2018 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE brake

STARTING AND DRIVING
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457
Driving
• Choose the Pure drive mode to help mini-
mize electric power consumption.
• Maintain a steady speed and a generous fol-
lowing distance to traffic ahead to minimize
braking. This drive mode has the lowest
power consumption.
• Balance energy requirements using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator on the
instrument panel to see available electric
power and avoid starting the combustion
engine unnecessarily. The electric motor is
more effective than the combustion engine,
especially at low speeds.
• When braking is necessary, brake gently
using the brake pedal. This will recharge the
hybrid battery. A regenerative function is
integrated in the brake pedal and can be
augmented by the electric motor's braking
capacity when the gear selector is in mode
B.
• Higher speeds increase energy consumption
- air resistance increases with speed.
• Activate the
Hold function in the Function
view at high speeds when traveling farther
than is possible using the hybrid battery's
capacity.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the Charge
function to charge the hybrid battery. Charg-
ing the battery using the combustion engine increases fuel consumption and carbon diox-
ide emissions.
• In a cold climate, reduce heating of the wind-
shield/rear window, mirrors, seats and the
steering wheel.
• Maintain the correct pressure in the tires and
check pressure regularly.
• The type of tires used could affect energy
consumption - consult a retailer for advice on
suitable tires.
• Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle
- the heavier the load, the higher the fuel
consumption.
• Roof loads increase air resistance and
increase fuel consumption. Remove roof
boxes, ski racks, etc. that are not in use.
• Avoid driving with the windows open.
• Do not keep the vehicle still on an upward
gradient by using the accelerator pedal. Use
the brakes instead.
Related information
•
Drive-E
‒
purer driving pleasure (p. 27)
• Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 458)
• Using the electric motor only (p. 457)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
• Checking tire pressure (p. 557) Using the electric motor only
When using the electric motor, Volvo Twin
Engine provides a combination of good fuel
economy, low emissions and high performance.
For energy-efficient driving:
• Select the Pure drive mode to help maximize
driving range using only the electric motor.
• Balance energy requirements using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator on the
instrument panel's hybrid gauge to see avail-
able electric power and avoid starting the
combustion engine unnecessarily.
• When braking is necessary, brake gently
using the brake pedal. This will recharge the
hybrid battery.
• Activate the
Hold function in the Function
view at high speeds when traveling farther
than is possible using the hybrid battery's
capacity.
• Reduce current consumption in the passen-
ger compartment by reducing e.g. fan speed,
electric heating, or air conditioning use.
Also follow the general economical driving advice
regarding speed, tires and load to maximize
range.
Related information
• General information about Twin Engine
(p. 406)
• Economical driving (p. 456)

||STARTING AND DRIVING
460
Charge
Engine charges hybrid
battery.
This function charges the
hybrid battery with the help of
the combustion engine for
increased use of the electric
motor at a later time. This function is not available
if the hybrid battery's charge level is already high.
Symbols in the instrument panel The symbol is displayed in the hybrid battery gauge
when Hold is activated. The symbol is displayed in the hybrid battery gauge
when Charge is activated.
Related information
• Using the electric motor only (p. 457)
• Economical driving (p. 456)
• Hybrid gauge (p. 87) Preparing for a long trip
It is important to have the vehicle's systems and
equipment checked carefully before driving long
distances.
Check that:
• the engine is running properly and that fuel
consumption is normal
• there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
• the brake pedal is functioning optimally
• all lights are working ‒ adjust the headlight
height if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load
• tire tread depth and air pressure are at cor-
rect levels. Change to snow tires when driv-
ing in areas where there is a risk of snowy or
icy roads.
• the start battery is sufficiently charged
• the wiper blades are in good condition
Related information
• Checking tire pressure (p. 557)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 650)
• Winter driving (p. 461)
• Economical driving (p. 456)
• Vehicle modem settings (p. 533)
• Loading recommendations (p. 586)
• Driving with a trailer (p. 472)
• Pilot Assist (p. 311)

