2017 VOLVO XC90 ABS

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
354
Starting and driving The vehicle is equipped with features that sup- plement its basic functions, such as shifting gears with steering wheel paddles * and the fuel-
conserving start/stop function.
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans- mission that also makes it possible to shift gearsmanually. Certain functions can also be used when the engine is not running, depending on the ignitionmode being used.
Related information
• Starting the engine (p. 382)
• Ignition modes (p. 380)
• Automatic transmission (p. 392)
• Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 373)
• Start/Stop (p. 389)
• Parking brake (p. 360)
Brakes 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.
Brake systemIf one of the brake circuits is not functioning, more pressure will be needed on the brake pedal(and the pedal will go down farther) for normalbraking effect. If the brake pedal must be depressed farther than normal and requires greater foot pressure,the stopping distance will be longer. Pressure on the brake pedal is enhanced by the power braking function. The power brakes only function when the engine is running. 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 stifferthan usual. When the Hill Start Assist function is being used, it will take slightly longer for the brake pedal toreturn to its normal position if the vehicle isparked on an incline or uneven surface. When driving in very hilly areas or if the vehicle iscarrying a heavy load, manual gear shifting canbe used for engine braking to augment the brakes. Use the
Off Road*
drive mode on steep
downgrades to increase the engine braking effect at low speeds.
Anti-lock Braking System ABS
The ABS system helps to improve vehicle control (stopping and steering) during severe brakingconditions by limiting brake lockup. When ABS is operating, there may be some vibration in the brake pedal, which is normal. 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.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.355
Driving on wet or salted roadsProlonged driving on wet or salted roads can affect brake function and increase stopping dis-tance. Be sure to keep a safe distance to thevehicle ahead when driving under these condi-tions.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack *, the condition
of the brake pads can be checked by raising thevehicle and performing a visual inspection of thebrake 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.
Instrument panel symbols
Symbol
Explanation
A
BCheck the brake fluid level. If the level is low, top up and have thesystem inspected to determine thecause of the loss of fluid.
A
B
Steady glow for 2 seconds when the engine is started: automaticfunction control. Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: there is a fault in theABS system. The normal brakesystem will still function but with-out ABS brake modulation.
A
US models
B Canadian models

