Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid (2017 year). Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING

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385

Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician before driving long distances. Your
retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,
fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use
in the event that problems occur.

As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:

•

Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption and the oil level are normal.

•

Before leaving on a trip, fill the fuel tank and
make sure the hybrid battery is fully charged.
During the trip, make a habit of refueling reg-
ularly.

•

Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.

•

Check condition of drive belts.

•

Check state of the battery's charge.

•

Examine tires carefully and replace those
that are worn. Also, check tire inflation pres-
sure.

•

The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-
ing gear should be checked by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician only.

•

Check all lights, including high beams.

•

Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.

•

Have a word with a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician if you intend to drive

in countries where it may be difficult to
obtain the correct fuel.

•

Consider your destination. If you will be driv-
ing through an area where snow or ice are
likely to occur, consider using snow tires.

Driving economically

Better driving economy can be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-
diate traffic conditions.

Driving economically with the XC90 T8
Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid

Plan your driving in order to utilize the electric
motor as much as possible.

An energy-conserving driving style lowers current
consumption from the hybrid battery and helps
increase electric driving range.

Charging

•

Charge the hybrid battery regularly using the
charging cable. Whenever possible, begin a
drive with a fully charged battery.

•

Check the location of charging points.

•

Where possible, choose parking spaces with
charging points.

STARTING AND DRIVING

386

Preconditioning

•

If possible, precondition the vehicle with the
charging cable before driving.

•

Avoid parking the vehicle so that the passen-
ger compartment becomes too hot or cold.
Park, if possible, in a climate controlled park-
ing garage.

•

For short drives after using the precondition-
ing function, turn off the climate system
blower if possible.

•

If preconditioning is not possible in cold
weather, use the seat and steering wheel
heating primarily. Avoid heating the entire
passenger compartment, which reduces the
hybrid battery's charge level.

Driving

•

Choose the

Pure

drive mode to help mini-

mize electric power consumption.

•

Maintain a constant speed and an adequate
distance to the vehicle ahead to minimize
use of the brakes.

•

Brake as gently as possible; doing so
charges the hybrid battery using the inte-
grated regenerative braking function.

•

Balance energy requirements using the
accelerator pedal and utilize the gauge on
the instrument panel to see the amount of
power available from the electric motor. This
helps avoid starting the gasoline engine
unnecessarily. The electric motor is more

energy-efficient than the gasoline engine,
especially at lower speeds.

•

In hilly terrain, put the gear selector in mode
B to utilize the electric motor's braking func-
tion when the accelerator pedal is released.
This helps charge the hybrid battery.

•

Higher speeds increase energy consumption
and the vehicle's wind resistance increases
along with speed. Do not exceed posted
speed limits.

•

Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)
in the vehicle.

•

Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when the tires are cold).

•

Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.

•

Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase
air resistance and also energy consumption.

•

Avoid driving with open windows.

Handling and roadholding

•

Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres-
sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,
check that the tires are inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure according to the vehicle
load. Loads should be distributed so that
capacity weight or maximum permissible axle
loads are not exceeded.

•

At the specified curb weight your vehicle has
a tendency to understeer, which means that
the steering wheel has to be turned more

than might seem appropriate for the curva-
ture of a bend. This ensures good stability
and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.
Remember that these properties can alter
with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in
the cargo compartment, the less the ten-
dency to understeer.

Related information

•

Parking climate (preconditioning) (p. 189)

STARTING AND DRIVING

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387

Driving through standing water

The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau-
tion if it is necessary to drive through standing
water.

The vehicle can be driven through water up to a
depth approximately level with the floor at walk-
ing speed to help prevent water from entering
the differential and/or the transmission or dam-
aging electrical components.

•

If possible, check the depth of the water
before driving through it. Take particular care
when driving through flowing water.

•

Before driving through water, always select
the

Off Road

drive mode to ensure that the

gasoline engine is running and to maximize
ground clearance.

•

After driving through water, apply the brakes
and check that they are functioning correctly.

•

Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water.

•

When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.

CAUTION

•

Damage may occur to the engine, trans-
mission, electrical components, etc. if the
vehicle is driven through water higher
than its floor level. Be aware that waves
created by other vehicles could cause the
level to temporarily be above the vehicle's
floor level.

