Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2021 year). Manual in english — page 27

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STARTING AND DRIVING

458

CAUTION

Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmis-
sion, driveline, electrical components, etc.)
can be damaged if the vehicle is driven
through water higher than its floor level.
Damage to any components caused by
flooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is not
covered under warranty.

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in
water, do not attempt to restart it. Have
the vehicle towed on the bed of a tow
truck to a workshop - an authorized Volvo
workshop is recommended.

CAUTION

Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-
ing through standing or running water. The
driver is always responsible for operating
the vehicle in a safe manner and adhering
to all applicable laws and regulations.

When you have passed the water, press lightly
on the brake pedal and check that the brakes
are 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 in
water or mud.

Related information

•

Recovery (p. 477)

•

Low Speed Control (p. 450)

Opening/closing the fuel filler door

A button on the instrument panel is used to
unlock the fuel filler door.

An arrow next to the fuel
pump symbol in the instru-
ment panel indicates the side
of the vehicle on which the
fuel filler door is located.

STARTING AND DRIVING

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459

1. Press the button on the dashboard.

> Pressure equalization in the fuel tank

causes a slight delay before the fuel
filler door opens. The message

Preparing for refuel

Fuel lid will be

unlocked when ready

will appear in

the instrument panel. When the system
is ready, the message

Fuel tank

Ready

for refueling

will be shown. If the gas-

oline engine is activated when the but-
ton is pressed, it will usually be deacti-
vated and the vehicle will switch to
electric propulsion.

NOTE

Refueling must be done within approxi-
mately 15 minutes of opening the fuel filler
door. After this time, the valve opened by
pushing the button for opening the fuel
filler door will close and it will no longer be
possible to refuel without the pump's noz-
zle switching off.

If the valve is closed before refueling is
complete - press the button again and wait
until the driver display shows the message

Fuel tank

Ready for refueling

.

2. After refueling, press the fuel filler door

lightly to close it.

Related information

•

Refueling (p. 459)

Refueling

The fuel tank is equipped with a fuel filling
system without a cover.

Refueling the vehicle at a service
station

It is important to insert the pump's nozzle past both

of the two flaps in the fuel filler pipe before beginning

fueling.

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STARTING AND DRIVING

460

Instructions for fueling:

1. Turn off the engine and open the fuel filler

door.

NOTE

Refueling must be done within approxi-
mately 15 minutes of opening the fuel filler
door. After this time, the valve opened by
pushing the button for opening the fuel
filler door will close and it will no longer be
possible to refuel without the pump's noz-
zle switching off.

If the valve is closed before refueling is
complete - press the button again and wait
until the driver display shows the message

Fuel tank

Ready for refueling

.

2. Select a fuel approved for use in the vehi-

cle. For more information on approved
fuels, see the section on “Fuel”.

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

pipe's opening. There are two flaps just
inside the fuel filler pipe and the pump's
nozzle must push both of these flaps open
before fuel can be added.

4. Avoid overfilling the tank. Do not press the

handle on the filler nozzle again after it has
initially stopped pumping.
> The fuel tank is now filled.

NOTE

An over-full tank may overflow in hot
weather.

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.

Refueling from a fuel container

When filling from a fuel container, use the fun-
nel provided in a foam block under the floor
hatch in the cargo compartment.

1. Open the fuel filler door.

2. Insert the funnel into the fuel filler pipe's

opening. There are two flaps just inside
the fuel filler pipe and the tube section of
the funnel must push both of these flaps
open before fuel can be added.

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 are

known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other reproduc-

tive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid

breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine

except as necessary, service your vehicle in

a well ventilated area and wear gloves or

wash your hands frequently when servicing

your vehicle. For more information go to

Related information

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door
(p. 458)

•

Fuel (p. 461)

STARTING AND DRIVING

461

Fuel

Volvo recommends the use of detergent gas-
oline to control engine deposits.

Deposit control gasoline (gasoline
with detergent additives)

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

NOTE

Volvo recommends not using external fuel
injector cleaning systems, e.g. do not add
detergent additives to gasoline before or
after refueling.

