2018 VOLVO XC90 traction control

STARTING AND DRIVING
414
Parking on a hill
Always use the parking brake when parking on a hill.
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when parking on an incline. Selecting a gear or putting the automatic transmission in P may not be suffi-
cient to keep the vehicle stationary in all sit- uations.
If the vehicle is pointing uphill: • Turn the front wheels so they are pointing away from
the curb.
If the vehicle is pointing downhill:
• Turn the front wheels so they are pointingtoward
the curb.
Heavy load uphill
Heavy loads, such as a trailer, could cause the vehicle to roll backward when the parking brakeis released automatically on steep uphill gradi-ents. To help avoid this, pull the control upwardwhile you are driving away. Release the controlwhen the vehicle gains traction.
Related information
•Activating and deactivating the parking brake(p. 412)
Parking brake malfunction
If you are unable to deactivate or activate the parking brake after several attempts, contact anauthorized Volvo workshop.
A audible warning signal will sound if the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is being driven. If the vehicle must be parked before the problem is rectified, turn the wheels as when parking on an incline and put the gear selector in P.
Low battery charge levelIf the battery charge level is too low, it will not be possible to apply or release the parking brake.Connect an auxiliary battery to the vehicle if thebattery is discharged.
Replacing brake padsDue to the design of the electric parking brake,the rear brake pads must be replaced by a work-shop. An authorized Volvo workshop is recom-mended.
Symbols in the instrument panel
SymbolMeaning
A
B A flashing symbol indicates that a fault has been detected. See themessage in the instrument panel.
A
B
Fault in the brake system. See the message in the instrument panel.
Information message in the instru- ment panel.
A
Canadian models.
B US models.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.423
Gear indicator in 8" instrument panel.
Related information
•Gear selector positions for automatic trans- missions (p. 418)
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
*
All-wheel drive, All Wheel Drive (AWD), also called four-wheel drive, means that power is dis-tributed to all four wheels, which improves trac-tion.
To achieve the best traction, power is automati- cally directed to the wheels that have the bestgrip. The system continuously calculates theneed for torque to the rear wheels, and canimmediately redistribute up to half of the engine'storque to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive also has a stabilizing effect at higher speeds. In normal driving conditions, mostof the engine's power is directed to the frontwheels. When the vehicle is stationary, all-wheeldrive is always activated in preparation for maxi-mum traction during acceleration. All-wheel drive reacts differently depending on which drive mode * is selected.
Related information
• Drive modes
* (p. 423)
• Low Speed Control
* (p. 435)
• Transmission (p. 417)
Drive modes
*
Drive modes affect the vehicle's driving charac- teristics in different ways to enhance and sim-plify the driving experience in certain types of sit-uations.
Drive modes enable easy access to the vehicle's many functions and settings in different drivingsituations. The following systems are adapted tohelp optimize driving characteristics in each drivemode: • Steering
• Engine/transmission/all-wheel drive
*
• Brakes
• Pneumatic suspension
* and shock absorbers
• Instrument panel
• Start/Stop function
• Climate control settings
Select the drive mode that is best suited to the current driving conditions. Keep in mind that notall drive modes are available in all situations.
Available drive modes
COMFORT
• This is the vehicle's default mode.
When the engine is started, the vehicle will be in Comfort mode and the Start/Stop function will beactivated. This setting offers driving comfort, lightsteering and soft suspension.

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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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.435
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.437
Hill Descent Control *
The function for assisting when driving downhill, Hill Descent Control (HDC), is a low-speedfunction with increased engine braking. Thefunction makes it possible to increase ordecrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhillgradients by only using the accelerator pedal,without applying the brakes. In vehicles equipped with drive mode control *,
the function is included in the Off Road drive mode.
HDC is designed for driving on rough roads at low speeds and downhill gradients with slipperyor otherwise difficult road surfaces. The driverdoes not need to use the brake pedal but caninstead focus on steering.
WARNING
HDC is only intended to be a supplementary braking aid and it does not function in all sit-uations. The driver is always ultimately responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner.
FunctionHill Descent Control allows the vehicle to move forward or backward at very low speeds assistedby the brake system. The driver can increase thespeed by pressing the accelerator pedal. Whenthe accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will return to very low speed regardless of how steepthe hill is and without the brakes needing to beapplied. The brake lights will illuminate when thefunction is activated. The driver can brake to stop or slow the vehicle at any time by depressing the brake pedal. HDC is activated along with Low Speed Control (LSC), which facilitates and improves traction andcontrol on rough and slippery surfaces. The sys-tem is intended to be used at low speeds, up toapproximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
To keep in mind when using HDC
•
If the function is switched off while driving ona steep downhill gradient, braking effect willbe gradually reduced.
• HDC can be used in gear positions
D and R,
and in manual gears 1 or 2.
• It is not possible to manually shift to thirdgear or higher when HDC is active.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel of the accelerator pedal and engine responsewill change.
NOTE
This drive mode is not designed to be used for normal street driving.
NOTE
The function is deactivated when driving at high speeds and must be reactivated at lowerspeeds if so desired.
Related information
• Activating and deactivating Hill Descent Con- trol
* using the function button (p. 438)
• Changing drive mode
* (p. 425)
• Low Speed Control
* (p. 435)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD)
* (p. 423)

