2017 VOLVO XC90 engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
358
Emergency brake lights
The emergency brake lights activate in the event of hard braking/rapid deceleration at most nor-mal driving speeds or if the ABS system is acti-vated. This function causes an additional taillighton each side of the vehicle to illuminate to helpalert vehicles traveling behind.
Once the emergency brake lights have been acti- vated, if the driver releases the brake pedal, thebrake lights will return to their normal function.
Related information
• Brakes (p. 354)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 146)
• Brake lights (p. 146)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) HDC is a type of low-speed automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase ordecrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhillgradients using only the accelerator pedal, with-out applying the brakes.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down steep hills with rough surfaces, and where theroad may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and is a supplementary braking aid. The driver hasfull responsibility for driving in a safe manner.
FunctionHDC allows the vehicle to roll forward or in reverse at very low speed with enhanced enginebraking. However, speed can be adjusted to ahigher level with the accelerator pedal. When theaccelerator pedal is released, the vehicle willreturn to very low speed regardless of the steep-ness of the hill and without applying the brakes.The brake lights illuminate when HDC is func-tioning. The driver can use the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle at any time. HDC is activated along with Low Speed Control (LSC), which together make driving on slipperysurfaces at low speeds easier. When HDC and LSC are activated, this changesthe response from the accelerator pedal andengine.
Activating HDCThis function can be activated in different ways,depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
Using the drive mode control
*
Select the Off Road drive mode to activate the
function. Select a different drive mode to turn HDC off. If this is done while the vehicle is on a steep down-grade, engine braking will decrease gradually.

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* Option/accessory.359
From the center display's Function view
Models without the drive mode control have a button for Hill
Descent Control in the center
display's Function view.
• Tap the button to activate. A light in the but- ton illuminates when the function is acti-vated.
NOTE
HDC can be used:
• Automatic gear shifting:
in Drive or
R everse.
• Manual gear shifting:
in gears 1 or 2. It
is not possible to manually shift to a higher gear when HDC is active.
NOTE
The function is deactivated when driving at higher speeds and must be reactivated atlower speeds if so desired.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 356)
• Low Speed Control (LSC)
* (p. 359)
• Drive modes
* (p. 384)
Low Speed Control (LSC) *
Low Speed Control (LSC) helps make off-road driving easier on slippery surfaces when towinga trailer on grass, etc. This feature is part of the
Off Road drive mode.
When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low gears and all wheel drive to help avoid wheelspin and to improve traction on slippery surfa-ces. The accelerator pedal and engine react dif-ferently to make low-speed driving easier.
In models equipped with the drive mode control *,
LSC is part of the Off Road drive mode.
It is activated along with Hill Descent Control (HDC), which increases engine braking to helpkeep vehicle speed low and smooth, even drivingdown steep hills.
Activating LSCThis function can be activated in different ways,depending on how the vehicle is equipped.
Using the drive mode control *
Select the Off Road drive mode to activate the
function. Select any other drive mode to turn it off.

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ted. If it is applied while the vehicle is moving, the normal brakes are used on all four wheels. Thebrakes will only be applied on the rear wheelsonce the vehicle has stopped.
Related information
•
Brake functions (p. 356)
• Using the parking brake (p. 361)
• Parking brake malfunctions (p. 363)
Using the parking brake
The electric parking brake helps to keep the vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Applying the parking brake
1. Put the gear selector in P.
2. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
3. Pull up the control. > The symbol in the instrument panel willilluminate when the parking brake has been fully applied.
4. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is stationary.
Symbol in the instrument panel
Symbol Explanation
A
BThe symbol flashes while the park- ing brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes at any other time, this indicates a fault. See themessage in the instrument panel.
A
US models
B Canadian models
Automatic function
The parking brake is applied automatically:
• If the Auto Hold function is activated and the vehicle has been stationary for approx.5 minutes.
• If the gear selector is moved to
P on a steep
hill.
• When the engine is turned off (this functioncan be selected, see "Parking brake set-tings" below).
Emergency braking
In an emergency, the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving by pressing and holding up the control. Braking will be inter-rupted when the control is released. An audible signal will sound during this proce- dure if the vehicle is moving at higher speeds.