Unleaded fuel

All Volvo vehicles have a three-way catalytic
converter and must only use unleaded gaso-
line. US and Canadian regulations require that
pumps delivering unleaded gasoline are
labeled "UNLEADED". Only the nozzles of
these pumps will fit in your vehicle's fuel filler
inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into
a vehicle labeled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way cata-
lytic 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
misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emis-
sion test failure for misfueled vehicles.

NOTE

Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called
methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricar-
bonyl (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 techni-
cian 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 indi-
cating 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 permits the use of the following "oxy-
genated" fuels. However, the specified octane
ratings 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/ETBE: Fuels containing up to
22% MTBE/ETBE by volume 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 sys-
tem. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 462)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler door
(p. 458)

•

Refueling (p. 459)

•

Emission controls (p. 463)

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462

Octane rating

Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane

14

or

higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines, and rec-
ommends AKI 93 for optimal performance
and fuel economy. See decal examples in
illustrations 1 and 2.

Minimum octane

Decals

Illustration 1: Sample fuel pump octane label

14

.

Illustration 2: Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap
on vehicles that require premium fuel

15

.

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline

Volvo endorses the use of "TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline" where available to help main-
tain engine performance and reliability. TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline meets a new stand-
ard jointly established by leading automotive
manufactures to meet the needs of today's
advanced engines. Qualifying gasoline retail-
ers (stations) will, in most cases, identify their
gasoline as having met the "TOP TIER Deter-
gent Gasoline" standards.

NOTE

Information about TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline is available at 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 noticea-
ble.

Fuel Formulations

Do not use gasoline that contains lead or man-
ganese 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
precautions. These may include:

•

standing upwind away from the filler noz-
zle 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.

14

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

15

For supplementary information - see the car's Service and Warranty Booklet.

STARTING AND DRIVING

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463

Use of Additives

With the exception of gas line antifreeze dur-
ing winter months, do not add solvents, thick-
eners, 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 gasoline 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

compartment is ventilated, and immedi-

ately return the vehicle to a trained and

qualified Volvo service technician for cor-

rection.

Demanding driving

In demanding driving conditions, such as
when towing a trailer or driving in hot weather
or for prolonged periods at high altitudes, it

may 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 optimize
traction.

Related information

•

Fuel (p. 461)

•

Emission controls (p. 463)

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 condi-
tions, such as engine overheating or back-
firing. A properly tuned engine will help
avoid malfunctions that could damage the
three-way catalytic converter.

•

Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which
can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system 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 cata-
lytic converter or exhaust system over-
heating.

•

Remember that tampering or unauthor-
ized modifications to the engine, the
Engine Control Module, or the vehicle may
be illegal and can cause three-way cata-
lytic converter or exhaust system over-

14

AKI (Anti Knock Index) is an average value of RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number) - (RON)+(MON)/2

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STARTING AND DRIVING

464

heating. This includes: altering fuel injec-
tion settings or components, 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 oxy-
gen 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 combus-
tion to help reduce harmful emissions.

Related information

•

Octane rating (p. 462)

•

Fuel (p. 461)

Overheating of engine and

transmission

In certain driving conditions, such as driving
in mountainous areas or hot weather, there is
a risk of the engine or transmission overheat-
ing, especially when carrying heavy loads.

•

Engine power may be temporarily limited.

•

Remove any auxiliary lights mounted in
front of the grille when driving in hot
weather.

•

If the temperature in the engine's cooling
system becomes too high, a warning sym-
bol will appear in the instrument panel
along with the message

Engine

temperature

High temperature Stop

safely

. Pull over to a safe location and let

the engine idle for a few minutes to cool
down.

•

If the message

Engine temperature

High temperature Turn off engine

or

Engine coolant

Level low, turn off

engine

is displayed, stop the vehicle 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 be activated, the warning symbol
will illuminate and the message

Transmission warm

Reduce speed to

lower temperature

or

Transmission hot

Stop safely, wait for cooling

will be dis-

played in the instrument panel. Follow the
recommendations given by reducing
speed or stopping the vehicle safely and
letting the engine idle for a few minutes to
let the transmission cool.

