2018 VOLVO XC90 towing

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STARTING AND DRIVING
424
ECO
•Adapt the vehicle for more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly driving with Eco mode.
In this mode, the Start/Stop function is activated,the ground clearance is lower to reduce air resis-tance and certain climate settings are reduced. The instrument panel has an ECO gauge to facili- tate fuel-efficient driving.
OFF ROAD
• Maximizes the vehicle's ability to traverse dif- ficult terrain or poor roads.
In this mode, ground clearance is high, steering islight, and all-wheel drive and Hill Descent Controlare activated. The Start/Stop function is deacti-vated. This mode can only be activated at low speeds. The permitted speed range will be shown in thespeedometer. If this speed is exceeded, Off roadmode will be deactivated and another drive modeactivated. In Off road mode, a compass will be displayed between the speedometer and the tachometer inthe instrument panel.
NOTE
This drive mode is not designed to be used for normal street driving.
NOTE
Due to the increased ground clearance, if the OFF ROAD mode was selected when theengine was switched off, the suspension willlower when the engine is restarted.
CAUTION
Do not use the OFF ROAD drive mode when towing a trailer without an electrical connec-tion. This could result in damage to the pneu-matic suspension system's bellows.
DYNAMIC
• Dynamic mode is designed to provide sport- ier driving characteristics and a faster accel-eration response.
Gear shifting will be faster and more distinct andthe transmission will prioritize gears with a highertraction force. Steering response is faster, suspension is stiffer and ground clearance is lower to help reducebody roll when cornering. The Start/Stop function is deactivated.
INDIVIDUAL
• Customizes drive mode to personal preferen- ces. Select one of the drive modes as a basis andadjust the settings to achieve your preferred driv-ing characteristics. These settings will be storedin your driver profile. Individual drive mode is only available if it has been activated in the center display.Settings view
3
for Individual drive mode.
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
3
The image is schematic and the details may vary depending on vehicle model or software update.

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Leveling control settings *
The vehicle can be lowered or raised to make it easier to load or for passengers to get in andout. Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle with a jack to help avoid problems with thepneumatic suspension.
Adjusting loading mode
Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to raise or lower the rear section of the vehicle tofacilitate loading or unloading the vehicle or con-necting or disconnecting a trailer.
Center display settings
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension Control
The vehicle can be lowered to make it easier to get in and out. Activating easy entry in the center display: 1.
Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarMirrors and Convenience.
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 dooris opened 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.
Disable Leveling Control
In certain situations, this function must be turned off, e.g. before the vehicle is raised using a jack *.
The level difference caused by raising the vehicle with a jack could cause problems with the pneu-matic suspension. Turning off the function in the center display:1. Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarParking Brake and
Suspension.
3. Select
Disable Leveling Control.
Related information
• Leveling control
* and suspension (p. 432)
• Loading recommendations (p. 564)
Low Speed Control
*
The low-speed function, Low Speed Control (LSC), facilitates and improves control and trac-tion on rough roads and slippery surfaces, e.g.when towing a trailer on grass or up boat ramps. In vehicles equipped with drive mode control *,
the function is included in the Off Road drive mode.
Low Speed Control is designed for driving on rough roads and when towing trailers at lowspeeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25 mph). When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low gears and all-wheel drive to help avoid wheel spinand improve traction on all wheels. The accelera-tor pedal will be less responsive to improve trac-tion and speed control at low speeds. The function is activated together with Hill Descent Control (HDC), which makes it possibleto control speed going down steep hills using theaccelerator pedal and reduces the need to usethe brake pedal. The system makes it possible tomaintain a low and uniform speed when drivingdown steep hills.

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449
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from thelocking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the towbar assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the towbar assem- bly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the towbar assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the towbar assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
WARNING
• Be sure the towbar is securely locked in position before attaching anything to it.
• Always attach the trailer's safety wiresecurely to the towbar's safety wireattachment bracket.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ballholder/towbar assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the towbar assem- bly.
Stowing the ball holder
WARNING
When not in use, the detachable ball holder should always be properly stowed in the des-ignated location under the floor of the cargocompartment.
Related information
• Driving with a trailer (p. 449)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 642)
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.

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450 •
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).
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.

