2018 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE wheel

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 and
out.
Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle
with a jack to help avoid problems with the
pneumatic suspension.
Adjusting loading mode Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to
raise or lower the rear section of the vehicle to
facilitate 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 Car Mirrors 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 door
is opened and will resume after a slight
delay when the door has been closed.)
When the engine is started and the vehi-
cle begins to move, the level will be raised
to the height set by the selected drive
mode.
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 Car Parking 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 low
speeds, 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 spin
and 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 possible
to control speed going down steep hills using the
accelerator pedal and reduces the need to use
the brake pedal. The system makes it possible to
maintain a low and uniform speed when driving
down steep hills.

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454
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated in the OFF
ROAD drive mode, the feel of the accelerator
pedal and engine response will 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 lower
speeds if so desired.
Related information
•
Activating and deactivating Low Speed Con-
trol using the function button (p. 454)
• Changing drive mode (p. 449)
• Hill Descent Control (p. 454)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 443) Activating and deactivating Low
Speed Control using the function
button
Vehicles that are not equipped with drive mode
controls in the tunnel console have a function
button for Low Speed Control with Hill Descent
Control in the center display's Function view.
Selecting Low Speed Control in the
center display's Function view
– Tap the Hill Descent Control button to
activate or deactivate the function. > An indicator light in the button will illumi-
nate when the function is activated.
When the engine is switched off, the function will
be automatically deactivated.
NOTE The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.
Related information
•
Low Speed Control (p. 453)
• Changing drive mode (p. 449) Hill Descent Control
The function for assisting when driving downhill,
Hill Descent Control (HDC), is a low-speed
function with increased engine braking. The
function makes it possible to increase or
decrease the vehicle's speed on steep downhill
gradients by only using the accelerator pedal,
without applying the brakes.
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 slippery
or otherwise difficult road surfaces. The driver
does not need to use the brake pedal but can
instead 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 assisted
by the brake system. The driver can increase the
speed by pressing the accelerator pedal. When
the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to very low speed regardless of how steep

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455
the hill is and without the brakes needing to be
applied. The brake lights will illuminate when the
function 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 and
control on rough and slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem is intended to be used at low speeds, up to
approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
To keep in mind when using HDC
•
If the function is switched off while driving on
a steep downhill gradient, braking effect will
be 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 third
gear or higher when HDC is active.
NOTE When LSC with HDC is activated in the OFF
ROAD drive mode, the feel of the accelerator
pedal and engine response will 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 lower
speeds if so desired.
Related information
•
Activating and deactivating Hill Descent Con-
trol using the function button (p. 455)
• Changing drive mode (p. 449)
• Low Speed Control (p. 453)
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 443) Activating and deactivating Hill
Descent Control using the function
button
Vehicles that are not equipped with drive mode
controls in the tunnel console have a function
button for Hill Descent Control with Hill
Descent Control in the center display's Func-
tion view.
Selecting Hill Descent Control in the
center display's Function view
HDC only works at low speeds.
– Tap the
Hill Descent Control button to
activate or deactivate the function. > An indicator light in the button will illumi-
nate when the function is activated.
When the engine is switched off, the function will
be automatically deactivated.
NOTE The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at lower
speeds if so desired.

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456
Related information
•
Hill Descent Control (p. 454)
• Changing drive mode (p. 449) Economical driving
Drive economically and environmentally con-
scious by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts
and stops and adapting driving style and speed
to the current traffic conditions.
Planning for electric drivingIt is important to plan electric motor use carefully
to achieve the best possible mileage:
Charge
• Charge the vehicle regularly by plugging it
into an electrical outlet. Make it a habit to
always begin trips with the hybrid battery fully
charged.
• Locate charging stations along your route.
• If possible, choose parking spots with charg-
ing stations.
NOTE Charge the vehicle from the electricity grid as
often as possible!
Preconditioning
•
Whenever possible, precondition the vehicle
before driving by connecting the charging
cable to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid parking the vehicle somewhere where
the interior will become too hot or too cold
while the vehicle is parked. If possible, park
the vehicle in a climate-controlled garage. •
During a short drive after passenger com-
partment preconditioning, turn off the pas-
senger compartment fan or the air condition-
ing in a hot climate.
• If preconditioning is not possible when it is
cold outside, use seat and steering wheel
heating first. Avoid heating the entire pas-
senger compartment to reduce the amount
of current being taken from the hybrid bat-
tery.

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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)

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461
•
Speed limiter (p. 278)
• Tire sealing system (p. 572) Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving
in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can be
driven safely.
Before the cold season arrives:• Make sure the engine coolant contains 50%
antifreeze. This mixture helps protect the
engine from frost erosion down to
approx. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix different
types of antifreeze as this could pose a
health risk.
• Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent con-
densation from forming.
• Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil with
low 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 greater
demands on the start battery and reduces its
capacity.
• Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to
help prevent ice from forming in the washer
fluid 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 of
studded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under con-
trolled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.
Related information
•
Snow tires (p. 571)
• Snow chains (p. 571)
• Braking on salted roads (p. 431)
• Braking on wet roads (p. 431)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 650)
• Start battery (p. 615)
• Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 648)
• Changing rear window wipers (p. 647)
• Refilling coolant (p. 612)

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory. 471•
If contact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark. Do not smoke near the
battery. Failure to follow the instructions
for jump starting can lead to injury.
NOTE The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid
battery is discharged.
Related information
•
Starting the vehicle (p. 424)
• Ignition modes (p. 427)
• Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 199)
• Selecting ignition mode (p. 428) Detachable towbar*
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo towbars
that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE The optional detachable trailer hitch may not
be available in all markets or on all models.
Consult your Volvo retailer.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Towbar assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the
locking 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 wire
securely to the towbar's safety wire
attachment bracket.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/towbar assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the towbar assem- bly.

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* 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)