pg. 98 Starting and driving

Stability system

Stability system Stability Traction Control (STC)*/Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)**
* Standard on all models except the T5 turbo and R-models.
** Standard on the T5 turbo and R-models, option on all other models.
The stability systems consist of a number of functions:
The following two functions are common to both STC/DSTC
1. Traction control (TC)
 This function is designed to help reduce wheel spin by transferring power from a drive wheel that begins to lose traction to the wheel on the opposite side of the car (on the same axle). TC monitors and compares the rotational speed of the drive wheels. If one of the drive wheels shows a tendency to spin, the difference in speed is immediately detected. This triggers the Anti-lock Brake System, which brakes the spinning wheel until the difference in rotational speed is corrected.
TC is most active at low speeds, and a pulsating sound will be audible when the system is regulating wheel spin. This is quite normal.
This is one of the STC/DSTC's permanent functions and is not affected when the button on the center control panel is pressed.
2. Spin control (SC)
 The spin control function is designed to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning while the car is accelerating. This is done by temporarily reducing engine torque to the drive wheels, which helps improve stability and tractive force.
Under certain circumstances, such as when driving with snow chains, or driving in deep snow or loose sand, it may be advisable to temporarily switch off this function for maximum tractive force. This is done by pressing the STC/DSTC button on the center control panel for at least a half a second.
When the SC function has been switched off:

  • The text window will briefly display "SPIN CONTROL OFF"
  • The LED in the STC/DSTC button will be off.

    The following function is only available with DSTC:
    3. Active Yaw control (AYC)
    This function helps maintain directional stability, for example when cornering, by braking one or more of the wheels if the car shows a tendency to skid or slide laterally. This is done by activating the Anti-lock Braking System. A pulsating sound will be audible when the function is active, which is quite normal. If you apply the brakes while this function is active, the brake pedal will feel stiffer than usual.
    This is also one of the DSTC system's permanent functions and is not affected when the DSTC button on the center control panel is pressed.

    R-models only:
    The AYC function can be deactivated. This is done by pressing the DSTC button on the center control panel (see the illustration on page 29) for approximately one second. This procedure must be repeated 5 times, after which "DSTC REDUCED FUNCTION" will be displayed in the text window. AYC will be automatically reactivated the next time the ignition is switched on.

    warningWARNING!
    With AYC disabled, the car's handling and stability characteristics will be altered.

    pg. 99 Starting and driving

    Stability system The STC/DSTC button
    The STC/DSTC button in the center control panel (see page 29) is used to switch the Spin Control (SC) function on or off

    NOTE: AYC (on models equipped with this function) will also be reduced, but not switched off, if SC is switched off.
    The button must be pressed for at least a half second to prevent SC from being switched off inadvertently.
    When the function has been switched off, the green indicator lamp in the button will go out and "STC/DSTC SPIN CONTROL OFF" will be displayed in the text window.
    All STC/DSTC functions are (re)activated each time the engine is started.

    Stability system The Stability Control indicator light

    The Stability Control indicator light will come on for approximately 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on as the system performs a self-diagnostic test.
    The Stability Control indicator light will flash when:

  • Traction Control is actively functioning to help avoid drive-wheel spin.
  • Spin Control is actively functioning to help avoid loss of traction during acceleration.
  • Active Yaw Control is actively functioning to help avoid skids or lateral slides.

    warning The warning symbol in the instrument panel

    A steady yellow glow indicates:

  • That the system has been automatically disengaged due to a fault and. "ANTI SKID SERVICE REQUIRED" be displayed in the text window. An authorized Volvo retailer should check the system.
  • The system has been temporarily switched off due to high brake temperature. "TRACTION CONTROL TEMPORARILY OFF" will be displayed.

    NOTE: The system will automatically switch on again when the brakes have cooled.

    pg. 100 Starting and driving

    Towing

    Towing
    Front towing eyelet

    Emergency towing
    The towing eyelet is located in the tool bag, under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustrations).

    To attach the towing eyelet:

    A. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.

    B. Screw the towing eyelet (C) in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.

    After the car has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to the tool bag. Press the cover back into position.

    Towing
    Rear towing eyelet

    Precautions when the car is in tow

  • The steering wheel must be unlocked. Turn the ignition key to position I or II.
  • The gear selector must be in position N.
  • Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
  • Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
  • While the car is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
  • The cars should only be towed in forward direction.

    CAUTION:
    Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
    If the car's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the three-way catalytic converter(ss). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 102).
    If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

    warningWARNING!

    Remember that the power brakes and power steering will not function when engine is not running. The braking and steering systems will function but the brake pedal pressure required is 3-4 times above normal and greater steering effort must be exerted. The towing eyelets must not be used for pulling another vehicle out of a ditch or for any similar purpose involving severe strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.

    pg. 101 Starting and driving

    Towing (contd)

    Towing

    Towing cars with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
    Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equipment.

    If wheel lift equipment must be used, please use extreme caution to help avoid damage to the car. In this case, the car should be towed with the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.

    If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, please refer to the towing information on the previous page.

    CAUTION:
    Sling-type equipment applied at the front will damage radiator and air conditioning lines
    It is equally important not to use sling-type equipment at the rear or apply lifting equipment inside the rear wheels; serious damage to the rear axle may result. If the car is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the car on the flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

    warningWARNING!

    Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the car up onto a flat bed tow truck.

    pg. 102 Starting and driving

    Jump starting

    Jump starting
    Follow these instructions to jump start your car's dead battery or to jump start another car's dead battery using your car. Although your car's battery is located under the floor of the trunk, jumper cables should be connected in the engine compartment, to the points shown in the illustrations.

