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NOTE
Volvo recommends only using Volvo origi- nal accessories. Follow the instructionssupplied with the product.
CAUTION
Never use towbar adapters or towbar extenders
Only use ball mount for towing. Do notmount accessories directly on the ballmount. Use accessories designed tobe mounted in the towbar's squarebracket. Do not use accessoriesdesigned to be secured around the ballmount.
Loading the bicycle holderThe greater the distance between the load and the bicycle holder, the greater the load on thehitch and on the vehicle. Keep the following points in mind: Mount the heaviest bicycle closest to the vehicle.
If possible, mount the bicycles symmetri-cally, as close as possible to the center ofthe vehicle.
Remove loose objects from the bicycle,such as baskets, batteries or child seats.This will help reduce the load on the hitchand the bicycle holder.
Do not place a cover over the bicycle asthis could lead to increased load on thehitch.
Related information
Detachable towbar
* (p. 455)
Driving with a trailer (p. 457)
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 allmodels. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Towbar assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket
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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 assembly.
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 toit.
Always attach the trailer's safety wiresecurely to the towbar's safety wireattachment bracket.
Removing the ball holder1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking
bolt and slide the locking bolt out of theball holder/towbar assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the towbar assembly.
WARNING
Damage may occur on the towbar if it is not used correctly or if incorrect or faultyaccessories are used, such as:
Overloading of accessory.
Use of incorrect or faulty accessory.
Accessory used for an incorrect pur- pose.
Use of weight-distributing towing sys-tem.
Incorrectly positioned ball mount; seegeometric limits for the towbar.
Stowing the ball holder
WARNING
When not in use, the detachable ball holder should always be properly stowed in thedesignated location under the floor of thecargo compartment.
Driving with a trailerWhen towing a trailer, the original ball holder or equivalent should be used.
The ball mount must fall within the geometric limits for the towbar, for both distance
and
height
. Geometric limits are described on a
type plate located on the towbar.
Related information
Retractable hitch
* (p. 453)
Driving with a trailer (p. 457)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)
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Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, thetrailer and how the load is distributed in thetrailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehicle's curb weight. The total weight of allpassengers and any installed accessories, e.g.towbar, reduces the vehicle's load-carryingcapacity by the corresponding amount.
Towbars used on the vehicle must beapproved for the applicable use.
Distribute the load on the trailer so thatthe weight on the towbar complies withthe specified maximum towball weight.The tongue weight is calculated as part ofthe vehicle's payload.
Increase the tire pressure to the recom-mended pressure for a full load.
The engine is subjected to more load thanusual 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 thevehicle is very new. Wait until the mileagehas reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
On long and steep downgrades, the vehi-cle's brakes are subjected to much moreload than usual. When manually shifting, downshift and adapt speed accordingly.
Follow applicable regulations regarding permitted speed and weight.
Drive slowly when towing a trailer up along and steep incline.
The maximum trailer weights given onlyapply to altitudes up to 1000 meters(3280 feet) above sea level. At higher alti-tudes, engine power (and thus the vehi-cle's climbing ability) is decreased due tothe reduced air density, and the maximumtrailer weight must therefore be reduced.The weight of the vehicle and trailer mustbe decreased by 10% for each additional1000 m (3280 feet) or part thereof.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 12%.
Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
The trailer's brakes must be balanced withthe vehicle's brakes to help ensure safestops (follow applicable local regulations).
NOTE
To facilitate towing a trailer in a vehicle equipped with pneumatic suspension
*,
select: the
Suspension ControlDynamic setting in Individual drive mode.
CAUTION
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may not be available in all markets or on allmodels. Consult your Volvo retailer.
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NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer, high altitude and lower fuel gradethan recommended are factors that cansignificantly increase the vehicle's fuel con-sumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Please adhere to the recommendations provided for trailer weight. If the recom-mendations are not followed, the vehicleand trailer may be difficult to control duringevasive maneuvers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicleregulations may set additional restrictionson trailer weight and speed. The trailerhitches may be certified for higher towingweights than the vehicle is permitted totow.
Self-leveling suspension *The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardlessof load (up to the maximum permitted weight).When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of the vehicle will be slightly lowered, which isnormal.
Driving in hilly terrain or hot weatherIn certain conditions, there is a risk of over-heating when driving with a trailer. If overheat-ing of the engine and drive system is detected,a warning symbol will illuminate in the instru-ment panel and a message will appear. The automatic transmission selects the opti- mal gear for the current load and enginespeed.
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 highgears 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 vehi- cle 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. 459)
Checking trailer lights (p. 460)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)
Overheating of engine and transmission(p. 450)
Retractable hitch
* (p. 453)
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Trailer Stability Assist *
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA 16
) is a function
designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer when the vehicle and trailerhave begun to sway. The function is part of the Electronic Stability Control system ESC 17
.
