Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas
or towing. The speed is usually low which means that the cooling of the brakes is less
efficient than when driving on level roads. To reduce
the strain on the brakes, it is advisable not to
use the brakes excessively. Instead, shift into a lower gear, position 3 or in some cases,
L (automatic transmission) and let the engine help with the braking. Do not forget that,
if you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to greater load than is normal.
If the brake powerassist does not function
The power assist to the brakes functions only when the engine is
running. When the car is moving without the engine running,
the brake pedal pressure required to stop the car
is increased by 34 times and the brake pedal feels stiff.
Moisture on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to
collect on the brake discs and pads. This will cause
a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when
the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake application feels normal.
This should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.
pg. 79 Brake system - EBD, STC
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EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
EBD is an integrated part of the ABS system. EBD regulates
the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes to help provide optimal
braking capacity.
If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights come on at the same time,
this could indicate a fault in the brake system. If the brake fluid level is
above the MIN mark, drive carefully to an authorized Volvo retailer and
have the brake system inspected.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir, DO
NOT DRIVE. Have the car towed to an authorized Volvo retailer and
have the brake system inspected. |
Stability and Traction Control (STC) - option on certain models
Stability Traction Control works in conjunction with TRACS to help
control wheel spin at all speeds. At speeds below 25 mph, TRACS
controls the braking system to stop wheel spin. At speeds over 25
mph, the STC system monitors and compares all four wheels. If one of
the drive (front) wheels shows any tendency to slip, such as when
driving through water or another slippery surface, the difference in
speed is immediately detected. This triggers a signal to the engine
management system, which will reduce engine torque (by reducing
fuel) until the differential is corrected. This torque reduction is handled
in stages, and reaction time is extremely fast.
The symbol
will flash when STC is actively regulating power
to the drive wheels. Normal power may be reduced at this time. This
is normal as power is momentarily reduced to help keep the drive
wheels from losing traction and spinning.
The STC indicator light () will come on:
When the car is started, for approximately
2 seconds, as the system performs a self-diagnostic test.
When STC has been switched off using the button on the dashboard.
If the system is temporarily switched off due to high brake
temperatures. STC will automatically restart when brake temperature
has returned to normal.
If a fault is detected in the system. Consult your Volvo retailer if
this occurs.
When preparing for trailer towing, observe the following:
NOTE: Models with automatic transmission are equipped with a transmission oil cooler
as standard equipment. This cooler helps prevent overheating of the transmission during times
of increased load, as when towing a trailer.
Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1100 lbs
(500 kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm) ball
- 3300 lbs (1,500 kg), 1 7/8" (47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs (908 kg).
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles are registered.
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 particular problems, but take into
consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See section "Wheels and tires".
Recommended hitch tongue load is 110
lbs (50 kg) for trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) and 165 lbs (75 kg) for
trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg). For trailer weights between 2,650 - 3,300
lbs (1,200 - 1,500 kg) a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) should never be exceeded.
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 pointer enters the red range.
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 regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake
system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of
synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over
long distances or in mountainous areas.
NOTE: Refer to section "Automatic
transmission" for additional trailer hauling tips.
WARNING!
Bumperattached 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 system, 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 wire must be correctly
fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch on the car. The safety
wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
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Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather,
the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine
coolant contains at least 50 percent antifreeze: that is, 3.7 qts. (3.5 liters) Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F
(-35°C). See section "Coolant".
The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze may
not be mixed.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents 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 warming up. For winter
use, 5W-30 oil, particularly the synthetic type*, is recommended. Be
sure to use good quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for
hard driving or in warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for
more information.
The load placed on the
battery is greater during 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 - see section "Wheels and tires".
To prevent the washer fluid
reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 123 for the location of
the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often
splashed on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use
of the washers and wipers. The 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.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to
the locks.
W Winter/Wet mode
W Winter/Wet driving mode
Enhanced Vehicle Traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive
position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage
this driving mode (see illustration).
An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and
this will also be displayed in the instrument panel .
This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
* Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
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