STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.347
kinetic energy into electricity that is used to charge the hybrid battery. This is indicated in theinstrument panel, see also the article "Generalinformation about the XC90 T8 Twin EnginePlug-in Hybrid".
Battery charging gauge in the instrument panel
This function is active at speeds from approx. 90 mph (150 km/h) down to 3 mph (5 km/h).When braking at speeds outside of this range orduring harder braking, the hydraulic brake systemis used.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discsmay result in delayed brake function. This delay isminimized by cleaning the brake linings. Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet weather, prior to long-term parking, and after thevehicle has been washed. Do this by braking gen-tly for a short period while the vehicle is moving.
Driving on wet or salted roadsProlonged driving on wet or salted roads canaffect brake function and increase stopping dis-tance. Be sure to keep a safe distance to thevehicle ahead when driving under these condi-tions.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack
*, the condition
of the brake pads can be checked by raising thevehicle and performing a visual inspection of thebrake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to a brake pad inspection, the wheelhub, brake components, etc., will be veryhot. Allow time for these components tocool before carrying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
WARNING
•
Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any other job,use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greased andclean, and should not be damaged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed between thebase of jack and the ground, or betweenthe jack and the attachment bar on thevehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage the jackattachment.
• Never allow any part of your body to beextended under a vehicle supported by ajack.
||
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)
STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
355
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.
||
STARTING AND DRIVING
356
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)
STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
357
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.
||
STARTING AND DRIVING
358•
The air conditioning may be switched off temporarily.
• After a prolonged period of driving, do notturn off the engine immediately after stop-ping.
• The engine cooling fan commonly continuesto run for several minutes after the enginehas been turned off.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator) maystart or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
Related information
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 367)
• Before a long distance trip (p. 355)
Winter driving
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture willreduce freeze protection. This gives protec-tion against freezing down to –31 °F(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze isnot approved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvoantifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensationin the tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is important.Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting as well as decreasingfuel consumption while the engine is warm-ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-mended for driving in areas with sustainedlow temperatures.
• The load placed on the battery is greater dur-ing the winter since the windshield wipers,lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,the capacity of the battery decreases as thetemperature drops. In very cold weather, apoorly charged battery can freeze and bedamaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently andspray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of snow tires onall four wheels for winter driving.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir fromfreezing, add washer solvents containingantifreeze. This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solventshould be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 partswater Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washersolvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 partswater Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 partwasher solvent and 1 part water.
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
• Avoid using de-icing sprays as they cancause damage to the locks.
Related information
• Snow tires and chains (p. 451)
STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
360
Towing recommendations
Always check with state and local authorities before attempting to tow another vehiclebecause this type of towing is subject to regula-tions regarding maximum towing speed, lengthand type of towing device, lighting, etc.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid may not be towed behind another vehicle. Doing sowould damage the electric motor and the three-way catalytic converter. If the vehicle cannot bedriven and must be moved, it must be lifted ontoa flat-bed tow truck. If the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid is to tow (pull) another vehicle, select the
AWD drive
mode. This helps charge the hybrid battery and improves the vehicle's road holding characteris-tics.
Tow trucks
CAUTION
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto aflatbed tow truck.
• The vehicle's position and ground clear- ance determine if it can be pulled up ontoa flatbed tow truck using the towing eye-let.
• If the angle of the tow truck
STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
361
WARNING
•Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 359)
• Jump starting (p. 365)
• Parking brake (p. 352)
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
Fuel Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso- line to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec- tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use ofdeposit control gasolines will help ensure gooddrivability and fuel economy. If you are not surewhether the gasoline contains deposit controladditives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of exter- nal fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. andCanadian regulations require that pumps deliver-ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".Only these pumps have nozzles which fit yourvehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygensensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasolinewill lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-trol system and could result in loss of emissionwarranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of mis-fueling easier, possibly resulting in emission testfailure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an octane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT). If such fuels are used, your EmissionControl System performance may be affected,and the Check Engine Light (malfunctionindicator light) located on your instrumentpanel may light. If this occurs, please returnyour vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers, "Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols orethers. In some areas, state or local laws requirethat the service pump be marked indicating useof alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas inwhich the pumps are unmarked. If you are notsure whether there is alcohol or ethers in thegasoline you buy, check with the service stationoperator. To meet seasonal air quality standards,some areas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel. Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen- ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listedmust still be met.