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The automatic transmission selects the optimal gear 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. 451)
• Checking trailer lights (p. 452)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 642)
• Overheating of engine and transmission (p. 446)
Trailer Stability Assist
*
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA 8
) 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 9
.
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.
8
Trailer Stability Assist
9 Electronic Stability Control

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453
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. 449)
Towing using a towline
This section refers to one vehicle being towed behind another using a towline.
Before towing another vehicle, check applicable speed limit regulations.
Preparations and towing
CAUTION
Note that the vehicle must always be towed with the wheels rolling forward.
• Do not tow a vehicle with automatictransmission at a speed greater than80 km/h (50 mph) or for a distancegreater than 80 km (50 miles).
WARNING
•
Ignition mode
II must be active – all air-
bags are deactivated in ignition mode I.
• Always have the remote key in the vehicle when it is towed.
WARNING
The brake and steering servos do not work when the engine is off – it takesabout 5 times more pressure on the brakepedal and steering requires much more effortthan normal. 1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
2. Attach the towline to the towing eyelet.3.
Put the vehicle in ignition mode II – without
pressing the brake pedal, turn the start knob clockwise and hold it there for about4 seconds. Release the knob, which willautomatically return to its original position.
4. Move the gear selector to neutral ( N) and
release the parking brake. If the battery charge level is too low, it may not be possible to release the parking brake.Connect an auxiliary battery to the vehicle ifthe battery is discharged.
> The towing vehicle can now start driving.
5. Keep the towline taut when the towing vehi- cle slows down by applying light pressure to the brake pedal. This will help avoid jarringmovements.
6. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle.
Jump startingDo not tow the vehicle to start the engine. Use anauxiliary battery if the start battery's charge levelis so low that the engine cannot be started.

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CAUTION
Attempting to tow with the engine running could result in damage to the three-way cata-lytic converter.
Related information
•Attaching and removing the towing eyelet (p. 454)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 164)
• Recovery (p. 455)
• Jump starting using another battery (p. 447)
• Selecting ignition mode (p. 408)
Attaching and removing the towingeyelet
Use the towing eyelet when towing. Screw the towing eyelet securely into place in the threadedoutlet behind the cover on the right-hand side ofthe front and rear bumpers.
NOTE
If the vehicle is equipped with a towbar, there is no rear attachment for the towing eye.
Attaching the towing eyelet
Take out the towing eyelet, which is stored in a foam block under the floor in the cargocompartment.
Front: Remove the cover by pressing on the mark with a finger.
> The cover turns along its center line and can then be removed.
Rear: Remove the cover - press the marker with your finger while prying open the oppo-site side/corner open with a coin or similar.
> The cover turns along its center line andcan then be removed.

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* Option/accessory.455
4. Screw in the towing eyelet until it reaches its
stop. Fasten the eyelet securing by, for exam- ple, inserting a lug wrench * through it and
using this as a lever.
CAUTION
It is important that the towing eye is screwed in securely as far as possible.
Removing the towing eyelet:
–After use, unscrew the towing eyelet and return it to its storage location. Replace the cover on the bumper.
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck.The vehicle's position and ground clearancedetermines if this is possible. If the incline of the tow truck is too steep or if the ground clearance under the vehicle is insufficient, attempting to pull it up using the towing eyeletmay result in damage. If necessary, lift the vehicle using the tow truck's lifting device instead of using the towing eyelet.
WARNING
No person or object should be behind the tow truck when the vehicle is lifted onto the bedof the truck.
CAUTION
The towing eyelet is only intended for towing on roads, and must
not be used to pull vehi-
cles from ditches or any similar purpose involving severe strain. Call a tow truck forprofessional assistance.
Related information
• Towing using a towline (p. 453)
• Recovery (p. 455)
• Tool kit (p. 542)
Recovery
This section refers to transporting the vehicle with a tow truck or similar vehicle.
Call a professional towing service for assistance. In certain conditions, the towing eyelet can be used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck. For vehicles equipped with leveling control *:
If the vehicle is equipped with pneumatic suspen- sion, this feature must be turned off before thevehicle is lifted onto a tow truck. Turning off thefunction in the center display. 1. Tap
Settings in the Top view.
2. Tap
My CarParking Brake and
Suspension.
3. Select
Disable Leveling Control.
The vehicle's location and ground clearance determine if it can be lifted onto a tow truck. Ifthe incline of the tow truck is too steep or if theground clearance under the vehicle is insufficient,attempting to pull it up may result in damage. Inthis case, the vehicle should only be lifted withthe tow truck's lifting equipment.
WARNING
No person or object should be behind the tow truck when the vehicle is lifted onto the bedof the truck.