2018 VOLVO XC90 T8 towing

HYBRID INFORMATION
406
General information about TwinEngine
Twin Engine vehicles are driven just like any other vehicle, but certain functions differ from avehicle powered exclusively by gasoline. Theelectric motor powers the vehicle primarily at lowspeeds; the gasoline engine is used at higherspeeds or during more active driving.
The instrument panel displays Twin Engine-spe- cific information - charging information, selecteddrive mode, distance to discharged battery andhybrid battery charge level. Different drive modes can be selected while driv- ing, e.g. electric power only or, if more power isneeded, a combination of electric and gasolinepower. The vehicle calculates the optimal combi-nation of driveability, driving experience, environ-mental impact and fuel economy for the selecteddrive mode. In order to function optimally, the hybrid battery (and its electrical drive systems) and the gasolineengine (and its drive systems) must be at thecorrect operating temperature. Battery capacitycan be considerably reduced if the battery is toocold or too hot. Preconditioning prepares thevehicle's drive systems and passenger compart-ment before driving to help reduce both wear andenergy consumption. It also helps increase thehybrid battery's range. The hybrid battery, which powers the electric motor, is recharged using the charging cable. Itcan also be recharged during light braking and through engine braking in gear position
B. The
combustion engine can also help recharge thehybrid battery.
Important
No electrical current
Keep in mind that if there is no electrical current to the vehicle, i.e. the ignition is switched off orthe start battery is discharged, certain functionssuch as brakes, power steering, etc. will not work.
WARNING
If the vehicle does not have electrical current and both the electric motor and the gasolineengine are switched off, the brakes cannot beused to stop the vehicle.
Towing not permitted
Never tow a Twin Engine vehicle behind another vehicle, as this could damage the electric motor.
Exterior engine noise
WARNING
Keep in mind that the vehicle does not emit any engine noise when using the electricmotor and may therefore be difficult to detectfor children, pedestrians, cyclists or animals.This is especially true at low speeds, e.g. inparking lots.
High-voltage electrical current
WARNING
Several components in the vehicle work with high voltage that can be hazardous in case ofan incorrect procedure. These componentsand any orange wiring in the vehicle may onlybe handled by trained and qualified Volvoservice technicians.
Do not touch anything that is not clearly descri- bed in this Owner's Manual.
Related information
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 407)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
• Drive modes (p. 445)
• Starting and stopping preconditioning(p. 231)
• Hybrid battery (p. 619)
• Factors affecting electric motor range(p. 458)
• Gear selector positions for automatic trans-missions (p. 439)
• Towing using a towline (p. 476)

STARTING AND DRIVING
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447
OFF ROAD
•Maximizes the vehicle's ability to traverse dif- ficult terrain or poor roads.
In this mode, ground clearance 4
is high, steering
is light, and all-wheel drive and Hill DescentControl are activated. This drive mode is only available at low speeds, up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is excee-ded, Off road mode will be cancelled and AWDmode will be activated instead. All-wheel drive requires both the combustion and electric motor to be in continuous operation,which results in higher fuel consumption. In Off road mode, a compass will be displayed between the speedometer and the tachometer inthe instrument panel. The permissible speedrange will be shown in the speedometer. This drive mode is optimized for maximum control when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis 4
, reduces
driveline throttle response, and locks the vehicle in all-wheel drive. The Hill Descent Control func-tion facilitates controlled driving on steep down-grades.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.
AWD
• Improves the vehicle's traction and handling by increasing all-wheel drive.
This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheeldrive. An optimal distribution between front andrear axle torque helps provide the best possiblecontrol, stability and traction, e.g. on slipperyroads or when towing a heavy trailer or anothervehicle. The AWD drive mode is always availableregardless of the hybrid battery's charge status. Both the combustion engine and the electricmotor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,which results in higher fuel consumption. In the other drive modes, the vehicle automati- cally adapts the need for all-wheel drive accord-ing to the road surface, and can activate the elec-tric motor or start the combustion engine as nee-ded.
POWER
•
Power mode is designed to provide sportier driving characteristics and a faster accelera-tion response.
This drive mode maximizes the combined powerfrom the combustion engine and the electricmotor by providing power to both the front andrear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster and moredistinct and the transmission will prioritize gearswith a higher traction force. Steering response isfaster, suspension is stiffer and ground clearance is lower 4
to help reduce body roll when cornering.
Both the combustion engine and the electric motor are engaged to enable all-wheel drive,which results in higher fuel consumption. This drive mode is optimized for maximum per- formance and throttle response. It changes thethrottle response, gear shifting program andturbo boost system. Chassis settings and steer-ing and brake response are also optimized. ThePower drive mode is always available regardlessof the hybrid battery's charge status.
4 For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.453
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. 450)
• Loading recommendations (p. 586)
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. 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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STARTING AND DRIVING
472
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. 472)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)
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.473
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. 474)
• Checking trailer lights (p. 475)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)
• Overheating of engine and transmission (p. 468)

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
474
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.
When Trailer Stability Assist is activated, the
ESC symbol is
displayed in the instrument panel.
Related information
• Driving with a trailer (p. 472)
• Electronic Stability Control (p. 274)
8
Trailer Stability Assist
9 Electronic Stability Control

STARTING AND DRIVING
476
Towing using a towlineThis section refers to one vehicle being towed behind another using a towline.
Twin Engine vehicles may not be towed behind another vehicle due to the risk of damage to theelectric motor. If the vehicle cannot be driven andneeds to be moved, it must be transported on atow truck with all four wheels on the bed of thetruck.
Towing another vehicleTowing another vehicle requires a lot of power - use the AWD drive mode. This helps charge the
hybrid battery and improve the vehicle's driving and roadholding characteristics. Before towing another vehicle, check applicable speed limit regulations.
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.
CAUTION
Attempts to tow-start the vehicle could cause damage to the electrical drive motor andthree-way catalytic converter.
Related information
• Attaching and removing the towing eyelet (p. 476)
• Hazard warning flashers (p. 161)
• Recovery (p. 477)
• Jump starting using another battery (p. 469)
• Selecting ignition mode (p. 428)
Attaching and removing the towingeyelet
Use the towing eyelet to tow another vehicle. Screw the towing eyelet securely into place inthe threaded outlet behind the cover on theright-hand side of the rear bumper.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.477
Remove the cover - press the marker with your finger while prying open the oppositeside/corner open with a coin or similar.
> The cover turns along its center line and
can then be removed. 3. 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.
Related information
• Towing using a towline (p. 476)
• Recovery (p. 477)
• Tool kit (p. 564)
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.
CAUTION
Note that vehicles with Twin Engine must always be towed raised with all wheels on thetow 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.