•

If the vehicle begins to overheat, the air
conditioning may be temporarily switched
off.

•

After a prolonged period of driving in
demanding conditions, do not turn off the
engine immediately after stopping.

NOTE

It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a short time after the engine is
switched off.

Symbols in the instrument panel

Symbol Meaning

High engine temperature. Follow
the recommendations provided.

Low coolant level. Follow the
recommendations provided.

Transmission hot/overheated/
cooling. Follow the recommen-
dations provided.

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465

Related information

•

Refilling coolant (p. 623)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 472)

•

Preparing for a long trip (p. 456)

Battery drain

The electrical functions in the vehicle drain
the battery to varying degrees. Avoid using
ignition mode

II

when the engine is switched

off. Use ignition mode

I

instead, as this uses

less electrical current.

Note that certain accessories may also drain
power from the electrical system. Do not use
functions that use a lot of electrical current
when the engine is turned off. Examples of
such functions are:

•

blower

•

headlights

•

windshield wipers

•

audio system (especially at high volume).

If the starter battery voltage is low, a message
is shown in the driver display. The vehicle's
energy-saving function will then turn off or
reduce certain functions, such as the blower
and/or the audio system.

–

To charge the battery, start the engine and
let it run for at least 15 minutes (driving
charges the battery faster than letting the
engine idle).

Related information

•

Starter battery (p. 625)

•

Ignition modes (p. 419)

Jump starting using another

battery

If the start battery is discharged, current from
another battery can be used to start the vehi-
cle.

Jumper cable connecting points.

CAUTION

The charging point of the vehicle is only
intended for jump starting the vehicle in
question. The charging point is not
intended for jump-starting another vehicle.
Using the charging point to start another
vehicle could cause a fuse to blow, which
would cause the charging point to stop
working.

If a fuse has blown,

12 V Battery

Fuse failure

Service required

will be displayed in the

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

466

instrument panel. Volvo recommends contact-
ing an authorized Volvo workshop.

To avoid short circuits or other damage, the
following steps are recommended when jump
starting the battery:

1. Put the ignition in mode

0

.

2. Make sure the auxiliary battery (the bat-

tery used to jump start the discharged
battery) has a voltage of 12 volts.

3. If the auxiliary battery is in another vehicle,

turn off that vehicle's engine and make
sure that the vehicles are not touching
each other.

4. Clamp the red jumper cable onto the auxil-

iary battery's positive (+) terminal (1).

CAUTION

Connect the jump cable carefully to pre-
vent short circuits with other components
in the engine compartment.

5. Fold back the cover over your vehicle's

positive (+) jump start terminal (2).

6. Clamp the other end of the red jumper

cable to your vehicle's positive (+) jump
start terminal (2).

7. Clamp the black jumper cable onto the

auxiliary battery's negative (-) terminal (3).

8. Clamp the other end of the black jumper

cable to your vehicle's negative (-) ground
point (4).

9. Make sure the jumper cables are securely

attached to help prevent sparks while
jump starting.

10. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle

and let it run for a few minutes at a higher
idling speed than normal, about
1500 rpm.

11. Start your vehicle's engine. If the engine

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

NOTE

When the engine is started under normal
conditions, the vehicle's electrical drive
motor is prioritized – the gasoline engine
remains off. This means that after the start
knob has been turned clockwise, the elec-
tric motor has "started" and the vehicle is
ready to be driven. Start of the electric
motor is indicated by the indicator lights on
the instrument panel going out and its pre-
selected theme illuminating.

CAUTION

Do not touch the connections between the
cable and the vehicle during the start
attempt. Risk of sparking.

12. Remove the jumper cables in the reverse

order

‒

first the black cables and then the

red cables.

Make sure that none of the clamps of the
black jumper cables come into contact
with either vehicle's positive (+) jump start
terminals or either of the red jumper
cable's connected clamps.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

467

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery

posts, terminals, and related accessories

contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-

cals known to the state of California to

cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash

hands after handling.

