2020 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE towing

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DRIVER SUPPORT
* Option/accessory.
324
Limited field of vision
The radar sensor has a limited field of vision. In some situations, it may detect a vehicle laterthan 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 delayedin certain situations, e.g. if a vehicle pulls in between your vehicle and the vehicledirectly ahead.
Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or vehicles that are not driving in the centerof 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 impossible for the radar to detect. The driver should be extra alert when driving behind vehi- cles towing low trailers when Adaptive Cruise Control
* or Pilot Assist * is activated.
Camera
Reduced visibility
Cameras have the same limitations as the human eye. In other words, their “vision" isimpaired by adverse weather conditions suchas heavy snowfall/rain, dense fog, swirlingdust/snow, etc. These conditions may reduce the function of systems that depend on thecamera or cause these systems to temporarilystop functioning. Strong sunlight, reflections from the road sur- face, ice or snow covering the road, a dirtyroad surface, or unclear lane marker lines maydrastically reduce the camera

HYBRID INFORMATION
394
General information about Twin Engine Twin Engine vehicles are driven just like any other vehicle, but certain functions differ froma vehicle powered exclusively by gasoline.The electric motor powers the vehicle primar-ily at low speeds; the gasoline engine is usedat higher speeds or during more active driv-ing.
The instrument panel displays Twin Engine- specific information - charging information,selected drive mode, distance to dischargedbattery and hybrid battery charge level. Different drive modes can be selected while driving, e.g. electric power only or, if morepower is needed, a combination of electric andgasoline power. The vehicle calculates a com-bination of driveability, driving experience,environmental impact and fuel economy forthe selected drive mode. In order to function optimally, the hybrid bat- tery (and its electrical drive systems) and thegasoline engine (and its drive systems) mustbe at the correct operating temperature. Bat-tery capacity can be considerably reduced ifthe battery is too cold or too hot. Precondi-tioning prepares the vehicle's drive systemsand passenger compartment before driving tohelp reduce both wear and energy consump-tion. It also helps increase the hybrid battery'srange.The hybrid battery which powers the electricmotor is recharged using the charging cable. Itcan also be recharged during light braking andthrough engine braking in gear position
B. The
combustion engine can also help recharge thehybrid battery.
Important
No electrical current
Keep in mind that if there is no electrical cur- rent to the vehicle, i.e. the ignition is switchedoff or the start battery is discharged, certainfunctions such as brakes, power steering, etc.will not work.
WARNING
If the vehicle does not have electrical cur- rent and both the electric motor and thegasoline engine are switched off, thebrakes cannot be used to stop the vehicle.
Towing not permitted
Never tow a Twin Engine vehicle behind another vehicle, as this could damage theelectric motor.
Exterior engine noise
Because there is no sound from the engine when only the electric motor is running, thevehicle is equipped with artificial exteriorbackground noise. This sound is intended tohelp warn children, pedestrians, cyclists, ani- mals, etc. outside the vehicle of the vehicle'sapproach.
High-voltage electrical current
WARNING
A number of electrical components in Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles use high-voltage current and can be extremely dan-gerous if handled incorrectly. These com-ponents and any orange wiring in the vehi-cle may only be handled by trained andqualified Volvo service technicians.
Do not touch anything that is not clearly described in this Owner's Manual.
Related information
Charging the hybrid battery (p. 395)
Hybrid gauge (p. 89)
Drive modes (p. 433)
Starting and stopping preconditioning(p. 234)
Hybrid battery (p. 617)

