2018 VOLVO V90 trailer

STARTING AND DRIVING
432
Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can bedriven safely.
Before the cold season arrives:
• Make sure the engine coolant contains 50% antifreeze. This mixture helps protect theengine from frost erosion down toapprox. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix differenttypes of antifreeze as this could pose ahealth risk.
• Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent con-densation from forming.
• Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil withlow viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting and reduces fuel consump-tion when driving with a cold engine.
CAUTION
Low-viscosity oil should not be used with hard driving or in hot weather.
•
Check the condition and charge level of the start battery. Cold weather places greaterdemands on the start battery and reduces itscapacity.
• Use washer fluid containing antifreeze tohelp prevent ice from forming in the washerfluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditionsFor optimal traction and roadholding, Volvo rec-ommends using snow tires on all wheels when-ever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.
NOTE
Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use ofstudded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under con- trolled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.
Related information
•Snow tires (p. 539)
• Snow chains (p. 539)
• Braking on salted roads (p. 407)
• Braking on wet roads (p. 406)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 623)
• Start battery (p. 589)
• Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 621)
• Changing rear window wipers (p. 620)
• Refilling coolant (p. 580)
Driving through standing water
Driving the vehicle through a deep pool of stand- ing water on a water-covered roadway is calledfording. This must be done with great caution.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of 25 cm (9.8 in) at no more than walkingspeed. Be particularly careful when drivingthrough flowing water. When driving through standing water, drive slowly and do not stop the vehicle. When you havepassed the water, press lightly on the brake pedaland check that the brakes are functioning prop-erly. Water, mud, slush, etc. can make the brakelinings slippery, resulting in delayed brakingeffect.
• If the vehicle is equipped with contacts for anelectric heater or trailer coupling, clean theseafter driving in water or mud.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water upto the sills any longer than absolutely neces-sary. This could result in electrical malfunc-tions.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
436
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-sary to fill the tank more than once before adifference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead or manga- nese as a knock inhibitor, and do not use leadadditives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-sion control systems on your vehicle, lead hasbeen strongly linked to certain forms of cancer. Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been strongly linked tocertain forms of cancer. If you live in an areawhere you must fill your own gas tank, take pre-cautions. These may include: •standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
• refueling only at gas stations with vaporrecovery systems that fully seal the mouth ofthe filler neck during refueling
• wearing neoprene gloves while handling afuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze duringwinter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought additives to your vehicle'sfuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse maydamage your engine, and some of these additivescontain organically volatile chemicals. Do notneedlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
WARNING
Never carry a cell phone that is
switched on
while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings, this may cause a spark that could ignite gaso-line fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaustgases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes insidethe vehicle, make sure the passenger com-partment is ventilated, and immediately returnthe vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician for correction.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, e.g. when driving in a hot climates, driving with a trailer or drivingfor longer periods at higher altitudes (mountainlandscapes) than normal, it is recommended switching to a higher octane fuel than AKI 91 8
or
changing gasoline brand to take full advantage of your car's engine capacity and obtain the opti-mum driving force.
Related information
• Fuel (p. 434)
• Emission controls (p. 437)
8
AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
438 the vehicle safely and letting the engine idle for a few minutes to let the transmissioncool.
• If the vehicle begins to overheat, the air con-ditioning may be temporarily switched off.
• After a prolonged period of driving indemanding conditions, do not turn off theengine immediately after stopping.
NOTE
It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to operate for a short time after the engine isswitched off.
Symbols in the instrument panel
SymbolMeaning
High engine temperature. Follow the recommendations provided.
Low coolant level. Follow the rec- ommendations provided.
Transmission hot/overheated/cool- ing. Follow the recommendationsprovided.
Related information
•Refilling coolant (p. 580)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 440)
• Preparing for a long trip (p. 431)
• Gear indicator
* (p. 418)
Battery drain The electrical functions in the vehicle drain the battery to varying degrees. Avoid using ignitionmode II when the engine is switched off. Use
ignition mode I instead, as this uses less electri-
cal current.
Note that certain accessories may also drain power from the electrical system. Do not usefunctions that use a lot of electrical current whenthe engine is turned off. Examples of such func-tions are:
• blower
• headlights
• windshield wipers
• audio system (especially at high volume).
If the starter battery voltage is low, a message isshown in the driver display. The vehicle's energy-saving function will then turn off or reduce certainfunctions, such as the blower and/or the audio system.
–Charge the battery by starting the engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes (drivingcharges the battery faster than letting theengine idle).
Related information
• Start battery (p. 589)
• Ignition modes (p. 403)