WARNING

•

Batteries generate hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive.

•

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

•

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.

•

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.

NOTE

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

Related information

•

Starting the vehicle (p. 416)

•

Ignition modes (p. 419)

•

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 202)

•

Selecting ignition mode (p. 420)

Retractable hitch

*

The retractable hitch is designed to be used
to tow a trailer or mount a bicycle holder. The
hitch can be easily retracted or extended as
needed. When retracted, the hitch is com-
pletely concealed.

WARNING

Follow the instructions for folding in/out

the towbar carefully.

WARNING

Do not press the operating button for the

towbar if a trailer or accessory is attached

to the towbar.

Folding out the hitch

WARNING

Do not stand near the center of the bumper

behind the vehicle when folding out the

towbar.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

468

1.

Open the tailgate. There is a button for
operating the hitch on the right-hand side
at the rear of the cargo compartment.
Steady orange illumination from the indi-
cator light in the button shows that the
folding function is active.

2. Press the button and release – pressing

too long on the button may prevent the
hitch from folding out.

> The hitch will fold out and down to an

unlocked position – the indicator lamp
will flash orange. The hitch is ready to
be moved to the locked position.

3.

Move the hitch to its end position, where it
will lock in place – the indicator lamp will
glow steadily orange.
> The hitch is now ready for use.

CAUTION

When the towbar is activated by pressing
the button and put in unlocked position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before moving the
towbar to locked position. If the towbar
does not remain in locked position, wait a
few more seconds and try again.

Do not kick the towbar.

Retracting the hitch

1. Open the tailgate. Press the button on the

rear, right-hand side of the cargo compart-
ment and release. Pressing too long on
the button may prevent the hitch from
folding in.
> The hitch will automatically fold down

to the unlocked position and the indica-
tor light in the button will flash orange.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

469

2.

Secure the hitch into position by pushing it
back to its retracted position under the
bumper, where it will lock into place.
> The indicator light in the button will

now glow steadily if the hitch is cor-
rectly locked in the retracted position.

CAUTION

When the towbar is activated by pressing
the button and put in unlocked position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before moving the
towbar to locked position. If the towbar
does not remain in locked position, wait a
few more seconds and try again.

Do not kick the towbar.

NOTE

Power save mode will be activated after a
short time and the indicator light will go
out. The system can be reactivated by clos-
ing and then reopening the tailgate. This
applies to both folding in and folding out
the towbar.

If the vehicle's electrical system has
detected an attached trailer, the indicator
light will no longer glow steadily.

CAUTION

Make sure that there is no adapter in the
electrical socket or removable ball section
mounted when the towbar is folded in.

Remove the bicycle holder from the towbar
when it is not being used.

Hitch-mounted bicycle holder

NOTE

The weight limits for trailers and towbar-
mounted accessories differ. A separate
limit applies for each. This towbar is only
designed for towbar-mounted bicycle hold-
ers. All other accessories are not suitable.

Before mounting the bicycle on the bicycle
holder, keep in mind that:

•

The maximum weight for the bicycle
holder including bicycles is 130 lbs/60 kg.
For example: holder 40 lbs + bicycle 30
lbs + bicycle 30 lbs = 100 lbs total > OK

•

Do not mount more than two bicycles

The center of gravity should not exceed the
dimensions:

1. 613 mm (24 1/7 ")
2. 642 mm (25 2/7 ")

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

470

NOTE

Volvo recommends only using Volvo origi-
nal accessories. Follow the instructions
supplied with the product.

CAUTION

•

Never use towbar adapters or towbar
extenders.

•

Only use ball mount for towing. Do not
mount accessories directly on the ball
mount. Use accessories designed to
be mounted in the towbar's square
bracket. Do not use accessories
designed to be secured around the ball
mount.

Loading the bicycle holder

The greater the distance between the load and
the bicycle holder, the greater the load on the
hitch 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 of
the vehicle.

•

Remove loose objects from the bicycle,
such as baskets, batteries or child seats.
This will help reduce the load on the hitch
and the bicycle holder.

•

Do not place a cover over the bicycle as
this could lead to increased load on the
hitch.