STARTING AND DRIVING
357
Turn Auto-hold on or off by pressing the control in the tunnel console. The indicator light illumi-nates when the function is on. When Auto-hold is off, Hill Start Assist (HSA) will be activated to help prevent the vehicle from roll-ing backwards when starting up a hill.
Instrument panel symbol
Symbol
Explanation
The symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when this func-tion is using the normal brakes tokeep the vehicle stationary.
A
BThis symbol in the instrument panel illuminates when Auto-holdis using the parking brake to keepthe vehicle stationary
A
US models
B Canadian models
Related information
• Hill Start Assist (p. 360)
• Brake functions (p. 356)
Brake assist system The Brake Assist System (BAS) increases brak- ing force, thereby helping reduce braking dis-tance.
The system monitors the driver's braking habits and increases braking force when necessary.Brake force can be increased up to the point atwhich the ABS system is activated. The functionis deactivated when pressure on the brake pedaldecreases.
Related information
•Brakes (p. 354)
Braking effect after a collision
In certain types of collisions, the vehicle's brakes are applied to help prevent or mitigate a secon-dary collision.
Maintaining control of the vehicle after a collision may be difficult. To help avoid or mitigate theeffect of a secondary collision, the brakes areapplied automatically to help bring the vehicle toa stop. The brake lights and hazard warning flashers will be activated and the flashers will remain on afterthe vehicle has come to a standstill. The parkingbrake will then be applied automatically. In a situation where stopping the vehicle may not be desirable, the driver can override this systemby pressing the accelerator pedal. This feature can only function if the brake system is intact after the collision.
Related information
• Brake functions (p. 356)
• Airbag system (p. 65)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW) (p. 316)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
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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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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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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Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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%.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.391
Related information
•Conditions for Start/Stop (p. 391)
• Start/Stop (p. 389)
Conditions for Start/Stop
Certain conditions must be met for the Start/ Stop feature to function. If a condition is not met,this will be indicated in the instrument panel.
The engine does not auto-stopIn certain situations or conditions, the engine may not auto-stop when the vehicle comes to a
standstill, such as when:
• the vehicle has not reached a speed of approx. 8 mph (12 km/h) after starting.
• after several auto-stops, the speed mustagain exceed approx. 8 mph (12 km/h)before the next auto-stop.
• the driver's seat belt is unbuckled.
• the main battery's charge is below the mini-mum level.
• the engine has not reached its normal oper-ating temperature.
• the ambient temperature is below approx.23°F (-5°C) or above approx. 85°F (30°C).
• the windshield's heating function
* is acti-
vated.
• the climate system cannot keep the desiredsettings in the passenger compartment.
• the vehicle is backing up.
• the main battery's temperature is above orbelow the permitted limits.
• the driver is turning the steering wheel hard. •
the road's incline is very steep.
• the hood is opened.
• the transmission has not reached its normaloperating temperature.
• driving at high altitude and the engine hasnot reached its normal operating tempera-ture.
• the gear selector is in the manual shiftingposition.
• the ABS brakes have activated.
• hard braking (even if the ABS brakes havenot activated).
• many starts during a short time period havetriggered the starter motor's overheating pro-tection.
• a trailer's electrical system is connected tothe vehicle's electrical system.
The engine does not auto-startIn certain situations or conditions, the engine may not auto-start
after an auto-stop, such as:
• if the driver is not wearing a seat belt
• the gear selector is in the
P position and the
driver's door is open. The engine must be started normally.
The engine auto-starts while the brake pedal is depressed
In the following situations, the engine will auto-
start even though the brake pedal is depressed:

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
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Leveling control * and suspension
The leveling control system adjusts the suspen- sion and shock absorbers automatically to helpprovide good comfort and control while driving.Leveling can also be controlled manually tomake loading or getting in and out of the vehicleeasier.
Pneumatic suspension and shock absorbers
This system is linked to the selected drive mode and is adapted to the vehicle's speed. The pneu-matic suspension reduces the vehicle's groundclearance at higher speeds to reduce wind resis-tance and increase stability. The shock absorbersare normally set to provide the best possiblecomfort and are adjusted continuously accordingto the road surface, acceleration, braking andcornering.
The instrument panel will indicate when the sus- pension level is being adjusted. The level cannot be adjusted if one of the side doors or the hood is open.
Suspension settings
Easy entry
The vehicle can be lowered to entering and exit- ing easier. In the center display's Top view:1. Tap
Settings.
2. Tap
My CarSuspension .
3. Select
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension
Control.
> When the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off, the level is lowered. Level adjustment will stop if a side door isopened and will resume after a slightdelay when the door has been closed.When the engine is started and the vehi-cle begins to move, the level will be raisedto the height set by the selected drivemode.
If a door has been opened and closed, there maybe a slight delay before the leveling function willresume.
Deactivating suspension and leveling control
In certain situations, this function has to be turned off, for example when lifting the vehicle ona jack to help avoid problems created by the dif-ference in levels in the pneumatic suspensionwhen the vehicle is raised. 1.
Tap
Settings in the center display's Top
view.
2. Tap
My CarSuspension .
3. Select
Disable Leveling Control.
Changing the suspension control level 7
Models equipped with the Four-C active chassis system but without the drive mode control
*, sus-
pension control is adjusted from the center dis- play. 1. Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarDrive ModeSuspension
Control and select the desired level.
Loading mode
Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to raise or lower the vehicle to make loading orunloading easier or when attaching a trailer.
7 Depending on the equipment installed in the vehicle'