Volvo XC90 Excellence (2018 year). Instruction

STARTING AND DRIVING

444

Stop safely, wait for cooling

. Follow the

recommendation given, reduce speed or stop
the car in a safe way and allow the engine to
run at idling speed for several minutes to
enable the gearbox to cool down.

•

If the car overheats, the air conditioning may
be switched off temporarily.

•

Do not turn the engine off immediately you
stop after a hard drive.

NOTE

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

Symbols in the driver display

Symbol

Specification

High engine temperature. Follow
the recommendation given.

Low level, coolant. Follow the rec-
ommendation given.

Gearbox hot/overheated/cooled.
Follow the recommendation given.

Related information

•

Topping up coolant (p. 563)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 456)

•

Preparations for a long trip (p. 445)

Overloading the starter battery

The electrical functions in the car load the starter
battery to varying degrees. Avoid using the igni-
tion position II when the car is switched off.
Instead, use ignition position I - which uses less
power.

Also, be aware of different accessories that load
the electrical system. Do not use functions which
use a lot of power when the car is switched off.
Examples of such functions are:

•

ventilation fan

•

headlamps

•

windscreen wiper

•

audio system (high volume).

If the starter battery voltage is low, the message

12 V Battery

Low charge, will soon enter

power save mode

is shown in the driver display.

The energy-saving function then shuts down cer-
tain functions or reduces certain functions such
as the ventilation fan and/or audio system.

–

In which case, charge the starter battery by
starting the car and then running it for at
least 15 minutes - starter battery charging is
more effective during driving than running
the engine at idling speed while stationary.

Related information

•

Ignition positions (p. 413)

•

Starter battery (p. 569)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

445

Preparations for a long trip

Before a driving holiday or some other type of
long journey, it is important to check the car's
functions and equipment particularly carefully.

Check that:

•

the engine is working normally and that fuel
consumption is normal

•

there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)

•

brake force during braking is optimal

•

all lamps are working - adjust headlamp level
if the car is heavily laden

•

the tyres have sufficient tread depth and
pressure. Change to winter tyres when driv-
ing to areas where there is a risk of snowy or
icy road surfaces.

•

starter battery charging is good

•

the wiper blades are in good condition

•

a warning triangle and high-visibility vest are
located in the car - legally required in certain
countries.

Related information

•

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
(p. 610)

•

Checking the tyre pressures (p. 530)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 569)

•

Winter driving (p. 445)

•

Economical driving (p. 449)

•

Settings for car modem

* (p. 512)

•

Recommendations for loading (p. 229)

•

•

•

Road Sign Information with Speed Camera
Information

* (p. 370)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 456)

•

Driving in water (p. 443)

•

Charging cable (p. 464)

•

Alarm

* (p. 267)

•

Level control

* and shock absorption (p. 431)

•

Warning triangle (p. 546)

•

Emergency puncture repair kit (p. 536)

•

Spare wheel

* (p. 544)

Winter driving

For winter driving it is important to perform cer-
tain checks of the car in order to ensure that it
can be driven safely.

Check the following in particular before the cold
season:

•

The engine coolant must contain 50% glycol.
This mixture protects the engine against
frost down to approx. -35°C (-31°F). To avoid
health risks, different types of glycol must not
be mixed.

•

The fuel tank must be kept filled to prevent
condensation.

•

Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate starting
in cold weather and also reduce fuel con-
sumption while the engine is cold. Read
more about suitable oils in the section
"Adverse driving conditions for engine oil".

IMPORTANT

Low viscosity oil must not be used for hard
driving or in hot weather.

•

The condition of the starter battery and
charge level must be inspected. Cold
weather places great demands on the starter

STARTING AND DRIVING

446

battery and its capacity is reduced by the
cold.

•

Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid ice
forming in the washer fluid reservoir.

Slippery driving conditions

To achieve optimum roadholding Volvo recom-
mends using winter tyres on all wheels if there is
a risk of snow or ice.

NOTE

The use of winter tyres is a legal requirement
in certain countries. Studded tyres are not
permitted in all countries.

Practise driving on slippery surfaces under con-
trolled conditions to learn how the car reacts.

Related information

•

Topping up coolant (p. 563)

•

Adverse driving conditions for engine oil
(p. 606)

•

Starter battery (p. 569)

•

Winter wheels (p. 545)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 569)

•

Replacing a wiper blade (p. 567)

•

Parking climate (p. 208)

•

Activating/deactivating defrost of windows
and door mirrors (p. 198)

•

Drive modes (p. 425)

•

Foot brake (p. 433)

•

All-wheel drive (p. 432)

•

Electronic Stability Control ESC (p. 281)

Opening/closing the fuel filler flap

and refuelling

The fuel tank is fitted with a coverless fuel filler
system.