•

Damage to any components due to water
above the floor level, vapor lock or insuffi-
cient oil is not covered under warranty.

•

If the engine has been stopped while the
vehicle is in water, do not attempt to
restart it. Have the vehicle towed out of
the water and inspected by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.

WARNING

•

Avoid driving through standing or rushing
water. Doing so can be dangerous and it
may also be difficult to determine the
actual depth of the water.

•

If water cannot be avoided, after driving
through the water, press lightly on the
brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are
functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting
in delayed braking effect.

Related information

•

Towing recommendations (p. 389)

Overheating the engine and

transmission

In demanding driving conditions, such as when
transporting heavy loads, driving in mountainous
areas or in very hot weather there is a risk of
overheating the engine or transmission.

•

The engine's output may be slightly limited if
there is a risk of overheating.

•

Remove e.g., auxiliary lights mounted in front
of the grille in hot weather.

•

If the temperature of the engine coolant
becomes too high, the warning symbol will
illuminate and the message

Engine

temperature

Stop safely

will be displayed.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a
safe place and let the engine idle for several
minutes.

•

If the message

Engine temperature

High

temperature Turn off engine

Engine

coolant

Stop safely

is displayed, stop

safely and turn off the engine.

•

If the transmission begins to overheat, an
alternative gear shifting program will be
selected. An integrated protective function
will also by activated, the warning symbol will
illuminate and the message

Transmission

warmHigh temperature Reduce speed

Transmission warmStop safely, wait

for cooling

will be displayed in the instru-

ment panel.

STARTING AND DRIVING

388

•

The air conditioning may be switched off
temporarily.

•

After a prolonged period of driving, do not
turn off the engine immediately after stop-
ping.

•

The engine cooling fan commonly continues
to run for several minutes after the engine
has been turned off.

WARNING

The cooling fan (located at the front of the
engine compartment, behind the radiator) may
start or continue to operate (for up to
6 minutes) after the engine has been
switched off.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 397)

•

Before a long distance trip (p. 385)

Winter driving

Check your vehicle before the approach of cold
weather.

The following advice is worth noting:

•

Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will
reduce freeze protection. This gives protec-
tion against freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze is
not approved by Volvo. Different types of
antifreeze must not be mixed.

•

Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo
antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.

•

Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
helps prevent the formation of condensation
in the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.

•

The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreasing
fuel consumption while the engine is warm-
ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-
mended for driving in areas with sustained
low temperatures.

•

The load placed on the battery is greater dur-
ing the winter since the windshield wipers,
lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,
the capacity of the battery decreases as the
temperature drops. In very cold weather, a
poorly charged battery can freeze and be

damaged. It is therefore advisable to check
the state of charge more frequently and
spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.

•

Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on
all four wheels for winter driving.

•

To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from
freezing, add washer solvents containing
antifreeze. This is important since dirt is often
splashed on the windshield during winter
driving, requiring the frequent use of the
washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent
should be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F
(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts
water Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washer
solvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F
(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts
water Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 part
washer solvent and 1 part water.

•

Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.

•

Avoid using de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.

Related information

•

Snow tires and chains (p. 485)

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389

Towing eyelet

When used, the towing eyelet should always be
securely attached in the openings on the right
side of the front and rear bumpers. There are
covers over these attachment points.

Using the towing eyelet

Take out the towing eyelet, which is stored
under the floor in the cargo compartment.

Remove the cover by pressing the mark with
a finger and folding out the opposite side/
corner with a coin, small screwdriver, etc.
> The cover turns along its center line and

then be removed.

3. Screw the towing eyelet into place, first by

hand and then using the tire iron, etc. until it
has been screwed in as far as possible.

After use, the eyelet should be removed and
returned to its storage location.

Reinsert the cover into the bumper.

Related information

•

Towing recommendations (p. 389)

Towing recommendations

Always check with state and local authorities
before attempting to tow another vehicle
because this type of towing is subject to regula-
tions regarding maximum towing speed, length
and type of towing device, lighting, etc.