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362
Releasing the parking brake
Releasing manually
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Press the control.> This releases the parking brake and thesymbol in the instrument panel will go out.
Releasing automatically
1. The driver must fasten his/her seat belt.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.4. Move the gear selector to D or R and press
the accelerator pedal.
> This releases the parking brake and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.
NOTE
• For safety reasons, the parking brake is only released automatically if the engineis running and the driver is wearing a seatbelt.
• The electric parking brake will bereleased immediately when the accelera-tor pedal is pressed and the gear selector is in position
D or R.
Parking on a hillPut the gear selector in P.
• If the vehicle is pointing
uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing
downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
The parking brake should also be applied.
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when parking on hills or uneven surfaces.
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 control
pushed in.
2. While pressing the accelerator pedal to pull away, release the parking brake control onlyafter the vehicle begins to move.
Parking brake settingsAutomatically setting the parking brake can beturned on or off in the center display's Top view. 1.Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarParking Brake and
Suspension and deselect Auto Activate
Parking Brake.
Related information
• Parking brake (p. 360)
• Parking brake malfunctions (p. 363)
• Auto-hold brake function (p. 356)

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Parking brake malfunctions
If it has not been possible to apply or release the parking brake after several attempts, consult atrained and authorized Volvo service technicianor retailer.
An audible signal will sound if the parking brake is applied when the vehicle is being driven. If thevehicle must be parked while the parking brake isnot functioning properly: • Put the gear selector in
P.
• If the vehicle is pointing
uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the curb.
• If the vehicle is pointing
downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
• Put the gear selector in
P.
Low battery charge levelIf the battery is discharged, the parking brakecannot be operated. Connect an auxiliary batteryto the vehicle.
Replacing brake padsThe rear brake pads have to be replaced by atrained and authorized Volvo service techniciandue to the design of the electric parking brake.
Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol Explanation
A
BIf the symbol flashes, a parking brake fault has been detected.See the message in the instru-ment panel.
A
B
Fault in the brake system.
A
US models
B Canadian models
Related information
• Using the parking brake (p. 361)
• Using the parking brake (p. 361)
• Brake functions (p. 356)
• Jump starting (p. 374)
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 and the oil level are normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (including the sparetire where applicable), and replace those thatare worn. Also, check tire inflation pressure.
• 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 drive

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364in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will be driv-ing through an area where snow or ice arelikely to occur, consider using snow tires.
Driving economically
Better driving economy can 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 engine's Eco function can helpimprove fuel economy.
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when the tires are cold). •
Use tires recommended by Volvo for yourvehicle.
• 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
Some of the above mentioned items and othersare checked at the standard maintenance inter-vals.
Handling and roadholding
• 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 that

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capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan 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
•ECO drive mode (p. 387)
• Tire inflation pressure table (p. 545)
• Volvo and the environment (p. 15)
Driving through standing 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 17.7 in. (45 cm) at walk-ing speed. Be particularly careful when drivingthrough flowing water. • Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
• After driving through water, apply the brakesand check that they are functioning correctly.
• 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.
• Avoid driving through salt water if at all pos-sible to help avoid the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION
• Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• 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.
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.

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Related information
•Towing recommendations (p. 369)
Overheating the engine and transmission
In demanding driving conditions, such as when transporting heavy loads, driving in mountainousareas or in very hot weather there is a risk ofoverheating the engine or transmission.
• The engine's output may be slightly limited if there is a risk of overheating.
• Remove e.g., auxiliary lights mounted in frontof the grille in hot weather.
• If the temperature of the engine coolantbecomes too high, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Engine
temperature/Stop safely will be displayed.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe place and let the engine idle for severalminutes.
• If the message
Engine temperature/High
temperature Turn off engine or Engine
coolant/Stop safely is displayed, stop
safely and turn off the engine.
• If the transmission begins to overheat, an alternative gear shifting program will beselected. An integrated protective functionwill also by activated, the warning symbol will illuminate and the message
Transmission
warmHigh temperature Reduce speed
or Transmission warmStop safely, wait
for cooling will be displayed in the instru-
ment panel. •
The air conditioning may be switched off temporarily.
• After a prolonged period of driving, do notturn off the engine immediately after stop-ping.
• The engine cooling fan commonly continuesto run for several minutes after the enginehas been turned off.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment, behind the radiator) maystart or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
Related information
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 376)
• Before a long distance trip (p. 363)