AUDIO, MEDIA AND INTERNET
* Option/accessory.
464
Audio, media and Internet
The audio and media system consists of a media player and a radio. A cellular phone can also beconnected through Bluetooth to use hands-freefunctions or play music in the vehicle. When thevehicle is connected to the Internet, it is alsopossible to use apps to play media.
Audio and media overview
The functions can be controlled using voice com- mands, the steering wheel keypad or the centerdisplay. The number of speakers and amplifiersvaries depending on the audio system installed inthe vehicle.
System updates
The audio and media system is continuously improved. When the vehicle has an Internet con-nection, system updates can be downloaded foroptimal functionality; see support.volvocars.com.
Related information
• Media player (p. 485)
• Radio (p. 468)
• Phone (p. 498)
• Internet-connected vehicle
* (p. 507)
• Apps (p. 465)
• Voice control (p. 147)
• Ignition modes (p. 407)
• Driver distraction (p. 39)
• Handling system updates via Download Cen-ter (p. 579)
• License agreement for audio and media(p. 517)
Sound settings
The audio system is precalibrated for optimal sound reproduction but these settings can bepersonalized.
The system's volume is normally adjusted using the volume control below the center display orthe right-side steering wheel keypad. Thisapplies, for example, when playing music or theradio or during phone calls and active traffic mes-sages.
Optimal sound reproductionThe audio system is precalibrated for optimalsound reproduction using digital signal process-ing. This calibration takes into account speakers,amplifiers, passenger compartment acoustics, lis-tener position, etc. for each combination of vehi-cle model and audio system. There is also adynamic calibration that takes into account thevolume control setting and the vehicle's speed.
Sound settings as needed
In Top view under SettingsSound, the fol-
lowing settings can be selected:
•
Tone — personal preference for bass, treble,
equalizer for example.
•
Balance - balance between right/left and
front/rear speakers.
•
System Volumes – adjusts volume in the
various systems of the car, e.g. Voice
Control, Park Assist and Phone Ringtone.

WHEELS AND TIRES
528
Tires
The function of the tires is to carry loads, provide traction on road surfaces, reduce vibrations andprotect the wheels from wear.
The tires significantly influence the vehicle's driv- ing characteristics. The type, dimensions, tirepressure and speed rating have a considerableimpact on how the vehicle performs. Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pil-lar (the structural member at the side of the vehi-cle, at the rear of the driver's door opening).
WARNING
A damaged tire could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-bination designed to provide maximum drypavement performance with consideration forhydroplaning resistance. They may be moresusceptible to road hazard damage and,depending on driving conditions, may achievea tread life of less than 30,000 km (20,000miles). Even if this vehicle is equipped withVolvo's advanced AWD or stability system,these tires are not designed for winter driving,and should be replaced with winter tires whenweather conditions dictate.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces.It should be noted however that the tires havebeen developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces. Most models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road-holding on slippery road surfaces than tires with-out the "all-season" rating. However, for optimalroadholding on icy or snow-covered roads, werecommend snow tires on all four wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) andpreferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of alteringthe vehicle's roadholding and handling characte-ristics.
Recommended tiresOn delivery, the car is equipped with Volvo origi- nal tires that have the VOL
1
marking on the side
of the tires. These tires have been designed spe- cifically for your vehicle. It is therefore importantwhen replacing tires that the new tires have thissame marking to help maintain the vehicle's driv-ing characteristics, comfort and fuel consumption.
New tires
Tires are perishable goods. After a few years, they will begin to harden and their friction proper-ties will gradually deteriorate. Always replace tireswith the freshest tires possible. This is particularlyimportant for snow tires. A series of numbers is
1 This may vary for certain tire dimensions.

WHEELS AND TIRES
534
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIRE-MENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES .
Quality grades can be found, where applica- ble, on the tire sidewall between the treadshoulder and maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on a specified gov-ernment test course. For example, a tire graded150 would wear one and one half (1 ½) times aswell on the government course as a tire graded100. The relative performance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of their use, however,and many depart significantly from the norm dueto variation in driving habits, maintenance practi-ces and differences in road characteristics andclimate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, areAA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlledconditions on specified government test surfacesof asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C mayhave poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) tractiontests and is not a measure of cornering (turn-ing) traction.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to thegeneration of heat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen tested under controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustainedhigh temperature can cause the material of thetire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.The grade C corresponds to a minimum level ofperformance that all passenger vehicle tires mustmeet under the Federal Motor Safety StandardNo. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levelsof performance on the laboratory test wheel thanthe minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated andnot overloaded. Excessive speed, under-infla-tion, or excessive loading, either separately orin combination, can cause heat buildup andtire failure.
Related information
•Tires (p. 528)
• Tire sidewall designations (p. 532)