Towing your vehicle behind another
vehicle

The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid may
not be towed behind another vehicle. Doing so
would damage the electric motor and the three-
way catalytic converter. If the vehicle cannot be
driven and must be moved, it must be lifted onto
a flat-bed tow truck.

If the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid is to
tow (pull) another vehicle, select the

AWD

drive

mode. This helps charge the hybrid battery and
improves the vehicle's road holding characteris-
tics.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

390

Tow trucks

CAUTION

In certain conditions, the towing eyelet
may be used to pull the vehicle onto a
flatbed tow truck.

•

The vehicle's position and ground clear-
ance determine if it can be pulled up onto
a flatbed tow truck using the towing eye-
let.

•

If the angle of the tow truck’s ramp is too
steep or the ground clearance under the
vehicle is insufficient, damage could
occur by attempting to pull the vehicle
using the towing eyelet.

•

If necessary, lift the vehicle using the tow
truck’s lifting device.

WARNING

No person or object should be behind the tow
truck while the vehicle is being pulled up onto
the flatbed.

Vehicle with pneumatic suspension

If the vehicle is equipped with the optional pneu-
matic suspension, this feature must be deacti-
vated before the vehicle is lifted onto a tow truck.

To do so:

1. Tap

Settings

in the center display's Top

view.

2. Tap

My Car

Suspension

3. Select

Deactivate Suspension & Leveling

Control

Jump starting

Do not attempt to start the engine by towing the
vehicle. This could result in damage to the three-
way catalytic converter and the electric motor.
Use a 12-volt auxiliary battery or one in another
vehicle.

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-
cals known to the state of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.

CAUTION

Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.

WARNING

•

Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

•

Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.

•

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,
fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact
occurs, flush the affected area immedi-
ately with water. Obtain medical help
immediately if eyes are affected.

•

Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.

•

Do not smoke near the battery.

•

Failure to follow the instructions for jump
starting can lead to injury.

Related information

•

Towing eyelet (p. 389)

•

Jump starting (p. 395)

•

Parking brake (p. 382)

•

Ignition modes (p. 400)

STARTING AND DRIVING

391

Fuel

Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso-
line to control engine deposits.

Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)

Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec-
tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of
deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
drivability and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station operator.

NOTE

Volvo does not recommend the use of exter-
nal fuel injector cleaning systems.

Unleaded fuel

Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliver-
ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".
Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-
ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-
line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-
way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen
sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline
will lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-
trol system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle

inspection programs will make detection of mis-
fueling 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.

Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed
must still be met.

Alcohol – Ethanol

Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".

Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to
15% MTBE may be used.

Methanol

Do not use gasolines containing methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can
result in vehicle performance deterioration and
can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such
damage may not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 392)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 393)

STARTING AND DRIVING

392

Octane rating

Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane or
above) for best performance.

Minimum octane

Sample fuel pump octane label

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline

Volvo endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline” where available to help maintain engine
performance and reliability. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new standard jointly estab-
lished by leading automotive manufactures to
meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers (stations) will, in
most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
the “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards.

NOTE

Information about TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line is available at www.toptiergas.com.

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 Formulations

Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.
Besides damaging the exhaust emission 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 Additives

With 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.

Related information

•

Fuel (p. 391)

STARTING AND DRIVING

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393

Opening/closing the fuel filler door

The fuel tank has a filling system that does not
have a cover.

Opening/closing the fuel filler door

An arrow next to the fuel pump
symbol in the instrument panel
indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel filler door is
located.

1. Press the button on the lighting panel.

> Pressure equalization in the fuel tank cau-

ses a slight delay before the fuel filler
door opens.

Fuel tank

Fuel lid is

opening

will be displayed in the instru-

ment panel, followed by

Fuel tank

Ready

for refueling

2. After refueling, close the fuel filler door by

pressing lightly.

Refueling from a service station pump

To refuel:

1. Open the fuel filler door. Do not refuel with

the engine running

2. Insert the pump's nozzle into the fuel filler

pipe's opening as far as possible (see the
illustration).

3. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press

the handle on the filler nozzle after it has
stopped pumping. Too much fuel in the tank
in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel
to overflow. Overfilling could also cause dam-
age to the emission control systems.

If the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected.

STARTING AND DRIVING

394

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.

