2020 VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE brake light

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Braking on wet roadsProlonged driving in heavy rain without brak- ing may cause braking effect to be slightlydelayed the first time the brakes are applied.
This may also occur after washing the vehicle. It will then be necessary to apply greater pres-sure to the brake pedal. You should thereforemaintain a greater distance to the vehicleahead. Firmly apply the brakes after washing the vehicle or driving on wet roads. This helpswarm up the brake discs, enabling them to drymore quickly and protecting them against cor-rosion. Consider the current traffic situationwhen braking.
Related information
Brakes (p. 417)
Braking on salted roads (p. 420)
Braking on salted roads
When driving on salted roads, a layer of salt may form on the brake discs and brake pads.
This could increase stopping distance. Main- tain an extra large safety distance to the vehi-cle ahead. Make sure to also:
Apply the brakes from time to time to helpremove salt. Make sure braking does notpose a risk to any other road users.
Gently apply the brakes when you havefinished driving and before driving again.
Related information
Brakes (p. 417)
Braking on wet roads (p. 420)
Maintenance of the brake system
Regularly check the brake system compo- nents for wear.
To keep the vehicle as safe and reliable as possible, follow the Volvo service schedulespecified in the Warranty and MaintenanceRecords Information booklet. After replacingbrake pads and brake discs, braking effect isnot adapted until they are "broken in" by driv-ing a few hundred kilometers (miles). Com-pensate for the reduced braking effect byapplying greater pressure to the brake pedal.Volvo recommends only using brake padsapproved for your Volvo.
CAUTION
The brake system's components should be regularly checked for wear. Contact a workshop for advice on how to do this or let a workshop perform theinspection - an authorized Volvo workshopis recommended.
Related information
Brakes (p. 417)

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Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol Meaning
A
BA flashing symbol indicates that a fault has been detected. Seethe message in the instrumentpanel.
A
BFault in the brake system. See the message in the instrumentpanel.
Information message in the instrument panel.
A
Canadian models.
B US models.
Related information
Activating and deactivating the parking brake (p. 421)
Parking on a hill (p. 423)
Start battery (p. 613)
Volvo's service program (p. 596)
Auto-hold brakes
With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver can release the brake pedal and the brakeswill remain applied, for example, when thevehicle has stopped at a traffic light or inter-section.
When the vehicle stops, the brakes are acti- vated automatically. The function can useeither the normal brakes or the parking brakesto keep the vehicle stationary and works onflat surfaces or hills. If the driver has their seatbelt fastened or if the driver's door is closed,the brakes will disengage automatically whenthe vehicle starts driving.
NOTE
When braking to a stop on an uphill or downhill gradient, depress the brake pedalwith slightly more force than usual beforereleasing to ensure that the vehicle cannotmove at all.
The parking brake is activated if
the vehicle is switched off
the driver's door is opened
the driver's seat belt is removed
the vehicle has been stationary for a pro- longed period of time (5-10 minutes)

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Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol Meaning
This symbol illuminates when the function is using the normalbrakes to keep the vehicle sta-tionary.
A
BThis symbol illuminates when the function is using the parkingbrake to keep the vehicle station-ary.
A
Canadian models.
B US models.
Related information
Activating and deactivating Auto-hold at a standstill (p. 425)
Brakes (p. 417)
Parking brake (p. 421)
Hill Start Assist (p. 426)
Activating and deactivating Auto- hold at a standstill
The Auto-hold brake function at a standstill is activated with the button in the tunnel con-sole.
–Press the button in the tunnel console to activate or deactivate the function.
> The indicator light in the button will illu- minate when the function is activated. The function will remain active the nexttime the vehicle is started.
When shutting offIf the function is active and holdingthe vehicle stationary using the nor-mal brakes (A symbol lit in theinstrument panel), the brake pedal
must be depressed while pressing the buttonin order to deactivate Auto-hold.
The function will remain off until it is reac- tivated.
When Auto-hold is switched off, Hill StartAssist (HSA) will remain active to helpprevent the vehicle from rolling backwardwhen starting up a hill.
Related information
Auto-hold brakes (p. 424)

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.