HYBRID INFORMATION
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395

Factors affecting electric motor range (p. 448)
Automatic transmission (p. 427)
Towing using a towline (p. 469)
Charging the hybrid battery
In addition to the conventional fuel tank, your vehicle is also equipped with a rechargeablelithium-ion hybrid battery.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Operating, servicing and maintaining a pas- senger vehicle can expose you to chemi-cals including engine exhaust, carbon mon-oxide, phthalates, and lead, which areknown to the State of California to causecancer and birth defects or other reproduc-tive harm. To minimize exposure, avoidbreathing exhaust, do not idle the engineexcept as necessary, service your vehicle ina well ventilated area and wear gloves orwash your hands frequently when servicingyour vehicle. For more information go towww.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
The hybrid battery can be recharged using the charging cable stored in a storage space in thecargo compartment.
WARNING
The hybrid electrical system in your vehicle uses high voltage electrical current. Anydamage to this system or to the hybrid bat-tery may result in the danger of overheat-ing, fire, or serious injury. If the vehicle isinvolved in a collision or subjected to flood-ing, fire, etc., have it inspected by a trainedand qualified Volvo service technician. Priorto this inspection, the vehicle should beparked outdoors at a safe distance fromany building or potentially flammable mate-rials.
The hybrid battery's charging time depends on the charging current used.
NOTE
The capacity of the hybrid battery dimin- ishes somewhat with age and use, whichcould result in increased use of the gaso-line engine and consequently, slightlyhigher fuel consumption.
WARNING
If the hybrid battery needs to be replaced, this may only be done by a Volvo retailer orauthorized Volvo workshop.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
436 This drive mode is adapted for optimal control when driving at low speeds on very poor roads or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis
7
,
reduces driveline throttle response, and locks the vehicle in all-wheel drive. The Hill DescentControl function facilitates controlled drivingon steep downgrades.
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 suspen- sion will lower when the engine is restar-ted.
CAUTION
Do not use the Off Road drive mode when
towing a trailer without an electrical con- nection. This could result in damage to thepneumatic suspension system's bellows.
Constant AWD
Improves the vehicle's traction and han- dling by increasing all-wheel drive. This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheeldrive. An adapted distribution between frontand rear axle torque provides effective control,stability and traction, e.g. on slippery roads orwhen towing a heavy trailer or another vehicle. The
Constant 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 driveaccording to the road surface, and can acti-vate the electric motor or start the combustionengine as needed.
Power
The vehicle gets sportier driving characte- ristics and a faster acceleration response.
This drive mode adapts the combined powerfrom the combustion engine and the electricmotor by providing power to both the frontand rear wheels. Gear shifting will be fasterand more distinct and the transmission willprioritize gears with a higher traction force.Steering response is faster, suspension is stiffer and ground clearance is lower 7
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 adapted for optimal per- formance and response during acceleration. Itchanges the throttle response, gear shiftingprogram and turbo boost system. Chassis set-tings and steering and brake response are also optimized. The
Power drive mode is always
available regardless of the hybrid battery's charge status.
Power mode is also available in a Polestar
Engineered* version.
7
For vehicles with pneumatic suspension.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.443
Leveling control settings *
Turn off leveling control before lifting the vehicle with a jack to help avoid problemswith the pneumatic suspension. The vehicle can be lowered or raised to make it easier to load or for passengers to get inand out.
Adjusting loading mode
Use the buttons in the cargo compartment to raise or lower the rear section of the vehicle tofacilitate loading or unloading the vehicle orconnecting 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 CarMirrors and Convenience.
3. Select
Easy Entry and Exit Suspension
Control.
> When the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off, the level is low- ered. (Level adjustment will stop if aside door is opened and will resumeafter a slight delay when the door hasbeen closed.) When the engine isstarted and the vehicle begins to move,the level will be raised to the height setby 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 pneumatic suspension. 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.
Related information
Leveling control
* and suspension (p. 440)
Loading recommendations (p. 585)
Low Speed Control
The low-speed function (LSC 10
) facilitates
and improves control and traction on rough roads and slippery surfaces, e.g. when towinga 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 lowspeeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25mph). When driving at low speeds, LSC prioritizes low gears and all-wheel drive to help avoidwheel spin and improve traction on all wheels.The accelerator pedal will be less responsiveto improve traction and speed control at lowspeeds. The function is activated together with Hill Descent Control (HDC 11
), which makes it pos-
sible to control speed going down steep hills using the accelerator pedal and reduces theneed to use the brake pedal. The systemmakes it possible to maintain a low and uni-form speed when driving down steep hills.

STARTING AND DRIVING
457
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 gasoline fumes, resulting in fireand injury.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaustgases. If you ever smell exhaust fumesinside the vehicle, make sure the passengercompartment is ventilated, and immedi-ately return the vehicle to a trained andqualified Volvo service technician for cor-rection.
Demanding drivingIn demanding driving conditions, such as when towing a trailer or driving in hot weatheror for prolonged periods at high altitudes, itmay be a good idea to switch to a higher- octane fuel (AKI 14
91 or higher) or to switch to
another brand of gasoline in order to fully uti- lize the vehicle's engine capacity and optimizetraction.
Related information
Fuel (p. 454)
Emission controls (p. 457)
Emission controls
Three-way catalytic converter
Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain engine malfunctions, particularly involvingthe electrical, fuel or distributor ignitionsystems, may cause unusually high three-way catalytic converter temperatures. Donot continue to operate your vehicle if youdetect engine misfire, noticeable loss ofpower or other unusual operating condi-tions, such as engine overheating or back-firing. A properly tuned engine will helpavoid malfunctions that could damage thethree-way catalytic converter.
Do not park your vehicle over combustiblematerials, such as grass or leaves, whichcan come into contact with the hotexhaust system and cause such materialsto ignite under certain wind and weatherconditions.
Excessive starter cranking (in excess ofone minute), or an intermittently firing orflooded engine can cause three-way cata-lytic converter or exhaust system over-heating.
Remember that tampering or unauthor-ized modifications to the engine, theEngine Control Module, or the vehicle maybe illegal and can cause three-way cata-lytic converter or exhaust system over- heating. This includes: altering fuel injec-tion settings or components, alteringemission system components or locationor removing components, and/or repeateduse of leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxy- gen content of the exhaust gases. Readingsare fed into a control module that continuouslymonitors engine functions and controls fuelinjection. The ratio of fuel to air into the engineis continuously adjusted for efficient combus-tion to help reduce harmful emissions.
Related information

Octane rating (p. 455)
Fuel (p. 454)
14
AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory.463
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. 463)
Driving with a trailer (p. 465)
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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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
464
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. 461)
Driving with a trailer (p. 465)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 667)