Opening/closing the fuel filler flap

In the driver display, the arrow
next to the tank symbol indi-
cates which side of the car the
fuel filler flap is located.

1. Press the button on the instrument panel.

> Pressure equalisation of the fuel tank

involves a certain delay in opening the
flap. The message

Fuel tank

Fuel lid is

opening

is shown in the driver display,

and then

Fuel tank

Ready for

refuelling

STARTING AND DRIVING

447

2. After refuelling is finished - close the flap

with a gentle press.

Refuelling at a petrol station

Refuelling is carried out as follows.

1. Switch off the car and open the fuel filler

flap.

2. Choose fuel that is approved for use in the

car in accordance with the identifier

on the

inside of the fuel filler flap. See information
on approved fuels and identifier in the sec-
tion on "Petrol".

3. Insert the pump nozzle in the fuel filler open-

ing. The filler pipe has two opening caps. The
pump nozzle must be pushed past both caps
before refuelling is started.

4. Do not overfill the tank but fill until the pump

nozzle cuts out the first time.
> The tank is full.

NOTE

Overfilled fuel in the tank can overflow in hot
weather.

Label

Never use the fuel-driven heater when the car is
in a filling station area.

Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Related information

•

Handling of fuel (p. 448)

•

Petrol (p. 448)

•

Fuel gauge (p. 106)

The identifier in accordance with the CEN standard EN16942 is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap, and will be on corresponding fuel pumps and their nozzles at filling stations throughout Europe by the

end of 2018 at the latest.

STARTING AND DRIVING

448

Handling of fuel

Do not use fuel with a lower quality than that rec-
ommended by Volvo, as this will negatively affect
engine power and fuel consumption.

WARNING

Always avoid inhaling fuel vapour and getting

fuel splashes in the eyes.
In the event of fuel in the eyes, remove any

contact lenses and rinse the eyes in plenty of

water for at least 15 minutes and seek medi-

cal attention.
Never swallow fuel. Fuels such as petrol, bioe-

thanol and mixtures of them and diesel are

highly toxic and could cause permanent injury

or be fatal if swallowed. Seek medical atten-

tion immediately if fuel has been swallowed.

WARNING

Fuel which spills onto the ground can be igni-

ted.
Switch off the fuel-driven heater before star-

ting to refuel.
Never carry an activated mobile phone when

refuelling. The ring signal could cause spark

build-up and ignite petrol fumes, leading to

fire and injury.

IMPORTANT

Mixtures of various fuel types or use of fuels
which are not recommended will invalidate
Volvo's guarantees and any supplementary
service agreements; this is applicable to all
engines.

NOTE

Extreme weather conditions, driving with a
trailer or driving at high altitudes in combina-
tion with fuel grade are factors that could
affect the car's performance.

Related information

•

Petrol (p. 448)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler flap and refu-
elling (p. 446)

•

Economical driving (p. 449)

Petrol

Petrol is a type of engine fuel that is intended for
cars with a petrol engine.

Only use petrol from well-known producers.
Never use fuel of dubious quality. The petrol must
fulfil the EN 228 standard.

Identifier for petrol

The identifier in accordance with the CEN stand-
ard EN16942 is located on the inside of the fuel
filler flap, and will be on corresponding fuel
pumps and their nozzles at filling stations
throughout Europe by the end of 2018 at the lat-
est.

These are the identifiers that apply for current
standard fuels in Europe. Petrol with the following
identifiers may be used in cars with petrol engine:

E5 is a petrol with maximum
2.7% oxygen and maximum
5 volume % ethanol.

E10 is a petrol with maximum
3.7% oxygen and maximum
10 volume % ethanol.

STARTING AND DRIVING

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449

IMPORTANT

•

Fuel that contains up to 10 percent by
volume ethanol is permitted.

•

EN 228 E10 petrol (max
10 percent by volume ethanol) is
approved for use.

•

Ethanol higher than E10 (max.
10 percent by volume ethanol) is not per-
mitted, e.g. E85 is not permitted.

Octane rating

•

95 RON can be used for normal driving.

•

98 RON is recommended for optimum per-
formance and minimum fuel consumption.

When driving in temperatures above +38 °C, fuel
with the highest octane rating is recommended
for optimum performance and fuel economy.

