2018 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE traction control

||STARTING AND DRIVING
434
Deactivating automatically
1. Fasten your seat belt.
2. Depress the brake pedal firmly.
3. Start the vehicle.
4.
Move the gear selector to D or R and press
the accelerator pedal.
> The parking brake will release and the symbol in the instrument panel will go out.
NOTE When the vehicle is initially started, the park-
ing brake could disengage automatically even
if the driver's seat belt is not buckled.
Related information
•
Settings for automatically activating the park-
ing brake (p. 434)
• Parking brake malfunction (p. 435)
• Parking brake (p. 432)
• Parking on a hill (p. 434) Settings for automatically activating
the parking brake
Choose whether the parking brake should be
activated automatically when the vehicle is
switched off.
This selection is made in the Settings menu in
the center display.
1. Tap Settings in the Top view.
2.

Tap My Car Parking Brake and
Suspension and select or deselect the
Auto Activate Parking Brake function.
Related information
• Activating and deactivating the parking brake
(p. 433)
• Parking brake (p. 432) 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 pointing
toward the curb.
Heavy load uphill
Heavy loads, such as a trailer, could cause the
vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake
is released automatically on steep uphill gradi-
ents. To help avoid this, pull the control upward
while you are driving away. Release the control
when the vehicle gains traction.
Related information
• Activating and deactivating the parking brake
(p. 433)

STARTING AND DRIVING
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443
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.
The electric motor that powers the rear wheels
enables electronic all-wheel drive functionality.
To achieve the best traction, power is automati-
cally directed to the wheels that have the best
grip. The system continuously calculates the
need for torque to the rear wheels, and can
immediately redistribute up to half of the engine's
torque to the rear wheels.
All-wheel drive also has a stabilizing effect at
higher speeds. In normal driving conditions, most
of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. When the vehicle is stationary, all-wheel
drive 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. 445)
• Low Speed Control (p. 453)
• Transmission (p. 438) Drive systems
Volvo Twin Engine combines a combustion
engine for the front wheels and an electric motor
for the rear wheels.
Two drive systemsDepending on the selected drive mode and
power available in the electric motor, the drive
systems can either be used separately or in tan-
dem.
The electric motor gets its energy from a hybrid
battery located under the tunnel console. The
hybrid can be charged from a wall outlet or in a
special charging station. The combustion engine
can also charge the hybrid battery using a special
high-voltage generator.
Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor can generate power directly to the wheels.
An advanced control system coordinates both the
drive systems to help optimize driving economy. Hybrid battery - The hybrid battery's function
is to store electrical current. This energy is
provided by plugging the charging cable into
an electrical outlet, through regenerative
braking or from the high-voltage generator.
This provides current to power the electric
motor and to temporarily power the electrical
air conditioning to precondition the passen-
ger compartment.
Combustion engine - The combustion engine
starts when the charge level in the hybrid
battery is too low to provide the power output
requested by the driver.
High-voltage generator
3
- Charges the hybrid
battery. Starter for the combustion engine. 2
This illustration is generic. The layout may vary depending on vehicle m\
odel and software updates.
3 CISG (Crank Integrated Starter Generator) - Combined high-voltage gene\
rator and starter.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
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 Descent
Control 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 AWD
mode 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 in
the instrument panel. The permissible speed
range 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 the
engine was switched off, the suspension will
lower 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-wheel
drive. An optimal distribution between front and
rear axle torque helps provide the best possible
control, stability and traction, e.g. on slippery
roads or when towing a heavy trailer or another
vehicle. The AWD drive mode is always available
regardless of the hybrid battery's charge status. Both the combustion engine and the electric
motor 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 power
from the combustion engine and the electric
motor by providing power to both the front and
rear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster and more
distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears
with a higher traction force. Steering response is
faster, 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 the
throttle response, gear shifting program and
turbo boost system. Chassis settings and steer-
ing and brake response are also optimized. The
Power drive mode is always available regardless
of the hybrid battery's charge status. 4
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
* 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
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.

AUDIO, MEDIA AND INTERNET
* Option/accessory.
486 Audio, media and Internet
The audio and media system consists of a media
player and a radio. A cellular phone can also be
connected through Bluetooth to use hands-free
functions or play music in the vehicle. When the
vehicle is connected to the Internet, it is also
possible 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 center
display. The number of speakers and amplifiers
varies depending on the audio system installed in
the vehicle.
System updates
The audio and media system is continuously
improved. When the vehicle has an Internet con-
nection, system updates can be downloaded for
optimal functionality; see support.volvocars.com.
Related information
•
Media player (p. 507)
• Radio (p. 490)
• Phone (p. 520)
• Internet-connected vehicle* (p. 529)
• Apps (p. 487)
• Voice control (p. 145)
• Ignition modes (p. 427)
• Driver distraction (p. 39)
• Handling system updates via Download Cen-
ter (p. 601)
• License agreement for audio and media
(p. 539) Sound settings
The audio system is precalibrated for optimal
sound reproduction but these settings can be
personalized.
The system's volume is normally adjusted using
the volume control below the center display or
the right-side steering wheel keypad. This
applies, for example, when playing music or the
radio or during phone calls and active traffic mes-
sages.
Optimal sound reproductionThe audio system is precalibrated for optimal
sound 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 a
dynamic calibration that takes into account the
volume control setting and the vehicle's speed.
Sound settings as needed
In Top view under Settings Sound, 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
550Tires
The function of the tires is to carry loads, provide
traction on road surfaces, reduce vibrations and
protect the wheels from wear. The tires significantly influence the vehicle's driv-
ing characteristics. The type, dimensions, tire
pressure and speed rating have a considerable
impact 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 dry
pavement performance with consideration for
hydroplaning resistance. They may be more
susceptible to road hazard damage and,
depending on driving conditions, may achieve
a tread life of less than 30,000 km (20,000
miles). Even if this vehicle is equipped with
Volvo's advanced AWD or stability system,
these tires are not designed for winter driving,
and should be replaced with winter tires when
weather 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 have
been 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 optimal
roadholding on icy or snow-covered roads, we
recommend snow tires on all four wheels.
When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on allfour wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the 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 important
when replacing tires that the new tires have this
same 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 tires
with the freshest tires possible. This is particularly
important for snow tires. A series of numbers is
1
This may vary for certain tire dimensions.

WHEELS AND TIRES
556Uniform 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 tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one half (1 ½) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and many depart significantly from the norm due
to variation in driving habits, maintenance practi-
ces and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
WARNING The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight-ahead) traction
tests 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 the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of
performance that all passenger vehicle tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-infla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
tire failure.
Related information
•
Tires (p. 550)
• Tire sidewall designations (p. 554)