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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
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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
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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.
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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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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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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.371
ModeFunctions available
0•The odometer, clock and tem- perature gauge are illuminated
• Power seats
* can be adjusted
• The power windows can be oper-ated
• The 12-volt socket in the cargocompartment can be used
• The center display is activatedand can be used
• The infotainment system can beused for a limited time
In this mode, certain functions can only be used for a limited time to helpminimize battery drain
I• The laminated panoramic roof
*,
power seats */windows,12-volt
sockets in the passenger com- partment, Bluetooth, navigation system *, climate system blower,
windshield wipers can be oper- ated
• The infotainment system will start(if it was started when the ignitionwas switched off)
Using electrical current will drain the start battery in this mode.
ModeFunctions available
II• The headlights illuminate
• Warning/indicator lights illumi- nate for 5 seconds
• A number of other functions willalso be activated. However, the heated seats
* and heated rear
window functions can only be activated when the engine is run-ning.
This mode should only be used for very short periods to help avoiddraining the battery.
Selecting an ignition mode
Start knob in the tunnel console
• Ignition mode 0
: unlock the vehicle and
keep the remote key in the passenger's com- partment.
NOTE
To access ignition modes I or II without star-
ting the engine, the brake pedal must not be
depressed when these modes are selected.
• Ignition mode I
: Turn the start knob to
START and release it. The knob will return
automatically to its original position.
• Ignition mode II
: Turn the start knob to
START and hold it there for approx.
4 seconds. Release the knob.
• Returning to ignition mode 0
: To return to
mode 0 from mode II or I, turn the start knob
to STOP and release it.
Related information
•Starting the engine (p. 372)
• Turning the engine off (p. 374)
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WARNING
•Never use more than one floor mat at a time on the driver's floor. Before driving,remove the original mat from the driver'sseat floor before using any other type offloor mat. Any mat used in this positionshould be securely and properly anchoredin the attaching pins. An extra mat on thedriver's floor can cause the acceleratorand/or brake pedal to catch. Check thatthe movement of these pedals is notimpeded.
• Volvo's floor mats are specially manufac-tured for your car. They must be firmlysecured in the clips on the floor so thatthey cannot slide and become trappedunder the pedals on the driver's side.
During normal starts, the electric motor is priori- tized and the gasoline engine will not start. Thismeans that when the start knob has been turned toward START and released, the electric motor is
activated ("started") and the vehicle is ready to be driven. The warning and information symbolsin the instrument panel will go out and thechosen theme will be displayed to indicate thatthe electric motor has been activated. However, in certain situations, such as in cold weather or if the hybrid battery is not sufficientlycharged, the gasoline engine will start instead.
NOTE
The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.
Back-up reader in the tunnel console
If Vehicle key not found is displayed in the
instrument panel, place the remote key in the back-up reader in the tunnel console (see theillustration) and try again to start the engine.
CAUTION
If the engine does not start after the third try, wait for approximately 3 minutes before tryingto start it again to give the battery time torecover its starting capacity.
WARNING
• Always remove the remote key from the passenger compartment when leaving thevehicle and ensure that the ignition in mode
0.
• On vehicles with the optional Passive Entry, never remove the remote key fromthe vehicle while it is being driven ortowed.
• Always place the gear selector in Parkand apply the parking brake before leav-ing the vehicle. Never leave the vehicleunattended with the engine running.
• Always open garage doors fully beforestarting the engine inside a garage toensure adequate ventilation. The exhaustgases contain carbon monoxide, which isinvisible and odorless but very poisonous.
NOTE
After a cold start, idle speed may be noticea- bly higher than normal for a short period. Thisis done to help bring components in theemission control system to their normal oper-ating temperature as quickly as possible,which enables them to control emissions andhelp reduce the vehicle's impact on the envi-ronment.
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CAUTION
•When starting in cold weather, the auto- matic transmission may shift up at slightlyhigher engine speeds than normal untilthe automatic transmission fluid reachesnormal operating temperature.
• Do not race a cold engine immediatelyafter starting. Oil flow may not reachsome lubrication points fast enough toprevent engine damage.
• The engine should be idling when youmove the gear selector. Never accelerateuntil after you feel the transmissionengage. Accelerating immediately afterselecting a gear will cause harsh engage-ment and premature transmission wear.
• Selecting
P or N when idling at a stand-
still for prolonged periods of time will helpprevent overheating of the automatictransmission fluid.
Related information
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
• Turning the engine off (p. 374)
• Changing the remote key's battery (p. 232)
• Jump starting (p. 365)
Turning the engine off
The engine can be turned off using the start knob on the tunnel console.
Start knob in the tunnel console between the front seats
To turn off the engine:
–Turn the start knob toward STOP and
release it to switch the engine off.
If the gear selector is in P or if the vehicle is mov-
ing:
–Hold the knob in the STOP position until the
engine stops.
Related information
• Starting the engine (p. 372)
• Ignition modes (p. 370)
Driving systems
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid is a parallel hybrid, which means that it has two sep-arate drive systems: an electric motor and a gas-oline engine. Depending on the drive modeselected and the amount of electric power avail-able in the hybrid battery, the two systems canbe used in tandem or separately.
Two drive systemsA control system coordinates both of the drive systems to help optimize driving economy.
Hybrid battery
Gasoline engine
High voltage generator 3
Electric motor
3
Combined generator and starter motor (Crank Integrated Starter Generator).
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The gasoline engine and electric motor both gen- erate power directly to the wheels. The gasolineengine can also charge the hybrid battery using aspecial high-voltage generator.
Related information
•
Drive modes (p. 390)
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 383)
• General information about the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid (p. 16)
• Parking climate (preconditioning) (p. 179)
Hybrid battery charging cable
The charging cable is used to recharge your vehicle's hybrid battery. Only use the cable provi-ded with your vehicle or one purchased from aVolvo retailer.
The charging cable is stowed in a storage compartment under the cargo area floor
WARNING
Only use the charging cable provided with your vehicle or a replacement cable pur-chased from a Volvo retailer.
Charging cable specifications
ComplianceSAE J1772
Permitted ambient tem- peratures for use–25 ºF to +122 ºF
(–32 ºC to +50 ºC)