IMPORTANT

•

Use only unleaded petrol to avoid damag-
ing the catalytic converter.

•

Fuel containing metallic additives must
not be used.

•

Do not use any additives which have not
been recommended by Volvo.

Related information

•

Handling of fuel (p. 448)

•

Opening/closing the fuel filler flap and refu-
elling (p. 446)

Economical driving

Drive economically and eco-consciously by driv-
ing smoothly, thinking ahead, and adjusting your
driving style and speed to the prevailing condi-
tions.

Plan for electric operation

It is important to plan carefully when driving in
electric mode in order to achieve the longest
possible driving distance:

Charge

•

Charge the car regularly from the mains
power circuit. Make it a habit to always start
a journey with fully-charged hybrid battery.

•

Find out where the charging stations are
located.

•

If possible, select a parking space with a
charging station.

NOTE

Charge the car from the mains power circuit
as often as possible!

STARTING AND DRIVING

450

Precondition

•

Precondition the car before driving if possible
using the charging cable connected to the
mains power circuit.

•

Avoid parking the car in a way that the inte-
rior cools down or overheats while parking.
Park the car in an acclimated garage, for
example.

•

During a short drive after preconditioning of
the passenger compartment, switch off the
ventilation fan if possible.

•

If preconditioning is not possible when it is
cold outside, use seat heating and steering
wheel heating first of all. Avoid warming up
the whole of the interior which takes energy
from the hybrid battery.

Drive

•

For lowest energy consumption, activate the
Pure drive mode.

•

Drive at a steady speed and keep a good dis-
tance to other vehicles and objects in order
to avoid braking. This driving style results in
the lowest energy consumption.

•

Balance the power requirement using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator for avail-
able electric motor power in the driver display
in order to avoid starting the internal com-
bustion engine unnecessarily. The electric
motor is more efficient that the internal com-
bustion engine, in particular at low speed.

See the section "Hybrid related information
in the driver display".

•

In the event of braking being necessary -
brake gently with the brake pedal, this
recharges the hybrid battery. A regenerative
braking function is built into the brake pedal
and can be reinforced with electric motor
braking in gear position B.

•

High speed results in increased energy con-
sumption - the wind resistance increases
with speed.

•

Select

Hold

in the function view at higher

speeds during journeys which are longer
than the range of the electricity.

•

If possible, avoid using the

Charge

function

to charge the hybrid battery. Charging with
the internal combustion engine increases
fuel consumption and involves increased car-
bon dioxide emissions.

•

Drive with the correct air pressure in the
tyres and check this regularly - select ECO
tyre pressure for best results.

•

Choice of tyres can affect fuel consumption -
seek advice on suitable tyres from a dealer.

•

Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the consump-
tion.

•

A roof load and ski box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher consumption -
remove the load carriers when not in use.

•

Avoid driving with open windows.

•

Do not hold the car stationary on a hill with
the accelerator pedal. Use the foot brake
instead.

Related information

•

Electric operation range in urban environ-
ment (p. 451)

•

Maintain or increase the hybrid battery's
state of charge while driving. (p. 430)

•

Starting and stopping the combustion engine
in Twin Engine (p. 451)

•

Approved tyre pressures (p. 614)

•

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
(p. 610)

•

Drive-E - cleaner driving pleasure (p. 25)

•

Gear positions for automatic gearbox
(p. 419)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

451

Starting and stopping the

combustion engine in Twin Engine

An advanced control system determines the
extent to which the car is driven on internal com-
bustion engine, electric motor or both in parallel.
During electric operation, the car may some-
times need to start the internal combustion
engine automatically due to external circumstan-
ces, e.g. in low outside temperatures, which is
completely normal. In addition, the internal com-
bustion engine always starts when the hybrid
battery reaches its lowest state of charge.

Climate settings at low temperatures

In low outside temperatures, the internal combus-
tion engine sometimes starts automatically in
order to achieve the desired passenger compart-
ment temperature and air quality. The amount of
time that the internal combustion engine runs
can be affected by:

•

lowering the temperature

•

reducing the fan strength

•

activating drive mode

Pure

Electric operation in low or high
temperatures

In low or high outside temperatures, the car's
range and output for electric operation may be
reduced and affect how often the internal com-
bustion engine is started automatically.

Emission control

To ensure optimal operation of the emission con-
trol, the internal combustion engine must be run
for several minutes once it has been started. The
duration of the internal combustion engine's run-
ning time varies depending on the temperature of
the catalytic converter.