Related information

•

Detachable towbar

*

(p. 470)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 472)

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 all
models. Consult your Volvo retailer.

Ball holder

Cotter pin

Towbar assembly

Locking bolt

Safety wire attachment bracket

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

471

Installing the ball holder

1. 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 to
it.

•

Always attach the trailer's safety wire
securely to the towbar's safety wire
attachment bracket.

Removing the ball holder

1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking

bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the
ball 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 faulty

accessories 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; see
geometric limits for the towbar.

Stowing the ball holder

WARNING

When not in use, the detachable ball holder

should always be properly stowed in the

designated location under the floor of the

cargo compartment.

Driving with a trailer

When 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. 467)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 472)

•

Towing capacity and tongue weight
(p. 676)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

472

Driving with a trailer

There are a number of things to consider
when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the
trailer and how the load is distributed in the
trailer.

Load-carrying capacity is determined by the
vehicle's curb weight. The total weight of all
passengers and any installed accessories, e.g.
towbar, reduces the vehicle's load-carrying
capacity by the corresponding amount.

•

Towbars used on the vehicle must be
approved for the applicable use.

•

Distribute the load on the trailer so that
the weight on the towbar complies with
the specified maximum towball weight.
The tongue weight is calculated as part of
the vehicle's payload.

•

Increase the tire pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load.

•

The engine is subjected to more load than
usual 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 the
vehicle is very new. Wait until the mileage
has reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).

•

On long and steep downgrades, the vehi-
cle's brakes are subjected to much more
load 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 a
long and steep incline.

•

The maximum trailer weights given only
apply 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 to
the reduced air density, and the maximum
trailer weight must therefore be reduced.
The weight of the vehicle and trailer must
be decreased by 10% for each additional
1000 m (3280 feet) or part thereof.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 12%.

•

Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.

•

The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).

CAUTION

When towing a trailer using a vehicle with
pneumatic suspension

*

, use the

Suspension Control

Dynamic

setting

in the Individual drive mode.

CAUTION

•

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 author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.

•

When towing a trailer, the trailer's
safety chains or wire must be correctly
fastened to the attachment points pro-
vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.
The safety chain or wire must never be
fastened to or wound around the tow-
ing ball.

NOTE

The optional detachable trailer hitch may
not be available in all markets or on all
models. Consult your Volvo retailer.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

473

NOTE

Extreme weather conditions, towing a
trailer, high altitude and lower fuel grade
than recommended are factors that can
significantly increase the vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.

Trailer weights

WARNING

Please adhere to the recommendations

provided for trailer weight. If the recom-

mendations are not followed, the vehicle

and trailer may be difficult to control during

evasive maneuvers and braking.

NOTE

The specified maximum trailer weights are
those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle
regulations may set additional restrictions
on trailer weight and speed. The trailer
hitches may be certified for higher towing
weights than the vehicle is permitted to
tow.

Self-leveling suspension

*

The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to
keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardless
of load (up to the maximum permitted weight).
When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of

the vehicle will be slightly lowered, which is
normal.

Driving in hilly terrain or hot weather

In certain conditions, there is a risk of over-
heating when driving with a trailer. If overheat-
ing of the engine and drive system is detected,
a warning symbol will illuminate in the instru-
ment panel and a message will appear.

The automatic transmission adapts the gear
for the current load and engine speed.

Steep inclines

Do not lock the automatic transmission into a
higher gear than what the engine can handle

‒

it is not always preferable to drive in high
gears at low rpm.

Parking on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Put the gear selector in

P

.

4. Release the brake pedal.

Put chocks behind the wheels when the vehi-
cle is parked on a hill with a trailer attached.

Starting on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Put the gear selector in

D

.

3. Release the parking brake.

4. Release the brake pedal and start driving.

Related information

•

Trailer Stability Assist

*

(p. 474)

•

Checking trailer lights (p. 475)

•

Towing capacity and tongue weight
(p. 676)

•

Overheating of engine and transmission
(p. 464)

•

Retractable hitch

*

(p. 467)