2019 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE towing

||DRIVER SUPPORT
334
Cause
Action
Water or snow is spraying/swirling up and blocking the radar signals or
the camera's range of visibility. No action. Very wet or snow-covered roads may sometimes prevent the cam-\
era/radar sensor from functioning.
There is dirt between the inside of the windshield and the camera/radar
sensor. Consult a workshop to have the area of the windshield on the inside of t\
he cam-
era's casing cleaned. An authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.
NOTEKeep the windshield in front of the camera
and radar unit clean.
Vehicle speedThe radar sensor's ability to detect a vehicle
ahead is significantly reduced if:
the speed of the vehicle ahead differs greatly
from your vehicle's speed
Limited field of visionThe radar sensor has a limited field of vision. In
some situations, it may detect a vehicle later than
expected or not at all. The radar sensor's field of vision.
The radar sensor's detection of vehicles very
close to your vehicle may be delayed in cer-
tain situations, e.g. if a vehicle pulls inbetween your vehicle and the vehicle directly
ahead. Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or vehi-
cles that are not driving in the center of the
lane may remain undetected.
In curves, the radar may detect the wrong
vehicle or lose sight of a target vehicle.
Low trailers
Low trailer in the radar shadow.
Low trailers may also be difficult or even impossi-
ble for the radar to detect. The driver should be
extra alert when driving behind vehicles towing
low trailers when Adaptive Cruise Control or Pilot
Assist is activated.

HYBRID INFORMATION
416General information about Twin
Engine
Twin Engine vehicles are driven just like any
other vehicle, but certain functions differ from a
vehicle powered exclusively by gasoline. The
electric motor powers the vehicle primarily at low
speeds; the gasoline engine is used at higher
speeds or during more active driving.
The instrument panel displays Twin Engine-spe-
cific information - charging information, selected
drive mode, distance to discharged battery and
hybrid battery charge level.
Different drive modes can be selected while driv-
ing, e.g. electric power only or, if more power is
needed, a combination of electric and gasoline
power. The vehicle calculates the optimal combi-
nation of driveability, driving experience, environ-
mental impact and fuel economy for the selected
drive mode.
In order to function optimally, the hybrid battery
(and its electrical drive systems) and the gasoline
engine (and its drive systems) must be at the
correct operating temperature. Battery capacity
can be considerably reduced if the battery is too
cold or too hot. Preconditioning prepares the
vehicle's drive systems and passenger compart-
ment before driving to help reduce both wear and
energy consumption. It also helps increase the
hybrid battery's range.
The hybrid battery which powers the electric
motor is recharged using the charging cable. It can also be recharged during light braking and
through engine braking in gear position B. The
combustion engine can also help recharge the
hybrid 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 or
the start battery is discharged, certain functions
such as brakes, power steering, etc. will not work.
WARNING If the vehicle does not have electrical current
and both the electric motor and the gasoline
engine are switched off, the brakes cannot be
used 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
Please be aware that there is no sound from
the engine when the vehicle is being powered
by the electric motor and it may be difficult to
detect by children, pedestrians, cyclists and
animals. This is especially true at low speeds.
High-voltage electrical current
WARNING A number of electrical components in Twin
Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles use high-volt-
age current and can be extremely dangerous
if handled incorrectly. These components and
any orange wiring in the vehicle may only be
handled by trained and qualified Volvo service
technicians.
Do not touch anything that is not clearly descri-
bed in this Owner's Manual.
Related information
Charging the hybrid battery (p. 417)
Hybrid gauge (p. 87)
Drive modes (p. 454)
Starting and stopping preconditioning
(p. 233)
Hybrid battery (p. 631)
Factors affecting electric motor range
(p. 469)

HYBRID INFORMATION
}}
417

Gear selector positions for automatic trans-
missions (p. 449)
Towing using a towline (p. 487) Charging the hybrid battery
In addition to the conventional fuel tank, your
vehicle is also equipped with a rechargeable
lithium-ion hybrid battery.
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.
The hybrid battery can be recharged using the
charging cable stored in a storage space in the
cargo compartment.
WARNING The hybrid electrical system in your vehicle
uses high voltage electrical current. Any dam-
age to this system or to the hybrid battery
may result in the danger of overheating, fire,
or serious injury. If the vehicle is involved in a
collision or subjected to flooding, fire, etc.,
have it inspected by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician. Prior to this inspec-
tion, the vehicle should be parked outdoors at
a safe distance from any building or poten-
tially flammable materials.
The hybrid battery's charging time depends on
the charging current used.
NOTE The capacity of the hybrid battery diminishes
somewhat with age and use, which could
result in increased use of the gasoline engine
and consequently, slightly higher fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING
If the hybrid battery needs to be replaced, this
may only be done by a Volvo retailer or
authorized Volvo workshop.

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
457
This drive mode is optimized for maximum control
when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or
difficult terrain. It raises the chassis
3
, 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 3
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.
3
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
464 Leveling control settings*
Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle
with a jack to help avoid problems with the
pneumatic suspension.
The vehicle can be lowered or raised to make it
easier to load or for passengers to get in and
out.
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. 461)
Loading recommendations (p. 598) 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
478
NOTE
When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel FormulationsDo not use gasoline that contains lead or manga-
nese as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead
additives. Besides damaging the exhaust emis-
sion control systems on your vehicle, lead has
been strongly linked to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take pre-
cautions. These may include:

standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling
refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of
the filler neck during refueling
wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.
Use of AdditivesWith the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought additives to your vehicle's
fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may
damage your engine, and some of these additives
contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not
needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.
WARNING Never carry a cell phone that is switched on
while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings,
this may cause a spark that could ignite gaso-
line fumes, resulting in fire and injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes inside
the vehicle, make sure the passenger com-
partment is ventilated, and immediately return
the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for correction.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as when
towing a trailer or driving in hot weather or for
prolonged periods at high altitudes, it may be a
good idea to switch to a higher-octane fuel (AKI
6
91 or higher) or to switch to another brand of
gasoline in order to fully utilize the vehicle's
engine capacity and optimize traction.
Related information
Fuel (p. 476)
Emission controls (p. 479) 6
AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Nu\
mber) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
483
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.
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. 483)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 670) 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.

||STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
484
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).
NOTE To facilitate towing a trailer in a vehicle equip-
ped with pneumatic suspension*, select: the
Suspension Control
Dynamic
setting in
Individual drive mode.
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.