Related information

•

Economical driving (p. 449)

•

Drive modes (p. 425)

•

Electric operation range in urban environ-
ment (p. 451)

Electric operation range in urban

environment

The car's range for electric operation depends
on several factors. The ability to achieve a long
range varies according to the circumstances and
conditions under which the car is being driven.

The certified value for the car's mileage on elec-
tric power should not be interpreted as an expec-
ted range. The certified value is a comparison
value that is obtained during special "EU driving
cycles", see the section "Fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions". The actual range depends on
several factors.

Factors that affect the range

The driver can influence some factors, but has no
influence over others.

The longest range is achieved under extremely
favourable conditions when all factors have a
positive impact.

STARTING AND DRIVING

452

Factors the driver cannot influence

There are several external factors that affect the
range in varying degrees:

•

traffic situation

•

short driving distances

•

topography

•

outside temperature and headwind

•

road condition and surface.

The table below shows the approximate relation-
ship between outside temperature and range,
both in a car with deactivated passenger com-
partment climate control, as well as in a car with
normal passenger compartment climate control.

A warmer outside temperature has a positive
effect on range to a certain extent.

Outside
tempera-
ture

Deactivated
passenger
compartment
climate control

Normal pas-
senger com-
partment cli-
mate control

°C

95 %

80 %

°C

100 %

90 %

°C

90 %

80 %

°C

80 %

60 %

-10

°C

70 %

40 %

Factors the driver can influence

The driver should be aware that the following fac-
tors affect the range so he/she can operate the
car in an energy-efficient manner:

•

regular charging

•

preconditioning

•

drive mode Pure

•

climate settings

•

speed and acceleration

•

Hold

function

•

tyres and tyre pressure.

The table below shows the approximate relation-
ship between constant speed and range, where a
lower constant speed has a positive effect on
range.

Constant speed

100 km/h (62 mph)

50 %

80 km/h (50 mph)

70 %

60 km/h (37 mph)

90 %

50 km/h (31 mph)

100 %

NOTE

•

The values shown in the tables relate to a
new car.

•

These are not absolute values, but are
dependent upon driving behaviour, envi-
ronment and other circumstances.

Driving with electric operation

Select drive mode Pure for the most energy-effi-
cient driving - to get as far as possible with elec-
tric power alone.

Select

Hold

with the function button in the cen-

tre display at higher speeds during journeys
which are longer than the range of the electricity.

Related information

•

Economical driving (p. 449)

•

Maintain or increase the hybrid battery's
state of charge while driving. (p. 430)

•

Drive modes (p. 425)

•

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
(p. 610)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

453

Towing bracket

The car can be equipped with a towing bracket
that makes it possible to tow e.g. a trailer after
the car.

There may be different towing bracket variants
available for the car; contact a Volvo dealer for
more information.

For information on towing capacity and towball
load, see the section "Towing capacity and tow-
ball load".

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the constant
battery voltage to the trailer connector can be
switched off automatically so as not to drain
the starter battery.

IMPORTANT

The towball needs regular cleaning and lubri-
cation with grease in order to prevent wear.

NOTE

When a hitch with a vibration damper is used,
the towball must not be lubricated.

This also applies when fitting a bicycle rack
that is clamped in around the towball.

NOTE

If the car is equipped with a towing bracket,
there is no rear mounting for a towing eye.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 456)

•

Towing capacity and towball load (p. 602)

•

Trailer Stability Assist

* (p. 459)

•

Towing bracket specifications

* (p. 455)

•

Extendable/retractable towing brackets

(p. 453)

Extendable/retractable towing

brackets

The extendable/retractable towing hitch is
always easily accessible and simple to extend or
retract as needed. In the retracted position, the
towing hitch is completely concealed.

WARNING

Follow the instructions for retracting and

extending the towing bracket carefully.

Extending the towing hitch

WARNING

Avoid standing close to the bumper in the

centre behind the car when extending the

towing hitch.

STARTING AND DRIVING

454

1. Open the tailgate. A button for extending/

retracting the towbar is located on the right-
hand side at the rear of the cargo area. An
indicator lamp in the button must illuminate
with a constant orange glow for the exten-
sion function to be active.

2. Press and release the button - extension

might not start if the button is pressed for
too long.
> The towbar extends out and down in an

unlocked position - the indicator lamp
flashes orange.

WARNING

Do not press the extend/retract button if a

trailer is attached to the towing bracket.

NOTE

The towbar must finish the extension proce-
dure before it can then be moved to locked
position. This procedure may take several
seconds. If the towbar is not fixed in locked
position, wait a few seconds and try again.

