2016 VOLVO XC90 T8 brakes

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Parking brake The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Parking brake control in the tunnel console between the front seats
NOTE
•A faint sound from the parking brake's electric motor can be heard when theparking brake is being applied. Thissound can also be heard during the auto-matic function check of the parkingbrake.
• The brake pedal will move slightly whenthe electric parking brake is applied orreleased.
If the vehicle is not moving when the parking brake is applied, only the rear wheels are affec- ted. If it is applied while the vehicle is moving, thenormal brakes are used on all four wheels. Thebrakes will only be applied on the rear wheelsonce the vehicle has stopped.
Related information
•
Brake functions (p. 348)
• Using the parking brake (p. 352)
• Parking brake malfunctions (p. 354)
Using the parking brake
The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Applying the parking brake
1. Put the gear selector in P.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull up the control. > The symbol in the instrument panelflashes while the parking brake is being applied and glows steadily when the park-ing brake has been fully applied.
4. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is stationary.

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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.

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•Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jump starting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
• Starting the engine (p. 372)
• Turning the engine off (p. 374)
• Start battery (p. 479)
• Opening and closing the hood (p. 504)
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 383)
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par- ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers 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 coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• 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 is notbeing used.
NOTE
• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before put- ting the gear selector in
P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda- tions for wheel chocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking
brake.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make surethe gear you select does not put toomuch strain on the engine (using toohigh a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch maybe rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-cle is designed to tow. Please adhere toVolvo's recommended trailer weights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 15%.

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CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and therefore thecar's climbing ability are impaired because ofthe reduced air density, so the maximumtrailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.The weight of the vehicle and trailer must bereduced by 10% for every further 3,280 ft(1,000 m) (or part thereof). When towing5,000 lbs (2,250 kg) hill inclination is restric-ted to 14%.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safetychains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brakesystem directly to the vehicle brake sys-tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directlyto the vehicle lighting system. Consultyour nearest authorized Volvo retailer forcorrect installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safetychains or wire must be correctly fastenedto the attachment points provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetychain or wire must never be fastened toor wound around the towing ball.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins.Use an adapter cable approved by Volvo. Makesure the cable does not drag on the ground.
Related information
•
Detachable trailer hitch (p. 368)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 369)
• Weights (p. 525)
Detachable trailer hitch
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-cle.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.

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How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very difficult to stop, which makes it difficult to control thevehicle and trailer. The TSA system continuously monitors the vehi- cle's movements, particularly lateral movement. Ifthe system detects a tendency to sway, thebrakes are applied individually on the frontwheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehi-cle and trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on thevehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped withbrakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced.As the swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle-trailer have once again become sta-ble, TSA will now stop regulating the brakes/engine power and the driver regains control ofthe vehicle. TSA is deactivated if the driver deactivates
ESCin the center display's menu system.When the ESC symbol in the
instrument panel flashes, TSA is active.
Related information
• Detachable trailer hitch (p. 368)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 367)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (p. 323)
Ignition modes
The vehicle's ignition can be put in various modes (levels) to make different functions availa-ble.
The vehicle's ignition has 3 modes: 0, I, and II
that can be used to operate various functions without starting the engine. The following tableshows examples of which functions are availablein the respective modes.

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Drive modes
Selecting a drive mode affects the vehicle's driv- ing characteristics to help make driving moreenjoyable or easier in certain types of situations.
The following systems are adapted to help pro- vide the best vehicle performance in the respec-tive drive modes: • Steering
• Engine/transmission/All Wheel Drive
• Brakes
• Suspension control
• Instrument panel
• Climate system settings
Select the drive mode best suited to the current driving conditions. Please be aware that not all modes can be selected in all driving situations. The selectedmode will be displayed in the instrument panel.
Selecting a drive mode
1. Press the DRIVE MODE control in the tun-
nel console.
> A pop-up menu will open in the center display.
2. Roll the control upward or downward to scroll to the desired drive mode. A drive mode can also be selected by tap- ping its button on the center display.
3. Press the control again to select it. When a driving mode cannot be selected, one of the following messages may be displayed:
•
Not possible to select due to gear in manual
•Not possible to select due to low battery
•Not possible to select due to low temperature
•Not possible to select due to limitations
•Not possible to select due to high speed.