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Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect onthe brake discs and pads. This will cause a delayin braking effect when the pedal is depressed. Toavoid such a delay when the brakes are needed,depress the pedal occasionally when drivingthrough rain, slush, etc. This will remove the waterfrom the brakes. Check that brake applicationfeels normal. This should also be done afterwashing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain whendriving in mountains or hilly areas, or when towinga trailer. Vehicle speed is usually slower, whichmeans that the cooling of the brakes is less effi-cient than when driving on level roads. To reducethe strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gearand let the engine help with the braking. Do notforget that if you are towing a trailer, the brakeswill be subjected to a greater than normal load.
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.
Related information
•Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) (p. 266)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 266)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction(p. 262)
Brakes – symbols
Symbols in the instrument panel
SymbolSpecification
Steady glow – Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fill withbrake fluid and check for the causeof the brake fluid loss.
Automatic function check: steady glow for two seconds when theengine is started.
WARNING
If and come on at the same
time and the brake level is below the MIN
mark in the reservoir or if a brake system-rela- ted message is shown in the information dis- play: DO NOT DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed
to a trained and qualified Volvo service techni- cian and have the brake system inspected.
Related information
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
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Anti-lock braking system (ABS) The ABS system helps to improve vehicle con- trol (stopping and steering) during severe brak-ing conditions by limiting brake lockup.
When the system "senses" impending lockup, braking pressure is automatically modulated inorder to help prevent lockup that could lead to askid. The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test when the engine has been started and driverreleases the brake pedal. Another automatic testmay be performed when the vehicle first reachesa speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Thebrake pedal will pulsate several times and asound may be audible from the ABS controlmodule, which is normal.
Related information
•Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) (p. 266)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
Brake lights The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lights
The adaptive brake lights activate in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS system is activated.This function causes an additional taillight oneach side of the vehicle to illuminate to help alertvehicles traveling behind. The adaptive brake lights activate if:
• The ABS system activates for more than approximately a half second
• In the event of sudden braking while thevehicle is moving at speeds above approxi-mately 6 mph (10 km/h).
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brakelights and additional taillights remain on for aslong as the brake pedal is depressed or untilbraking force on the vehicle is reduced.
Related information
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
• Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)
EBA is designed to provide full brake effect immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-ing.
Emergency Brake AssistanceThe EBA system is activated by the speed with which the brake pedal is depressed. When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure in the brake sys-tem immediately increases to the maximum level.Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in orderto utilize the system completely. EBA is automati-cally deactivated when the brake pedal isreleased.
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NOTE
•When the EBA system is activated, the brake pedal will go down and pressure inthe brake system immediately increasesto the maximum level. You must maintainfull pressure on the brake pedal in orderto utilize the system completely. Therewill be no braking effect if the pedal isreleased. EBA is automatically deacti-vated when the brake pedal is released.
• When the vehicle has been parked forsome time, the brake pedal may sinkmore than usual when the engine isstarted. This is normal and the pedal willreturn to its usual position when it isreleased.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 266)
Parking brake – general information The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Electric parking brake
Parking brake control
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.
Low battery voltageIf the battery voltage is too low, the parking brake cannot be applied or released.
Connect
an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is toolow, see Jump starting (p. 251).
Parking on a hill
• If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the frontwheels so that they point away from the curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn thefront wheels so that they point toward thecurb.
The parking brake should also be applied.
Related information
• Parking brake – applying (p. 268)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 268)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 270)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
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Parking brake – applying
Applying the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal. 2.Push the control. >
The
symbol in the instrument
panel flashes while the parking brake is being applied and glows steadily when theparking brake has been fully applied.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selector must be in position P.
NOTE
• In an emergency the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving byholding in the control. Braking will beinterrupted when the accelerator pedal isdepressed or the control is released.
• An audible signal will sound during thisprocedure if the vehicle is moving atspeeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Related information
•Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 268)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages (p. 270)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
Parking brake – releasing
Releasing the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
Manual release
1. Fasten the seat belt.
2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot and
press the START/STOP ENGINE button (or
press the START/STOP ENGINE button
with a valid remote key in the passenger compartment on vehicles with the optionalkeyless drive).
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
4. Pull the parking brake control.
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Automatic release
1. Start the engine.
NOTE
•For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engine isrunning and the driver is wearing a seatbelt.
• The electric parking brake will be releasedimmediately when the accelerator pedal ispressed and the gear selector is in posi- tion
D or R.
2. Fasten the seat belt. 3.
Move the gear selector to position D or R
and press the accelerator pedal. The parking brake will release when the vehicle begins tomove.
Heavy load uphill
A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parking brakeis released automatically on a steep incline. Tohelp avoid this:
1. Keep the electric parking brake lever pushed in with the left hand while shifting into Drive with the right.
2. While pressing the accelerator pedal to pull away, release the parking brake lever onlyafter the vehicle begins to move.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Parking brake – applying (p. 268)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 270)
• Brakes – general (p. 264)
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Driving through 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 of approximately 13 in. (35 cm) at walkingspeed to help prevent water from entering thedifferential and the transmission. Water reducesthe oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten theservice life of these components.
• Take particular care when driving throughflowing water.
• 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.
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.
CAUTION
•Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• If the vehicle is driven through waterdeeper than approximately 13 in.(35 cm), water may enter the differentialand the transmission. This reduces theoil's lubricating capacity and may shortenthe service life of these components.
• Damage to any components, the engine,transmission, turbo-charger, differential orits internal components caused by flood-ing, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand in waterup to the door sills longer than absolutelynecessary. This could result in electricalmalfunctions.
• If the engine has been stopped while thevehicle is in water, do not attempt torestart it. Have the vehicle towed out ofthe water.
Related information
•Towing the vehicle (p. 282)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 284)
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driv- ing in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavyloads, there is a risk that the engine and coolingsystem will overheat.
Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
• Maintain a low speed when driving with atrailer up long, steep hills. For information,see Towing a trailer (p. 279)
• Do not turn the engine off immediately whenstopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to oper- ate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine hasbeen switched off.
• Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather condi-tions.
• Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm ifdriving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oiltemperature could become too high.
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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 the cargoarea (p. 143) 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. 290). Check tire pressure (p. 297).
• 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. 303).
Related information
•
Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 291)
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 334)
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273
Driving in cold weather
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant (p. 331) contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). The use of "recycled" anti-freeze is not approved by Volvo. Differenttypes of antifreeze 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 be damaged. It is therefore advisable to checkthe 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, see Snowtires/studded tires (p. 303).
• To prevent the washer fluid (p. 344)reservoirfrom freezing, add washer solvents contain-ing antifreeze. This is important since dirt isoften splashed on the windshield during win-ter driving, 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.
Refueling – fuel requirements
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 (p. 277) and could result in loss ofemission warranty coverage. State and local vehi-