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STARTING AND DRIVING
440
WARNING
•Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
• Do not connect the jumper cable to anypart of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces.
• If contact occurs, flush the affected areaimmediately with water. Obtain medicalhelp immediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark. Do not smoke near thebattery. Failure to follow the instructionsfor jump starting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Starting the vehicle (p. 400)
• Ignition modes (p. 403)
• Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 200)
• Selecting ignition mode (p. 404)
Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the trailerand how the load is distributed in the trailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehi- cle's curb weight. The total weight of all passen-gers and any installed accessories, e.g. towbar,reduces the vehicle's load-carrying capacity bythe corresponding amount. • Towbars used on the vehicle must be approved for the applicable use.
• Distribute the load on the trailer so that theweight on the towbar complies with thespecified maximum towball weight. Thetongue weight is calculated as part of thevehicle's payload.
• Increase the tire pressure to the recom-mended pressure for a full load.
• The engine is subjected to more load thanusual when towing a trailer.
• Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-dling, durability and driving economy.
• Do not drive with a heavy trailer when thevehicle is very new. Wait until the mileagehas reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
• On long and steep downgrades, the vehicle'sbrakes are subjected to much more loadthan usual. When manually shifting, down-shift and adapt speed accordingly. •
Follow applicable regulations regarding per-mitted speed and weight.
• Drive slowly when towing a trailer up a longand steep incline.
• The maximum trailer weights given only applyto altitudes up to 1000 meters (3280 feet)above sea level. At higher altitudes, enginepower (and thus the vehicle's climbing ability)is decreased due to the reduced air density,and the maximum trailer weight must there-fore be reduced. The weight of the vehicleand trailer must be decreased by 10% foreach additional 1000 m (3280 feet) or partthereof.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of morethan 12%.
• Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
• The trailer's brakes must be balanced withthe vehicle's brakes to help ensure safestops (follow applicable local regulations).

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.441
CAUTION
•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.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may not be available in all markets or on all models.Consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer, driving at high altitudes and fuel quality arefactors that significantly increase a vehicle'sfuel consumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Please adhere to the recommendations provi- ded for trailer weight. If the recommendationsare not followed, the vehicle and trailer maybe difficult to control during evasive maneu-vers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicleregulations may set additional restrictions ontrailer weight and speed. The trailer hitchesmay be certified for higher towing weightsthan the vehicle is permitted to tow.
Self-leveling suspension
*The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardless ofload (up to the maximum permitted weight).When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of thevehicle will be slightly lowered, which is normal.
Driving in hilly terrain or hot weatherIn certain conditions, there is a risk of overheat-ing when driving with a trailer. If overheating ofthe engine and drive system is detected, a warn-ing symbol will illuminate in the instrument panelalong with a message. The automatic transmission selects the optimalgear for the current load and engine speed.
Steep inclines
Do not lock the automatic transmission into a higher gear than what the engine can handle
‒ it
is not always preferable to drive in high gears at low rpm.
Parking on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Put the gear selector in P.
4. Release the brake pedal.Put chocks behind the wheels when the vehicle is parked on a hill with a trailer attached.
Starting on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal. 2. Put the gear selector in D.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Release the brake pedal and start driving.
Related information
• Trailer Stability Assist
* (p. 442)
• Checking trailer lights (p. 443)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 632)
• Overheating of engine and transmission (p. 437)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
442
Trailer Stability Assist *
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA 10
) is a function
designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is tow- ing a trailer when the vehicle and trailer havebegun to sway. The function is part of the Elec- tronic Stability Control system ESC 11
.
Reasons for swayingA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at highspeeds. However, if the trailer is overloaded orunevenly distributed, e.g. too far back, there is arisk of swaying even at low speeds. Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind.
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road or over a bump.
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel.
Once swaying has begun, it can be difficult orimpossible to stop it. This makes the vehicle andtrailer difficult to control and there is a risk ofswerving into oncoming traffic or driving off theroad.
Trailer Stability Assist functionTrailer Stability Assist continuously monitors thevehicle's movements, particularly lateral move- ments. If swaying is detected, the brakes areapplied individually on the front wheels, which hasa stabilizing effect on the vehicle and trailer. Thisis often enough to enable the driver to regaincontrol of the vehicle. If the Trailer Stability Assist function's first attempt is not adequate to stop the swayingmotion, the brakes are applied on all wheels andengine power is temporarily reduced. As theswaying motion begins to decrease and the vehi-cle and trailer have once again become stable,TSA stops regulating the brakes/engine powerand the driver regains control of the vehicle.
NOTE
Trailer Stability Assist is deactivated if the driver selects the sport mode by deactivating
ESC in the center display's menu system.
Trailer Stability Assist may not intervene if the driver tries to compensate for the swaying motionby moving the steering wheel rapidly, becausethe system will then not be able to determine if itis the trailer or the driver causing the swaying.
When Trailer Stability Assist is activated, the
ESC symbol is
displayed in the instrument panel.
Related information
• Driving with a trailer (p. 440)
• Electronic Stability Control (p. 268)
10
Trailer Stability Assist
11 Electronic Stability Control

