
STARTING AND DRIVING
278
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize bat- tery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode
II. Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional navigation 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 great dealof current when the engine is not runningcould result in the battery being completelydrained. Driving or having the engine runningfor approximately 15 minutes will help keepthe battery charged.
• The optional 12-volt socket in thetrunk (p. 137) area provides electrical currenteven with the ignition switched off, whichdrains the battery.
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 thatfuel consumption is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Have the transmission oil level 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. 294). Check tire pressure (p. 301).
• 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 drivein 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 snow tires (p. 308).
Related information
•
Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 295)
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 336)

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
284 nents, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/orrepeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fedinto a control module that continuously monitorsengine functions and controls fuel injection. Theratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuouslyadjusted for efficient combustion to help reduceharmful emissions.
Related information
•
Information displays – warning symbols(p. 69)
• Engine and cooling system (p. 277)
Economical driving
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Observe the following rules: • Bring the engine to normal operating tem- perature as soon as possible by driving witha light foot on the accelerator pedal for thefirst few minutes of operation. A cold engineuses more fuel and is subject to increasedwear.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the vehiclefor driving short distances. This does notallow the engine to reach normal operatingtemperature.
• Drive carefully and avoid rapid accelerationand hard braking.
• Use the transmission's Drive (
D) position as
often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 13
may
increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often
as possible. For additional information about Sport mode, see Transmission – Geartronic(p. 258). •
Using the engine's optional Eco function canhelp improve fuel economy. For additional information, see ECO
* (p. 267).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snow orice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increaseair resistance and also fuel consumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consumptionwill be lower with the air conditioning on andthe windows closed than with the air condi-tioning off and the windows open.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuel con-sumption modes can help you learn how todrive 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
13
Certain models only.

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287
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
•
Loading – general (p. 138)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun to swayand is part of the stability system. For informationon the stability system, see Stability system –introduction (p. 166)
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at highspeeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloa-ded or if the load is unevenly distributed in thetrailer, there is risk of swaying at speeds betweenapproximately 45-55 mph (70-90 km/h). Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• TSA intervenes at speeds above approxi-mately 40 mph (60 km/h)
• The stability system symbol in the instrumentpanel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability system'sSpin Control function, TSA will also beswitched off (but will be on again the nexttime the engine is started) •
TSA may not intervene when the vehicle andtrailer begin to sway if the driver tries to com-pensate for the swaying motion by movingthe steering wheel rapidly
How TSA worksOnce swaying has begun, it can be very difficultto 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.
Related information
•
Towing a trailer (p. 285)
• Loading – general (p. 138)

STARTING AND DRIVING
288
Towing the vehicle 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.
1. With the remote key fully pressed into theignition slot 14
, press START/STOP ENGINE
for approximately 2 seconds to activate igni- tion mode II.
2. The remote key must remain in the ignition slot15
for the entire time that the vehicle is
being towed.
3. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This will help prevent jar-ring movements of the vehicle being towed.
4. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• Please check with state and local author- ities before attempting this type of tow-ing, as vehicles being towed are subjectto regulations regarding maximum towingspeed, length and type of towing device,lighting, etc.
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, see Jumpstarting (p. 255) to provide current forreleasing the electric parking brake and to move the gear selector from the
P
position to N. If this is not possible, see
Transmission – shiftlock override (p. 261) for information about manually overridingthe shiftlock system to move the gear selector from P to N.
• Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 288)
• Remote key – functions (p. 147)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securing attached.
Location of the towing eyelet
Removing the front/rear covers
14 Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
15 For vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the vehicle.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
341
Related information
•Bulbs – specifications (p. 343)
Bulbs – location of taillight bulbs
The following illustrations show the location of the bulbs in the taillight cluster.
Taillight lens, right side
Brake light (LEDs)
Side marker light (LEDs)
Brake light
Parking light (LEDs)
Backup light
Turn signal
Rear fog light
Backup lights
1. Open the panel in the trunk.
2. Remove the bulb holder by turning it coun- terclockwise.
3. Remove the defective bulb by pressing it in slightly and turning it counterclockwise before pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb, press it in and turn it clockwise.
5. Reinsert the bulb holder by turning it clock- wise.
Related information
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 336)
• Bulbs – specifications (p. 343)

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
344
Lighting functionWat-tageBulb
Backup light21H21W LL
Brake light21P21W LL
Trunk lighting10SV8.5 (length 38mm)
Front footwell lighting3W2, 1x9.5dtype T10
NOTE
Please consult a Volvo retailer

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.357
PosFunctionA
Accelerator pedal sensor, auto- dim mirror function, heated rear seats*7.5
-
Brake lights5
Power moonroof *20
Immobilizer5
Related information
•Fuses – engine compartment (p. 352)
• Fuses – cargo area/trunk (p. 358)
• Fuses – engine compartment cold zone (Start/Stop only) (p. 359)

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
362
CAUTION
•Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rub- ber components
• Polishing chromed strips can wear awayor damage the surface
• Polishes containing abrasive substancesshould not be used
Related information
• Polishing and waxing (p. 363)
• Cleaning the interior (p. 363)
Automatic car wash
The vehicle should be washed at regular inter- vals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spotsadhere to the paint and may cause damage. Tohelp prevent corrosion, it is particularly importantto wash the car frequently in the wintertime.
• We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first fewmonths (because the paint will not havehardened sufficiently).
• An automatic wash is a simple and quick wayto clean your car, but it is worth rememberingthat it may not be as thorough as when youyourself go over the car with sponge andwater. Keeping the underbody clean is mostimportant, especially in the winter. Someautomatic washers do not have facilities forwashing the underbody.
NOTE
Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such asheadlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is nor-mal and the lights are designed to withstandmoisture. Normally, condensation will dissi-pate after the lights have been on for a shorttime.
CAUTION
•
Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor toavoid damaging the windshield wipers.
• Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliarylamps, etc, are secure, and that anyantenna(s) are retracted or removed. Oth-erwise there is risk of the machine dis-lodging them.
• Chromed wheels:
Clean chrome-plated
wheels using the same detergents usedfor the body of the vehicle. Aggressivewheel-cleaning agents can permanentlystain chrome-plated wheels.
WARNING
• When the vehicle is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes,including the parking brake, several timesin order to remove any moisture from thebrake linings.
• Engine cleaning agents should not beused when the engine is warm. This con-stitutes a fire risk.
Related information
•
Polishing and waxing (p. 363)
• Cleaning the interior (p. 363)
• Washing the car (p. 361)