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WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passenger com-partment. If the tailgate must be kept open forany reason, proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to airflow to floor, windshield and side windowsand the blower control to its highest set-ting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that thesteering wheel has to be turned more than mightseem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.This ensures good stability and reduces the riskof rear wheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavierthe load in the cargo area, the less the tendencyto understeer.
• 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
•
Climate – general information (p. 126)
Towing a trailer When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
NOTE
For the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo, see Weights (p. 372)
• 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 fullpressure, see the tire inflation decal on thedriver's door opening.
• 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.
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280•
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 safestop (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%.
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%.
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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. 281)
• Loading – general (p. 144)
Detachable trailer hitch
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-cle.
A
C
EDBG010496
Ball holder
Locking bolt
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
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. 3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking boltand slide the locking bolt out of the ballholder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.
Related information
• Towing a trailer (p. 279)
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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. 174)
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. 279)
• Loading – general (p. 144)
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.
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1. With the remote key fully pressed into the
ignition slot 12
, press START/STOP ENGINE
for approximately 2 seconds to activate igni- tion mode II.
2. The remote key must remain in the ignition slot13
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. 251) 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. 257) 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. 283)
• Remote key – functions (p. 153)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securing attached.
Location of the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyelet
12 Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
13 For vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the vehicle.
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Attaching the towing eyeletThe towing eyelet is located under the floor of the cargo area, with the spare tire and maybe partially concealed. This eyelet must bescrewed into the positions provided on theright sides of either the front or rear bumper(see illustration).
There are two different types of covers over the openings for the towing eyelet and theyhave to be opened differently.
• If the cover has a notch, insert a coin, etc.,into the notch and pry open the edge ofthe cover. Open the cover completely andremove it.
• If the cover has a mark along one edge orin a corner, press the mark while pryingout the opposite side/corner using a coin,etc. Open the cover and remove it.
Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by handand then using the tire iron until it is securely inplace. After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storagelocation. Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
WARNING
• When the vehicle is being towed, the igni- tion should be in mode
II (in mode I, all of
the vehicle's airbags are deactivated). For more information, see Ignition modes(p. 80)
• Never remove the remote key from theignition slot when the vehicle is beingtowed. For vehicles with keyless drive, theremote key must remain inside the vehi-cle.
• The power brakes and power steering willnot function when the engine is not run-ning. Approximately 5 times more pres-sure will be required on the brake pedaland the steering wheel will be considera-bly harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be used forpulling the vehicle out of a ditch or forany similar purpose involving severestrain.
Related information
•Towing the vehicle (p. 282)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 284)
Towing by tow truck
When necessary, call for professional help from an authorized towing company. Volvo recom-mends the use of flat bed equipment.
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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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.285
CAUTION
•The vehicle should always be towed in the forward direction.
• Vehicles with All Wheel Drive (AWD)
*
that are being towed with the frontwheels off the ground should not betowed at a speed above approx. 45 mph(70 km/h) and should not be towed far-ther than 30 miles (50 km).
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 283)
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