    If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another car, check that the cars are not touching to prevent premature completion of a circuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instructions provided for the other vehicle.

    To jump start your car:

  • Switch off the ignition.
  • First connect the auxiliary battery positive (+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in your car's engine compartment (2), located under a small black plastic cover attached to the fuse box cover, marked with a "+" sign. Remove the cover on the main fuse box if necessary to access this terminal. Then connect the auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal (3) to the ground point in your car's engine compartment (4).
  • Start the engine in the assisting car, then start the engine in the car with dead battery.
  • After the engine has started, first remove the negative (-) terminal jumper cable. Then remove the positive (+) terminal jumper cable.

    warningWARNING!

    PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
    Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

    warningWARNING!

    Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any moving parts.
    Avoid touching hot manifolds.
    Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.

    Do not smoke near the battery.

    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 immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.

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

    pg. 103 Starting and driving

    Towing a trailer

    Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the car.
  • Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
    Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg)
    Trailers with brakes:
    2" (50 mm) ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg),
    1 7/8" (47 mm) ball - 2000 lbs* (900 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."
  • When your car is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1000 km).
  • Recommended hitch tongue load is:
    Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
    Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
  • 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 overheat, 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 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.

    warningWARNING!

    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 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.

    pg. 104 Starting and driving

    Towing a trailer (cont)

    NOTE!

  • When parking the car with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in (P)ark (first/ reverse gear on manual transmissions). Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
  • When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D)rive 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 car is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.

    towing

    Leveling
    If you car is equipped with automatic leveling, the rear suspension always retains the correct ride height regardless of the load. When the car is stationary, the rear suspension lowers, which is normal.

    pg. 105 Starting and driving

    Detachable trailer hitch

    Detachable trailer hitch - installing
    A - ball holder, B - locking bolt, C - safety wire attachment, D - hitch assembly, E - cotter pin

    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.
    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.

    A cover for the hitch assembly can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.

    pg. 106 Starting and driving

    Attaching load carriers

    The attachment brackets for the load carriers are located under the roof molding.
    1. Make sure that the load carriers are placed in the right direction. See the mark on the decal under the cover.
    2. Press the guide lugs into the holes (1).
    3. Carefully lower the opposite side of the load carrier to the roof.
    4. Loosen the tightening wheel slightly. Slide the hook on the load carrier attachment into the attachment bracket under the roof molding.
    5. Turn the tightening wheel to secure the load carrier in the attachment bracket.
    6. Repeat this procedure for the other load carrier attachments.
    7. Check that the hooks on all four load carrier attachments are securely tightened in the respective attachment brackets on the roof of the car.
    8. Press down the covers.
    Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.

    Attaching load carriers
    Load carrier

    Load carriers (accessory)
    Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:

  • To avoid damaging your car and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your car.
  • Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220 lbs (100 kg). For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
  • Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100 kg).
  • Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.

    Attaching load carriers
  • Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
  • Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
  • Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
  • Remember that the car's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
  • The car's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
  • Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.

    pg. 107 Starting and driving

    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 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection. 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 must not be mixed.
  • Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your car's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo engine coolant to protect your car during cold weather.
  • 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 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 141 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. 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 driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)

  • 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.
  • An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument panel (see page 24).
  • 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.

    pg. 108 Starting and driving

    Before a long distance trip

    It is always worthwhile to have your car checked at a Volvo retailer 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 is normal.
  • Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
  • Check transmission oil level*.
  • Check condition of drive belts.
  • Check state of the battery's charge.
  • Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn.
    Check tire pressures.
  • The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by your Volvo retailer only.
  • Check all lights, including high beams.
  • Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
  • Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
  • Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider snow tires.

    * To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your car's transmission fluid yourself. Have your car's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.

    pg. 109 Starting and driving.

    Front/rear park assist

    Front/rear park assist (option/accessory)

    Front/rear park assist
    The park assist system(s) are designed to assist you when driving into parking spaces, garages, etc. They utilize ultrasound sensors located in the bumpers to measure the distance to a vehicle or other object, or a person who may be close to the front or rear of the vehicle.

    When is park assist active?
    Front: the system is active from the time the engine is started until the car exceeds a speed of approximately 10 mph (15 km/h).
    Rear: when the engine is running and reverse gear is selected.

    NOTE:

  • If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will either be activated or deactivated together. They cannot be used separately.
  • The indicator light in the button (see the illustration on page 30) will light up to indicate that park assist system(s) are activated.
    When park assist is actively working:
    1. The audio system's volume will be reduced.
    2. An intermittent signal will be audible from the speakers to indicate that you are approaching a person, object, parked vehicle, etc.
    The signals begin when the distance between the bumper and the object is:
    Rear: approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters)
    Front: approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 meters)
    3. At a distance of approximately 1 foot (30 cm), the signal will become constant.

    Deactivating the system(s)

  • Press the Park assist button on the center console (see page 30) to temporarily deactivate the system(s).
  • The indicator light in the button will go out when the system(s) have been deactivated.
  • If the vehicle is equipped with front and rear park assist, both systems will be deactivated by pressing the button.

    NOTE:
    It may be necessary to deactivate one or both of the park assist systems in certain cases.

  • Rear park assist: towing a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted carrier, etc, could trigger the rear park assist system's sensors.
  • Front park assist: it may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park assist since these lights could trigger the system's sensors.

    Faults in the system
    If a fault should occur in the system, the LED in the button will be switched off and a message will be displayed in the text window.

    Cleaning the sensors
    For the system to function properly, the sensors in the front and/or rear bumpers should be kept clean. They can be cleaned with car washing detergent and a sponge.

    warningWARNING!
    These systems are designed to be a supplementary aid when parking the vehicle. They are not, however, intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.

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