2019 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
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467
Activating and deactivating Hill
Descent Control using the function
button
There is a function button for assistance on
steep gradients with Hill Descent Control in
the center display's Function view if the vehicle
is not equipped with a drive mode control in the
tunnel console.
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.
Related information

Hill Descent Control (p. 466)
Changing drive mode (p. 459) Economical driving
Drive economically and more environmentally
conscious by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid
starts and stops and adapting driving style and
speed to the current traffic conditions.
To help achieve the greatest distance with the
lowest fuel consumption with Twin Engine,
observe the following:
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!

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* Option/accessory.
468
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.
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 help 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)
Energy distribution in hybrid mode using map
data* (p. 460)
Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 469)
Using the electric motor only (p. 469)
Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
Checking tire pressure (p. 567)

STARTING AND DRIVING
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469
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. 416)
Economical driving (p. 467)
Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 469)
Starting and stopping the combustion engine
in Twin Engine vehicles (p. 454)
"Hold" and "Charge" functions (p. 471) Factors affecting electric motor
range
A number of factors affect the electric motor's
driving range. The ability to achieve a long driv-
ing range varies according to the outside condi-
tions and to how the vehicle is driven.
The certified value for the distance that can be
driven using the electric motor should not be
considered an expected driving range. The actual
range is dependent on a number of factors.
Factors affecting driving rangeThe driver can influence some factors affecting
driving range, but not all.
The longest range is achieved under very favora-
ble conditions when all factors positively influ-
ence range.

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471
"Hold" and "Charge" functions
In certain situations, it can be useful to control
the hybrid battery's charge level while driving.
This is possible with the Hold and Charge func-
tions.
Hold and Charge are available in all drive modes. The functions will switch off if Pure drive
mode is activated.
Function buttons for Hold and ChargeThe functions can be activated in the center dis-
play's Function view.
Hold
Battery level sustained for
later use.
This function retains the charge
in the hybrid battery for the
electric motor and saves availa-
ble electrical current for use at
a later time, such as when driving in an urban
area or residential neighborhood.
The vehicle will function as in normal hybrid driv-
ing with a discharged battery - in addition to
reusing energy from e.g. regenerative braking, the
combustion engine will be used more frequently
to maintain the charge in the battery.
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.
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. 469)
Economical driving (p. 467)
Hybrid gauge (p. 87)

STARTING AND DRIVING
472Preparing 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. 567)
Filling washer fluid (p. 662)
Winter driving (p. 472)
Economical driving (p. 467)
Vehicle modem settings (p. 545)
Loading recommendations (p. 598)
Driving with a trailer (p. 483)
Pilot Assist (p. 316)
Speed limiter (p. 283)
Tire sealing system (p. 582) 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.

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473
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.
NOTECertain 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. 581)
Snow chains (p. 581)
Braking on salted roads (p. 441)
Braking on wet roads (p. 441)
Filling washer fluid (p. 662)
Start battery (p. 627)
Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 660)
Changing rear window wipers (p. 659)
Refilling coolant (p. 625) Driving 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.
CAUTION
Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, avoid driving through standing or
running water.
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. 489)
Low Speed Control (p. 464)

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475
Refueling
The fuel tank is equipped with a fuel filling sys-
tem without a cover.
Refueling the vehicle at a service
station Refueling is done as follows.
1.

Turn off the engine and open the fuel filler
door.
NOTE Refueling must be done within approximately
seven minutes of opening the fuel filler door.
After this time, the valve opened by pushing
the button for opening the fuel filler door will
close and it will no longer be possible to
refuel without the pump's nozzle switching off.
If the valve is closed before refueling is com-
plete - press the button again and wait until
the driver display shows the message
Fuel
tank Ready for refueling. 2. Select a fuel approved for use in the vehicle.
For more information on approved fuels, see
the section on “Fuel”.
3.

Insert the pump's nozzle into the fuel filler
pipe's opening. There are two flaps just
inside the fuel filler pipe and the pump's noz-
zle must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added. 4. Avoid overfilling the tank. Do not press the
handle on the filler nozzle again after it has
initially stopped pumping.
> The fuel tank is now filled.
NOTE An over-full tank may overflow in hot weather.
CAUTION
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In
addition to causing damage to the environ-
ment, gasolines containing alcohol can cause
damage to painted surfaces, which may not
be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Refueling from a fuel containerWhen filling from a fuel container, use the funnel
provided in a foam block under the floor hatch in
the cargo compartment.
1. Open the fuel filler door.
2. Insert the funnel into the fuel filler pipe's
opening. There are two flaps just inside the
fuel filler pipe and the tube section of the
funnel must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added.

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476
WARNING
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas-
senger vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To mini-
mize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do
not idle the engine except as necessary, serv-
ice your vehicle in a well ventilated area and
wear gloves or wash your hands frequently
when servicing your vehicle. For more infor-
mation go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
Related information

Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 474)
Fuel (p. 476) Fuel
Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso-
line to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (gasoline with
detergent additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec-
tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of
deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
driveability and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE Volvo recommends not using external fuel
injector cleaning systems, e.g. do not add
detergent additives to gasoline before or after
refueling.
Unleaded fuelAll Volvo vehicles have a three-way catalytic con-
verter and must only use unleaded gasoline. US
and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline are labeled
"UNLEADED". Only the nozzles of these pumps
will fit in your vehicle's fuel filler inlet. It is unlaw-
ful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labeled
"unleaded gasoline only". Leaded gasoline dam-
ages the three-way catalytic converter and the
heated oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of
leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness ofthe emission control system and could result in
loss of emission warranty coverage. State and
local vehicle inspection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting
in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an
octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction
indicator light) located on your instrument
panel may light. If this occurs, please return
your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require
that the service pump be marked indicating use
of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not
sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the
gasoline you buy, check with the service station
operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards,
some areas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel.