2017 VOLVO XC90 tow

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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)

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Winter driving
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture willreduce freeze protection. This gives protec-tion against freezing down to –31 °F(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze isnot approved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze 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.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir fromfreezing, add washer solvents containingantifreeze. This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, 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.
Related information
•Snow tires and chains (p. 459)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securely attached in the openings on the rightside of the front and rear bumpers. There arecovers over these attachment points.
Using the towing eyelet
Take out the towing eyelet, which is stored under the floor in the cargo compartment.

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Front bumper: Carefully pry open the cover by inserting a small screwdriver or theremote key's removable key blade into thegroove on its left side.
> The cover turns along its center line andthen be removed.
Rear bumper: Remove the cover by pressing the mark with a finger and folding out theupper right corner with a coin, etc.
> The cover turns along its center line andthen be removed. 4. Screw the towing eyelet into place, first by
hand and then using the tire iron, etc. until it has been screwed into place as far as pos-
sible .
After use, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location. Reinsert the cover into the bumper.
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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Towing recommendations
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.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
1. After securely attaching the towing line to both vehicles, put the gear selector in posi- tion N and release the parking brake.
2. Put the ignition in mode II by turning the
start knob to START (without depressing
the brake pedal) and hold it in this position
for approx. 4 seconds. Release the knob.
3. Put the gear selector in position N and
release the parking brake.
4. The towing vehicle can now begin driving.
5. 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.
6. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, an auxiliary battery will be necessary to provide cur-rent for releasing the electric parkingbrake and to move the gear selector from the
P position to N. If this is not possible,
use the shiftlock override procedure tomanually release the gear selector from P
and move it 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.
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).
• The remote key must remain inside the vehicle.
• 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.

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* Option/accessory.
370
Tow trucks
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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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%.

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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%.
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 turn signals and brake lightsIf one (or more) of the bulbs on a trailer is defec-tive, a symbol and a message will be displayed inthe instrument panel. The other lights on the trailer must be checked manually by the driver before the vehicle is driven.See the subsection "Manual check" in the follow-ing section "Trailer lamp check".
Symbol
Message
•Trailer turn indicator Right
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer turn indicator Left
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer brake light Malfunc-
tion
If one of the trailer's turn signal bulbs is defective, the turn signal symbol in the instrument panel forthe respective sides of the vehicle will also flashfaster than normal.

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Trailer lamp check *
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehi- cle's electrical system, its lamps can be checkedby automatically activating them. This helps thedriver to ensure that the trailer's lamps are func-tioning correctly before starting to drive. In order to perform this check, the engine must not be running.
1. When a trailer is connected to a trailer hitch
or towbar,
Automatic Trailer Lamp Checkwill appear in the instrument panel.
2. Confirm this message by pressing the O but-
ton on the right-side steering wheel keypad.
> The lamp check will begin.
3. Leave the vehicle to perform the trailer lamp check.
> All of the trailer's lamps will begin to flashand then each lamp will illuminate one at a time.
4. Visually check that all of the trailer's lamps are functioning correctly.
5. After a short time, all of the trailer's lamps will begin to flash again.
> The lamp check is completed.
Disabling the automatic check
The automatic lamp check function can be disa- bled in the center display. 1.
Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Deselect
Automatic Trailer Lamp Check.
Manual check
If the automatic lamp check has been disabled, the function can be started manually. 1.Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Select
Manual Trailer Lamp Check.
> The lamp check will begin. Leave the vehi- cle to perform the trailer lamp check as described in the section "Automaticcheck" above.
Self-leveling suspension *The self-leveling system attempts to keep thevehicle at a constant level, regardless of the load(up to the max. permissible load). When theengine is not running, the rear of the vehiclesinks down slightly, which is normal.
Related information
•Detachable trailer hitch
* (p. 378)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 379)
• Weights (p. 537)
Detachable trailer hitch
*
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-cle.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket
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.