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.443
Checking trailer lights
When connecting a trailer, make sure that all of the lights on the trailer are functioning beforestarting to drive.
Trailer turn signals and brake lightsIf one or more of the turn signals or brake lights on the trailer is not working, a symbol and mes-sage will be displayed in the instrument panel.The other lights on the trailer must be checkedmanually by the driver before the vehicle is driven.
SymbolMessage
•Trailer turn indicator Right
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer turn indicator Left
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer brake light Malfunc-
tion
If any of the trailer's turn signal lights is not work- ing, the turn signal symbol in the instrumentpanel will also flash more quickly than normal.
Trailer rear fog lightWhen a trailer is connected, the vehicle's rear foglight may not illuminate and rear fog light func-tionality is instead transferred to the trailer. If thisis the case, check to see if the trailer is equippedwith a rear fog light before activating the vehicle's fog lights when driving with a trailer to helpensure safe operation.
Checking trailer lights
*
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehi- cle's electrical system, its lights can be checkedby automatically activating them. This functionhelps the driver check that the trailer's lights arefunctioning correctly before starting to drive. In order to perform this check, the engine must be turned off.
1. When a trailer is connected to the towbar,
the message
Automatic Trailer Lamp
Check will appear in the instrument panel.
2. Acknowledge the message by pressing the O button on the right-side steering wheel
keypad.
> The light check will begin.
3. Get out of the vehicle to perform the check. > All of the lights on the trailer will beginflashing, and then illuminate separately one at a time.
4. Visually check that all of the trailer's lights are functioning correctly.
5. After a short time, all of the trailer's lights will start flashing again.
> The light check is completed.
Disabling the automatic check
The automatic light check can be disabled in the center display. 1.Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Deselect
Automatic Trailer Lamp Check.
Manual check
If the automatic check has been disabled, the check can be started manually. 1.Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Select
Manual Trailer Lamp Check.
> The light check will begin. Get out of the vehicle to perform the check.
Related information
• Driving with a trailer (p. 440)

WHEELS AND TIRES
546
Determining the vehicle's permittedweight
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi- mum return of vehicle design performance.
Weight designationsBefore loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining yourvehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer,from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehi-cle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, andthe vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does notinclude passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, tow-bar weight is also part of cargo weight.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be car- ried by a single axle (front or rear). These num-bers are shown on the Federal/Canadian MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label.The total load on each axle must never exceed itsmaximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's plac-ard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the "XXX" amount equals1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-sengers in your vehicle, the amount of availa-ble cargo and luggage load capacity is 650lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. Thatweight may not safely exceed the availablecargo and luggage load capacity calculatedin Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual to determinehow this reduces the available cargo and lug-gage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
• Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weightrating limits can cause tire overheatingresulting in permanent deformation orcatastrophic failure.
• Do not use replacement tires with lowerload carrying capacities than the tires thatwere original equipment on the vehiclebecause this will lower the vehicle's GVWrating. Use only tires with the correct loadcarrying capacity. Consult your Volvoretailer for information.
Related information
• Loading recommendations (p. 555)