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All Wheel Drive (AWD)Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distrib-uted automatically between the front and rearwheels.
Under normal driving conditions, most of the engine's power is directed to the front wheels.However, if there is any tendency for the frontwheels to spin, an electronically controlled cou-pling distributes power to the wheels that havethe best traction.
NOTE
The message AWD disabled Service
required will be appear in the information
display if an electrical fault should occur in the AWD system. A warning light will also illu-minate in the instrument panel. If this occurs,have the system checked by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician.
Related information
• Transmission – general information (p. 263)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 11
–
introduction
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and makes it possible to increase or decrease thevehicle's speed on downhill gradients using onlythe accelerator pedal, without applying thebrakes. The brake system functions automaticallyto maintain a low and steady speed.
IntroductionNormally, when the accelerator pedal is released while driving down hills, the vehicle's speed slowsas the engine runs at lower rpm (the normalengine braking effect). However, if the downhillgradient becomes steeper and if the vehicle iscarrying a load, speed increases despite theengine braking effect. In this situation, the brakesmust be applied to reduce the vehicle's speed. 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.
11 Available on the V60 Cross Country in combination with certain engines only.
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* Option/accessory.277
NOTE
Engine response to pressure on the accelera- tor pedal may be slightly slower than normalwhen HDC is activated.
Related information
•Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction (p. 275)
• Brakes – general (p. 277)
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. 303) 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.
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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. 262).
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. 281)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages(p. 283)
• Brakes – general (p. 277)
Parking brake – applying
Applying the electric parking brake
Parking brake control
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal. 2.Push the control. >
The
symbol in the instrument
panel flashes while the parking brake is being applied and glows steadily when theparking brake has been fully applied.
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selector must be in position P.
NOTE
• In an emergency the parking brake can be applied when the vehicle is moving byholding in the control. Braking will beinterrupted when the accelerator pedal isdepressed or the control is released.
• An audible signal will sound during thisprocedure if the vehicle is moving atspeeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).
Related information
•Parking brake – general information (p. 280)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)
• Parking brake – symbols and messages (p. 283)
• Brakes – general (p. 277)
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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
Symbol Message Description/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. 280)
• Parking brake – applying (p. 281)
• Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)
• Brakes – general (p. 277)
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Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize bat- tery drain:
• When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode
II. Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I. These modes reduce drain
on the battery.
• Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc., that consume a great dealof current when the engine is not runningcould result in the battery being completelydrained. Driving or having the engine runningfor approximately 15 minutes will help keepthe battery charged.
• The optional 12-volt socket in the cargoarea (p. 145) area provides electrical currenteven with the ignition switched off, whichdrains the battery.
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 is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Have the transmission oil level checked.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (the spare tire aswell), and replace those that areworn (p. 302). Check tire pressure (p. 309).
• 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 drivein countries where it may be difficult toobtain the correct fuel. •
Consider your destination. If you will be driv-ing through an area where snow or ice arelikely to occur, consider snow tires (p. 316).
Related information
•
Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 303)
• Bulbs – introduction (p. 344)
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Driving in cold weather
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant (p. 342) contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). The use of "recycled" anti-freeze is not approved by Volvo. Differenttypes of antifreeze 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, see Snowtires/studded tires (p. 316).
• To prevent the washer fluid (p. 354)reservoirfrom freezing, add washer solvents contain-ing antifreeze. This is important since dirt isoften splashed on the windshield during win-ter driving, 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.
Refueling – fuel requirements
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso- line to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec- tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use ofdeposit control gasolines will help ensure gooddrivability and fuel economy. If you are not surewhether the gasoline contains deposit controladditives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of exter- nal fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. andCanadian regulations require that pumps deliver-ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".Only these pumps have nozzles which fit yourvehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygensensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasolinewill lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-trol system (p. 290) and could result in loss ofemission warranty coverage. State and local vehi-
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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 air flow to floor, windshield and side windowsand the blower control to its highest set-ting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has atendency 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 that the 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
•
Climate – general information (p. 128)
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. 381)
• 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%.