3. Move the towbar to its end position, where it

is secured and locked in place - the indicator
lamp illuminates with a constant orange
glow.
> The towbar is ready for use.

WARNING

Take care to secure the trailer's safety cable

in the intended bracket.

NOTE

Power save mode activates after a while and
the indicator lamp goes out. The system is
reactivated by closing and opening the tail-
gate. This applies when retracting or extend-
ing the towing bracket.

If the car detects a connected trailer electri-
cally, the indicator lamp stops illuminating
with a constant glow.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

455

Retracting the towing hitch

IMPORTANT

Make sure that there is no plug or adapter in
the electrical socket when retracting the tow-
ing bracket.

1. Open the tailgate. Press and release the but-

ton on the right-hand side at the rear of the
cargo area - retraction might not start if the
button is pressed for too long.
> The towing bracket automatically lowers in

an unlocked position - the indicator lamp
in the button flashes orange.

2. Lock the towing bracket by moving it back to

its retracted position, where it is locked.
> The indicator lamp will now illuminate with

a constant glow if the towing bracket is
correctly retracted.

Related information

•

Towing bracket

* (p. 453)

•

Towing bracket specifications

* (p. 455)

Towing bracket specifications

Dimensions and mounting points for the towing
bracket.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

456

Dimensions, mounting points (mm)

1476

875

437,5

See the image above

273

Ball centre

Related information

•

Towing bracket

* (p. 453)

Driving with a trailer

When driving with a trailer, there are a number of
points that are important to think about regar-
ding the towing bracket, the trailer and how the
load is positioned in the trailer.

Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's pay-
load by a corresponding weight.

The car is supplied with the necessary equipment
for towing a trailer.

•

The car's towing bracket must be of an
approved type.

•

Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towing bracket complies with
the specified maximum towball load. Towball
load is calculated as part of the car's payload.

•

Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load. For more
information on tyre pressure, see the section
"Approved tyre pressures".

•

The engine is loaded more heavily than usual
when driving with a trailer.

•

Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
brand new. Wait until it has been driven at
least 1000 km (620 miles).

•

The brakes are loaded much more than usual
on long and steep downhill slopes. Downshift

to a lower gear when shifting manually and
adjust your speed.

•

Follow the regulations in force for the permit-
ted speeds and weights.

•

Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep ascents.

•

The maximum indicated trailer weight only
applies to heights up to 1000 metres above
sea level (3280 ft). At higher elevations, the
engine output and the vehicle's climbing abil-
ity are reduced due to the reduced air den-
sity, and the maximum trailer load must
therefore be reduced. The weight of the car
and trailer must be decreased by 10% for
each additional 1000 m (3280 ft) (or part
thereof).

•

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

NOTE

Extreme weather conditions, driving with a
trailer or driving at high altitudes in combina-
tion with fuel quality are factors that consider-
ably increase the car's fuel consumption.

Trailer connector

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

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

457

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the constant
battery voltage to the trailer connector can be
switched off automatically so as not to drain
the starter battery.

Trailer weights

Information about Volvo's permitted trailer
weights is available in the article "Towing
capacity and towball load".

WARNING

Follow the stated recommendations for trailer

weights. Otherwise, the car and trailer may be

difficult to control in the event of sudden

movement and braking.

NOTE

The stated maximum permitted trailer weights
are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle
regulations can further limit trailer weights
and speeds. Towbars can be certified for
higher towing weights than the car can
actually tow.

Level control

The car's system for level control endeavours to
maintain a constant height regardless of load (up
to the maximum permissible weight). When the

car is stationary the rear of the car lowers slightly,
which is normal.

When driving in hilly terrain and hot
climates

Under certain circumstances, there may be a risk
of overheating when towing a trailer. In the event
of overheating, a warning symbol illuminates in
the driver display together with a message, see
section "Overheating in the engine and drive sys-
tem".

The automatic gearbox selects the optimum gear
related to load and engine speed.

Steep inclines

Do not lock the automatic gearbox in a higher
gear than the engine "can cope with" - it is not
always a good idea to drive at a high gear with
low engine speed.

Parking on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Activate the parking brake.

3. Select gear position P.

4. Release the brake pedal.

Block the wheels with chocks when parking a car
with hitched trailer on a hill.

Starting on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Select gear position D.