STARTING AND DRIVING
462Driving through standing water
Driving the vehicle through a deep pool of stand-
ing water on a water-covered roadway is called
fording. This must be done with great caution. To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving
through water (e.g. on flooded roads):
• Do not drive in water higher than the floor of
the vehicle. If possible, check the depth of
the water at its deepest point before driving
through it. Be particularly careful when driv-
ing through flowing water.
• Always select the Off Road drive mode
before driving in water to ensure the gasoline
engine is running.
• Do not drive faster than walking speed.
• Do not stop the vehicle in the water. Drive
carefully forward or back the vehicle out of
the water.
• Remember that waves created by passing
vehicles could cause the water level to rise
above the vehicle's floor level.
• Avoid driving through salt water to help avoid
the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmission,
driveline, electrical components, etc.) can be
damaged if the vehicle is driven through water
higher than its floor level. Damage to any
components caused by flooding, vapor lock or
insufficient oil is not covered under warranty.
If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in
water, do not attempt to restart it. Have the
vehicle towed on the bed of a tow truck to a
workshop - an authorized Volvo workshop is
recommended.
When you have passed the water, press lightly on
the brake pedal and check that the brakes are
functioning properly. Water, mud, slush, etc. can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting in
delayed braking effect.
If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer coupling
contact, clean the contact after driving in water or
mud.
Related information
•
Recovery (p. 477)
• Low Speed Control (p. 453) Opening/closing the fuel filler door
A button on the instrument panel is used to
unlock the fuel filler door.
An arrow next to the fuel pump
symbol in the instrument panel
indicates the side of the vehicle
on which the fuel filler door is
located.

||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 cargo
compartment.
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 trailer
and 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 by
the corresponding amount.
• Towbars used on the vehicle must be
approved for the applicable use.
• Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towbar complies with the
specified maximum towball weight. The
tongue weight is calculated as part of the
vehicle's payload.
• Increase the tire pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load.
• The engine is subjected to more load than
usual 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 the
vehicle is very new. Wait until the mileage
has reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
• On long and steep downgrades, the vehicle's
brakes are subjected to much more load
than 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 long
and steep incline.
• The maximum trailer weights given only apply
to altitudes up to 1000 meters (3280 feet)
above sea level. At higher altitudes, engine
power (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 vehicle
and trailer must be decreased by 10% for
each additional 1000 m (3280 feet) or part
thereof.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more
than 12%.
• Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
• The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.473
CAUTION•
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not
be used on Volvos, nor should safety
chains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle
rear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to the vehicle brake sys-
tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directly
to the vehicle lighting system. Consult
your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for
correct installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
chains or wire must be correctly fastened
to the attachment points provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety
chain or wire must never be fastened to
or 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 are
factors that significantly increase a vehicle's
fuel consumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING Please adhere to the recommendations provi-
ded for trailer weight. If the recommendations
are not followed, the vehicle and trailer may
be difficult to control during evasive maneu-
vers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are
those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle
regulations may set additional restrictions on
trailer weight and speed. The trailer hitches
may be certified for higher towing weights
than 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 of
load (up to the maximum permitted weight).
When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of the
vehicle 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 of
the engine and drive system is detected, a warn-
ing symbol will illuminate in the instrument panel
along with a message.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. 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 have
begun 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 high
speeds. However, if the trailer is overloaded or
unevenly distributed, e.g. too far back, there is a
risk 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 an
uneven road or over a bump.
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel.
Once swaying has begun, it can be difficult or
impossible to stop it. This makes the vehicle and
trailer difficult to control and there is a risk of
swerving into oncoming traffic or driving off the
road.
Trailer Stability Assist functionTrailer Stability Assist continuously monitors the
vehicle's movements, particularly lateral move- ments. If swaying is detected, the brakes are
applied individually on the front wheels, which has
a stabilizing effect on the vehicle and trailer. This
is often enough to enable the driver to regain
control of the vehicle.
If the Trailer Stability Assist function's first
attempt is not adequate to stop the swaying
motion, the brakes are applied on all wheels and
engine power is temporarily reduced. As the
swaying motion begins to decrease and the vehi-
cle and trailer have once again become stable,
TSA stops regulating the brakes/engine power
and 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 motion
by moving the steering wheel rapidly, because
the system will then not be able to determine if it
is 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
* Option/accessory.475
Checking trailer lights
When connecting a trailer, make sure that all of
the lights on the trailer are functioning before
starting 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 checked
manually by the driver before the vehicle is driven. Symbol
Message •
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 instrument
panel will also flash more quickly than normal.
Trailer rear fog lightWhen a trailer is connected, the vehicle's rear fog
light may not illuminate and rear fog light func-
tionality is instead transferred to the trailer. If this
is the case, check to see if the trailer is equipped
with a rear fog light before activating the vehicle's fog lights when driving with a trailer to help
ensure safe operation.
Checking trailer lights*
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehi-
cle's electrical system, its lights can be checked
by automatically activating them. This function
helps the driver check that the trailer's lights are
functioning 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 Car Lights 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 Car Lights 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. 472)

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* Option/accessory. 477Remove the cover - press the marker with
your finger while prying open the opposite
side/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 the
tow truck.
For vehicles equipped with leveling control*:
If the vehicle is equipped with pneumatic suspen-
sion, this feature must be turned off before the
vehicle is lifted onto a tow truck. Turning off the
function in the center display.
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Parking 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. 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 may result in damage. In
this case, the vehicle should only be lifted with
the tow truck's lifting equipment.