Related information

•

Fuel (p. 391)

•

Octane rating (p. 392)

Emission controls

Three-way catalytic converter

•

Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain
engine malfunctions, particularly involving the
electrical, fuel or distributor ignition systems,
may cause unusually high three-way catalytic
converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine
misfire, noticeable loss of power or other
unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned
engine will help avoid malfunctions that
could damage the three-way catalytic con-
verter.

•

Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which can
come into contact with the hot exhaust sys-
tem and cause such materials to ignite under
certain wind and weather conditions.

•

Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one
minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded
engine can cause three-way catalytic con-
verter or exhaust system overheating.

•

Remember that tampering or unauthorized
modifications to the engine, the Engine Con-
trol Module, or the vehicle may be illegal and
can cause three-way catalytic converter or
exhaust system overheating. This includes:
altering fuel injection settings or compo-
nents, altering emission system components

or location or removing components, and/or
repeated use of leaded fuel.

NOTE

Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with
three-way catalytic converters.

Heated oxygen sensors

The heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen
content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed
into a control module that continuously monitors
engine functions and controls fuel injection. The
ratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuously
adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce
harmful emissions.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 392)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

395

Jump starting

Follow the instructions provided here to jump
start your vehicle or to jump start another vehi-
cle.

Jumper cable connecting terminals

NOTE

The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid
battery is discharged.

CAUTION

The vehicle's jumper cable connecting termi-
nals may only be used to start your vehicle.
They are not intended to be used to help start
another vehicle. If they are used to start
another vehicle, a fuse may blow and the ter-
minal will not function.

If a fuse blows,

12 V Battery

Fuse failure

Service required

will be displayed in the instru-

ment panel. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.

Use the following steps when jump starting your
vehicle to help prevent short circuits or other
damage.

1. Switch the ignition off completely (mode 0).

2. Ensure that the auxiliary battery to be used is

12-volt.

3. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in

another vehicle, switch off that vehicle's igni-
tion and be sure that the vehicles are not
touching each other.

4. Connect one of the red jumper cable's

clamps to the auxiliary battery's positive (+)
terminal (1).

CAUTION

Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.

5. Open the cover over the positive (+) jump

start terminal (2).

6. Connect the red jumper cable's other clamp

to your vehicle's positive (+) jump start termi-
nal (2).

7. Connect one of the black jumper cable's

clamps to the auxiliary battery's negative (–)
terminal (3).

8. Connect the black jumper cable's other

clamp to your vehicle's negative (–) jump
start terminal (4).

9. Check that the jumper cables are securely

attached to help avoid sparks when the vehi-
cle is started.

10. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle and

run it for a short time at approx. 1,500 rpm.

STARTING AND DRIVING

396

11. Start the engine in your vehicle. If the vehicle

does not start, allow an additional
10 minutes of charging time and then try to
start the engine again.

NOTE

During normal starts, the electric motor is pri-
oritized and the gasoline engine will not start.
This means that when the start knob has
been turned toward START and released, the
electric motor is activated ("started") and the
vehicle is ready to be driven. The warning and
information symbols in the instrument panel
will go out and the chosen theme will be dis-
played to indicate that the electric motor has
been activated.

CAUTION

Do not touch the jumper cable connections
while the vehicle is being started. This could
generate sparks.

12. After the vehicle has started, carefully

remove the jumper cables in reverse order,
beginning with the black one.

Ensure that the black jumper cable's clamps
do not come in contact with the vehicle's or
the auxiliary battery's positive terminals or
the red jumper cable's clamps while it is con-
nected.

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-
cals known to the state of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.

WARNING

•

Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

•

Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.

•

Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.

•

Do not smoke near the battery.

•

Failure to follow the instructions for jump
starting can lead to injury.

Related information

•

Ignition modes (p. 400)

•

Starting the engine (p. 402)

•

Turning the engine off (p. 404)

•

Start battery (p. 512)

•

Opening and closing the hood (p. 539)

•

Charging the hybrid battery (p. 413)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

397

Driving with a trailer

When towing a trailer, always observe the legal
requirements of the state/province.

•

All Volvo models are equipped with energy-
absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer
hitch installation should not interfere with the
proper operation of this bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any par-
ticular problems, but take into consideration:

•

Increase tire pressure to recommended full
pressure.

