possible, begin adrive with a fully charged battery.
• Check the location of charging points.
• Where possible, choose parking spaces withcharging points.

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Preconditioning
•If possible, precondition the vehicle with the charging cable before driving.
• Avoid parking the vehicle so that the passen-ger compartment becomes too hot or cold.Park, if possible, in a climate controlled park-ing garage.
• For short drives after using the precondition-ing function, turn off the climate systemblower if possible.
• If preconditioning is not possible in coldweather, use the seat and steering wheelheating primarily. Avoid heating the entirepassenger compartment, which reduces thehybrid battery's charge level.
Driving
•
Choose the Pure drive mode to help mini-
mize electric power consumption.
• Maintain a constant speed and an adequate distance to the vehicle ahead to minimizeuse of the brakes.
• Brake as gently as possible; doing socharges the hybrid battery using the inte-grated regenerative braking function.
• Balance energy requirements using theaccelerator pedal and utilize the gauge onthe instrument panel to see the amount ofpower available from the electric motor. Thishelps avoid starting the gasoline engineunnecessarily. The electric motor is moreenergy-efficient than the gasoline engine,especially at lower speeds. •
In hilly terrain, put the gear selector in mode B
to utilize the electric motor's braking func-
tion when the accelerator pedal is released. This helps charge the hybrid battery.
• Higher speeds increase energy consumptionand the vehicle's wind resistance increasesalong with speed. Do not exceed postedspeed limits.
• Select the
Save drive mode for higher
speeds when driving farther than is possible using the electric motor only.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when the tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snow orice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increaseair resistance and also energy consumption.
• Avoid driving with open windows.
Handling and roadholding
•
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres-sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the rec-ommended pressure according to the vehicleload. Loads should be distributed so thatcapacity weight or maximum permissible axleloads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned more than 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 alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo compartment, the less the ten-dency to understeer.
Related information
•
Hybrid-related information in the instrumentpanel (p. 130)
• Parking climate (preconditioning) (p. 179)

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Driving through standing water
The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau- tion if it is necessary to drive through standingwater.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth approximately level with the floor at walk-ing speed to help prevent water from enteringthe differential and/or the transmission or dam-aging electrical components. • If possible, check the depth of the water before driving through it. Take particular carewhen driving through flowing water.
• Before driving through water, always select the
Off Road drive mode to ensure that the
gasoline engine is running and to maximize ground clearance.
• After driving through water, apply the brakesand check that they are functioning correctly.
• 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.
CAUTION
• Damage may occur to the engine, trans- mission, electrical components, etc. if thevehicle is driven through water higherthan its floor level. Be aware that wavescreated by other vehicles could cause thelevel to temporarily be above the vehicle'sfloor level.
• Damage to any components due to waterabove the floor level, vapor lock or insuffi-cient oil is not covered under warranty.
• If the engine has been stopped while thevehicle is in water, do not attempt torestart it. Have the vehicle towed out ofthe water and inspected by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
• Avoid driving through standing or rushing water. Doing so can be dangerous and itmay also be difficult to determine theactual depth of the water.
• If water cannot be avoided, after drivingthrough the water, press lightly on thebrake pedal to ensure that the brakes arefunctioning normally. Water or mud canmake the brake linings slippery, resultingin delayed braking effect.
Related information
•
Towing recommendations (p. 360)
Overheating the engine and transmission
In demanding driving conditions, such as when transporting heavy loads, driving in mountainousareas or in very hot weather there is a risk ofoverheating the engine or transmission.
• The engine's output may be slightly limited if there is a risk of overheating.
• Remove e.g., auxiliary lights mounted in frontof the grille in hot weather.
• If the temperature of the engine coolantbecomes too high, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Engine
temperature/Stop safely will be displayed.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe place and let the engine idle for severalminutes.
• If the message
Engine temperature/High
temperature Turn off engine or Engine
coolant/Stop safely is displayed, stop
safely and turn off the engine.
• If the transmission begins to overheat, an alternative gear shifting program will beselected. An integrated protective functionwill also by activated, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Transmission
warmHigh temperature Reduce speed
or Transmission warmStop safely, wait
for cooling will be displayed in the instru-
ment panel.