Reasons for swayingA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occursat high speeds. However, if the trailer is over-loaded or unevenly distributed, e.g. too farback, there is a risk of swaying even at lowspeeds. 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 anuneven road or over a bump.
Sudden movements of the steering wheel.
Once swaying has begun, it can be difficult orimpossible to stop it. This makes the vehicleand trailer difficult to control and there is a riskof swerving into oncoming traffic or driving offthe road.
Trailer Stability Assist functionTrailer Stability Assist continuously monitorsthe vehicle's movements, particularly lateral movements. If swaying is detected, the brakesare applied individually on the front wheels,which has a stabilizing effect on the vehicleand trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If the Trailer Stability Assist function's first attempt is not adequate to stop the swayingmotion, the brakes are applied on all wheelsand engine power is temporarily reduced. Asthe swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle and trailer have once againbecome stable, TSA stops regulating thebrakes/engine power and the driver regainscontrol of the vehicle.
NOTE
Trailer Stability Assist is deactivated if the driver selects the sport mode by deactivat- ing
ESC in the center display's menu sys-
tem.
Trailer Stability Assist may not intervene if the driver tries to compensate for the swayingmotion by moving the steering wheel rapidly,because the system will then not be able todetermine if it is the trailer or the driver caus-ing the swaying. When Trailer Stability Assistis activated, the ESC symbolis displayed in the instrumentpanel.
Related information
Driving with a trailer (p. 457)
Electronic Stability Control (p. 273)
16
Trailer Stability Assist
17 Electronic Stability Control
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Checking trailer lights
When connecting a trailer, make sure that all of the lights on the trailer are functioningbefore 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 symboland message will be displayed in the instru-ment panel. The other lights on the trailermust be checked manually by the driver beforethe 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 working, the turn signal symbol in the instru-ment panel will also flash more quickly thannormal.
Trailer rear fog lightWhen a trailer is connected, the vehicle's rearfog light may not illuminate and rear fog lightfunctionality is instead transferred to the trailer. If this is the case, check to see if thetrailer is equipped with a rear fog light beforeactivating the vehicle's fog lights when drivingwith a trailer to help ensure safe operation.
Checking trailer lights
*
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehicle's electrical system, its lights can bechecked by automatically activating them.This function helps the driver check that thetrailer's lights are functioning correctly beforestarting to drive. In order to perform this check, the vehicle must be switched 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 CarLights 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 CarLights 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. 457)
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461
Towing using a towline
This section refers to one vehicle being towed behind another using a towline.
Never attempt to tow a Twin Engine vehicle behind another vehicle as this could damagethe electric motor. The vehicle must instead belifted onto a tow truck and transported with allfour wheels on the bed or lifting platform ofthe truck (no wheels may touch the road).
Towing another vehicleTowing another vehicle requires a lot of power - use the Constant AWD drive mode. This
helps charge the hybrid battery and improve the vehicle's driving and roadholding characte-ristics. Before towing another vehicle, check applica- ble speed limit regulations.
Jump startingNever attempt to tow the vehicle to start theengine, as this could damage the electricmotor. Use an auxiliary battery if the start bat-tery's charge level is so low that the enginecannot be started.
CAUTION
Attempts to tow-start the vehicle could cause damage to the electrical drive motorand three-way catalytic converter.
Related information
Attaching and removing the towing eyelet (p. 461)
Hazard warning flashers (p. 164)
Recovery (p. 462)
Jump starting using another battery(p. 451)
Selecting ignition mode (p. 406)
Transmission (p. 416)
Attaching and removing the towing eyelet
Use the towing eyelet to tow another vehicle. Screw the towing eyelet securely into placein the threaded outlet behind the cover on theright-hand side of the rear bumper.
NOTE
If the vehicle is equipped with a towbar, there is no rear attachment for the towingeye.
Attaching the towing eyelet
Take out the towing eyelet, which is stored in a foam block under the floor inthe cargo compartment.
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Remove the cover by pressing on the mark with a finger while folding out theopposite side/corner.
> The cover turns along its center line and
can then be removed. 3. Screw the towing eyelet into place as far
as possible.Fasten the eyelet securing by, for example, 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–Unscrew the towing eyelet after use and return it to its storage location in the foamblock. Replace the cover on the bumper.
Related information
Towing using a towline (p. 461)
Recovery (p. 462)
Tool kit (p. 552)
Recovery
This section refers to transporting the vehicle with a tow truck or similar vehicle.
Call a professional towing service for assis- tance. In certain conditions, the towing eyelet can be used to pull the vehicle onto a flatbed towtruck.
CAUTION
Note that vehicles with Twin Engine must always be towed raised with all wheels onthe tow truck.
For vehicles equipped with leveling con- trol *: If the vehicle is equipped with pneumatic
suspension, 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 CarParking 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. Ifthe incline of the tow truck is too steep or ifthe ground clearance under the vehicle isinsufficient, attempting to pull it up may resultin damage. In this case, the vehicle should