•

When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy
trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).

•

Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).

•

Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watched when
driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a
lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if
the temperature gauge needle enters the red
range.

•

If the automatic transmission begins to over-
heat, a message will be displayed in the text
window.

•

Avoid overload and other abusive operation.

•

Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,
and economy.

•

It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with
the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe
stop (check and observe state/local regula-
tions).

•

Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.

•

More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.

•

Remove the ball holder when the hitch is not
being used.

NOTE

•

When parking the vehicle with a trailer on
a hill, apply the parking brake before put-
ting the gear selector in P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel chocking.

•

When starting on a hill, put the gear
selector in D before releasing the parking
brake.

•

If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make sure
the gear you select does not put too
much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).

•

The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may
be rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-
cle is designed to tow. Please adhere to
Volvo's recommended trailer weights.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 15%.

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398

CAUTION

The maximum trailer weights listed are only
applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft
(1000 m) above sea level. With increasing
altitude the engine power and therefore the
car's climbing ability are impaired because of
the reduced air density, so the maximum
trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.
The weight of the vehicle and trailer must be
reduced by 10% for every further 3,280 ft
(1,000 m) (or part thereof). When towing
5,000 lbs (2,250 kg) hill inclination is restric-
ted to 14%.

WARNING

•

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.

Trailer cable

An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch
has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins.
Use an adapter cable approved by Volvo. Make
sure the cable does not drag on the ground.

Related information

•

Detachable trailer hitch (p. 398)

•

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 399)

•

Weights (p. 563)

Detachable trailer hitch

Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.

Ball holder

Cotter pin

Hitch assembly

Locking bolt

Safety wire attachment

Installing the ball holder

1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the

locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of
the hitch assembly.

2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

399

3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one

in the hitch assembly.

4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch

assembly/ball holder.

5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of

the locking bolt.

Removing the ball holder

1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt

and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/hitch assembly.

2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.

NOTE

A cover for the hitch assembly is also
included in the kit.

Stowing the ball holder

Compartment for the detachable trailer hitch

WARNING

When not in use, the detachable trailer hitch
should always be kept in its compartment in
the foam block under the cargo compartment
floor (see the illustration).

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 397)

•

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 399)

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to
help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer
when the vehicle and trailer have begun to sway
and is part of the Electronic Stability Control sys-
tem.

Function

A vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for
various reasons. Normally this only occurs at high
speeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloa-
ded or if the load is unevenly distributed in the
trailer, there is risk of swaying.

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 an
uneven road surface or drive over a bump

•

Sudden movements of the steering wheel

Facts about TSA

•

The stability system symbol in the instrument
panel will flash when TSA is working

•

If the driver switches off the stability system's
Spin Control function, TSA will also be
switched off (but will be on again the next
time the engine is started)

•

TSA may not intervene when the vehicle and
trailer begin to sway if the driver tries to com-
pensate for the swaying motion by moving
the steering wheel rapidly

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400

How TSA works

Once swaying has begun, it can be very difficult
to stop, which makes it difficult to control the
vehicle and trailer.

The TSA system continuously monitors the vehi-
cle's movements, particularly lateral movement. If
the system detects a tendency to sway, the
brakes are applied individually on the front
wheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehi-
cle and trailer. This is often enough to enable the
driver to regain control of the vehicle.

If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion,
the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on the
vehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped with
brakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced.
As the swaying motion begins to decrease and
the vehicle-trailer have once again become sta-
ble, TSA will now stop regulating the brakes/
engine power and the driver regains control of
the vehicle.

TSA is deactivated if the driver deactivates

ESC

in the center display's menu system.

When the ESC symbol in the
instrument panel flashes, TSA
is active.

Related information

•

Detachable trailer hitch (p. 398)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 397)

•

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (p. 263)

Ignition modes

The vehicle's ignition can be put in various
modes (levels) to make different functions availa-
ble.

The vehicle's ignition has 3 modes: 0, I, and II
that can be used to operate various functions
without starting the engine. The following table
shows examples of which functions are available
in the respective modes.

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid (2017 year). Manual - part 23