2017 VOLVO XC60 tow

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
264
Brakes – general The brake system is a hydraulic system consist- ing of two separate brake circuits. If a problemshould occur in one of these circuits, it is stillpossible to stop the vehicle with the other brakecircuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure,the stopping distance will be longer. A warning light in the instrument panel will light up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred. If this light comes on while driving or braking, stop immediately and check the brake fluid levelin the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal – do not pump thebrakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a brake system message is shown in the information display: DO NOT
DRIVE . Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician and have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack *, the condition
of the brake pads can be checked by raising the vehicle (see Changing a wheel – removing wheel(p. 291) for information about using the jack andremoving a wheel) and performing a visualinspection of the brake pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to a brake pad inspection, the wheelhub, brake components, etc., will be veryhot. Allow time for these components tocool before carrying out the inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
WARNING
• Use the jack intended for the vehicle when changing a tire. For any other job,use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greased andclean, and should not be damaged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed between thebase of jack and the ground, or betweenthe jack and the attachment bar on thevehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage the jackattachment.
• Never allow any part of your body to beextended under a vehicle supported by ajack.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Neverlet the vehicle roll to a stop with the engineswitched off. If the power brakes are not working, considerably higher pressure will be required on the brakepedal to compensate for the lack of power assis-tance. This can happen for example when towingyour vehicle or if the engine is switched off whenthe vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harderthan usual.

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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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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 – symbols and messages
A text message can be erased by pressing briefly on the OK button on the turn signal lever.
Symbol and messages in the instrument panel
SymbolMessageDescription/action
"Message"Read the message in the information display
A flashing symbol indicates that the parking brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes in any other situation then this means that a fault has arisen. Read the message on the information display.
-Park brake not fully releasedA fault is preventing the parking brake from being released. Try to apply the parking brake and release it several times. If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error message showing, a warningsignal sounds.
-Parking brake not appliedA fault is preventing the parking brake from being applied. Try to apply the parking brake and release it several times. If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error message showing, a warningsignal sounds.
-Parking brake Service requiredA fault has occurred. Try to apply and release. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault remains
WARNING
If the vehicle must be parked before the fault has been corrected, always put the gear selector in P and turn the wheels so that they
point away from the curb if the vehicle is pointing uphill or toward the curb if it is point-ing downhill.
Related information
• Parking brake – general information (p. 267)
• Parking brake – applying (p. 268)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 268)
• 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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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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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)