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Hill Descent Control
The function for assisting when driving down- hill (HDC 12
) is a low-speed function with
increased engine braking. The function makes it possible to increase or decrease thevehicle's speed on steep downhill gradientsby only using the accelerator pedal, withoutapplying the brakes. The function is included in the
Off Road drive
mode.
HDC is designed for driving on rough roads at low speeds and downhill gradients with slip-pery or otherwise difficult road surfaces. Thedriver does not need to use the brake pedalbut can instead focus on steering.
WARNING
HDC is only intended to be a supplemen- tary braking aid and it does not function inall situations. The driver is always ultimately responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner.
FunctionHill Descent Control allows the vehicle to move forward or backward at very low speedsassisted by the brake system. The driver canincrease the speed by pressing the acceleratorpedal. When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will return to very low speedregardless of how steep the hill is and withoutthe brakes needing to be applied. The brakelights will illuminate when the function is acti-vated. The driver can brake to stop or slow the vehi- cle at any time by depressing the brake pedal. HDC is activated along with Low Speed Con- trol (LSC
13
), which facilitates and improves
traction and control on rough and slippery sur- faces. The system is intended to be used atlow speeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25mph).
To keep in mind when using HDC
If the function is switched off while drivingon a steep downhill gradient, brakingeffect 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 thirdgear or higher when HDC is active.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated in theOff Road drive mode, the feel of the accel-
erator 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 atlower speeds if so desired.
Related information
Activating and deactivating Hill Descent Control using the function button (p. 446)
Changing drive mode (p. 438)
Low Speed Control (p. 443)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) (p. 431)
12
Hill Descent Control
13 Low Speed Control

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
450
Preparing for a long trip
It is important to have the vehicle's systems and equipment checked carefully before driv-ing 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 properly
all lights are working
‒ adjust the head-
light height if the vehicle is carrying aheavy load
tire tread depth and air pressure are atcorrect levels. Change to snow tires whendriving in areas where there is a risk ofsnowy or icy roads
the start battery is sufficiently charged
the wiper blades are in good condition
Related information
Checking tire pressure (p. 553)
Filling washer fluid (p. 656)
Winter driving (p. 450)
Economical driving (p. 446)
Vehicle modem settings (p. 527)
Loading recommendations (p. 585)
Driving with a trailer (p. 465)
Pilot Assist
* (p. 300)
Tire sealing system (p. 568)
Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving in cold/snowy conditions to makesure it can be driven safely.
Before the cold season arrives: Make sure the engine coolant contains 50% antifreeze. This mixture helps pro-tect the engine from frost erosion down toapprox. –35 °C (–31 °F). Do not mix dif-ferent types of antifreeze as this couldpose a health risk.
Keep the fuel tank well filled to preventcondensation from forming.
Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oilwith low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting and reduces fuelconsumption when driving with a coldengine.
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 placesgreater demands on the start battery andreduces its capacity.
Use washer fluid containing antifreeze tohelp prevent ice from forming in thewasher fluid reservoir.

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451
Slippery driving conditionsTo help optimize traction and roadholding, Volvo recommends using snow tires on allwheels whenever there is a risk of snow or iceon the road.
NOTE
Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use ofstudded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the vehiclereacts.
Related information
Snow tires (p. 567)
Snow chains (p. 567)
Braking on salted roads (p. 420)
Braking on wet roads (p. 420)
Filling washer fluid (p. 656)
Start battery (p. 613)
Replacing windshield wiper blades(p. 654)
Changing rear window wipers (p. 653)
Refilling coolant (p. 610)
Driving through standing water
It may be necessary to drive the vehicle through standing water, e.g. deep puddles orflooding on the road. This must be done withgreat caution.
To help prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water:
Do not drive in water higher than the floorof the vehicle. If possible, check the depthof the water at its deepest point beforedriving through it. Be particularly carefulwhen driving through flowing water.
Always select the
Off Road drive mode
before driving in water to ensure the gaso- line engine is running.
Do not drive faster than walking speed.
Do not stop the vehicle in the water. Drivecarefully forward or back the vehicle out ofthe water.
Remember that waves created by passingvehicles could cause the water level to riseabove the vehicle's floor level.
Avoid driving through salt water to helpavoid the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION
Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmis- sion, driveline, electrical components, etc.)can be damaged if the vehicle is driventhrough water higher than its floor level.Damage to any components caused byflooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty. If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart it. Havethe vehicle towed on the bed of a towtruck to a workshop - an authorized Volvoworkshop is recommended.
CAUTION
Because it can be difficult to determine the water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-ing through standing or running water. Thedriver is always responsible for operatingthe vehicle in a safe manner and adheringto all applicable laws and regulations.
When you have passed the water, press lightly on the brake pedal and check that the brakesare 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 cou- pling contact, clean the contact after driving inwater or mud.

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* Option/accessory.465
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.