3. Releasing the parking brake.

4. Release the brake pedal and start driving off.

Related information

•

Towing bracket

* (p. 453)

•

Trailer lamps (p. 458)

•

Towing capacity and towball load (p. 602)

•

Trailer Stability Assist

* (p. 459)

•

Approved tyre pressures (p. 614)

•

Low speed control (p. 441)

•

Overheating in the engine and drive system
(p. 443)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

458

Trailer lamps

When connecting a trailer - check that all the
trailer lamps work before departure.

Direction indicators and brake lights on
the trailer

If one or more of the trailer's direction indicators
or brake light bulbs is broken, the driver display
shows a symbol and a message. Other lamps on
the trailer must be checked manually by the
driver before departure, see the heading "Check-
ing trailer lamps".

Symbol

Message

•

Trailer turn indicator

Right

turn indicator malfunction

•

Trailer turn indicator

Left

turn indicator malfunction

•

Trailer brake light

Malfunc-

tion

If any lamp for the trailer's direction indicators is
broken, the driver display symbol for direction
indicators will also flash more quickly than nor-
mal.

Rear fog lamp on trailer

When connecting the trailer, the rear fog lamp
may not light up on the car. In such cases, the
rear fog lamp function switches to the trailer.

Upon activation of the rear fog lamp, check
therefore that the trailer is equipped with a rear
fog lamp to travel safely.

Checking trailer lamps

Automatic checking

After a trailer is connected electrically, it is possi-
ble to check that the trailer lamps are working via
an automatic lamp activation. The function helps
the driver check that the trailer lamps are working
before starting off.

The engine must be switched off to perform the
check.

1. When a trailer is connected to the towing

bracket, the

Automatic Trailer Lamp

Check

message is shown in the driver dis-

play.

2. Confirm the message by pressing the right-

hand steering wheel keypad's O button.
> The lamp check starts.

3. Exit the car to check lamp functionality.

> All trailer lamps start to flash - then the

lamps are switched on one at a time.

4. Visually check that all lamps available on the

trailer are operational.

5. After a moment, all lamps on the trailer flash

again.
> The check is complete.

Switching off automatic checking

The automatic checking function can be switched
off in the centre display.

1. Press

Settings

in the top view.

2. Press

My Car

Lights and Lighting

3. Deselect

Automatic Trailer Lamp Check

Manual checking

If the automatic checking is switched off then it is
possible to start the check manually.

1. Press

Settings

in the top view.

2. Press

My Car

Lights and Lighting

3. Select

Manual Trailer Lamp Check

> The lamp check starts. Exit the car to

check lamp functionality.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 456)

•

Towing bracket

* (p. 453)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

459

Trailer Stability Assist

The function of the trailer stability assist (TSA

)

is to stabilise cars with attached trailers in situa-
tions where they begin snaking. The function is
included in the stability system ESC

Reasons for snaking

The snaking phenomenon can occur with any
car/trailer combination. Snaking normally occurs
at high speeds. But, there is a risk of it occurring
at lower speeds if the trailer is overloaded or the
load is improperly distributed, e.g. too far back.

In order for snaking to occur, there must be a
triggering factor, e.g.:

•

Car with trailer subjected to a sudden and
powerful side wind.

•

Car with trailer drives on an uneven road sur-
face or in a pothole.

•

Sweeping steering wheel movements.

If snaking has started, it could be difficult or even
impossible to suppress. This makes the car/
trailer combination difficult to control and there is
a risk that you could, for example, end up in the
wrong lane or leave the carriageway.

Trailer Stability Assist function

The trailer stability assist function continually
monitors car movements, particularly lateral

movements. If snaking is detected, the front
wheels are individually braked. This serves to sta-
bilise the car/trailer combination. This is often
enough to help the driver regain control of the
car.

If snaking is not eliminated the first time that
trailer stability assist comes into action, the car/
trailer combination is braked with all wheels and
engine power is reduced. Once snaking has been
gradually suppressed and the car/trailer combi-
nation is stable once again, the system stops
regulating and the driver once again has full con-
trol of the car.

NOTE

The stability function is deactivated if the
driver selects Sport mode by deactivating

ESC

via the menu system in the centre dis-

play.

The trailer stability assist may fail to engage if the
driver uses severe steering wheel movements to
try to rectify the snaking because in such a situa-
tion the system cannot determine whether it is
the trailer or the driver that is causing the snak-
ing.

When trailer stability assist is
operating, the ESC symbol
flashes in the driver display.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 456)

•

Electronic Stability Control ESC (p. 281)

Trailer Stability Assist

Electronic Stability Control (Electronic stability control)

Volvo XC90 Excellence (2018 year). Instruction - part 27