Volvo XC90 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 24

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

407

Ignition modes

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

To enable the use of a limited number of func-
tions when the engine is not running, the igni-
tion can be put in one of three different levels:

0

, 

I

 and 

II

. These levels are referred to as "igni-

The following table shows which functions are
available in each ignition mode:

Mode Functions

0

•

The odometer, clock and tem-
perature gauge are illumi-
nated

A

.

•

The power

*

 seats can be

adjusted.

•

The power windows can be
used.

•

The center display is activated
and can be used

A

.

•

The infotainment system can
be used

A

.

In this mode, the functions are
available for a limited time and
then switch off automatically.

Mode Functions

I

•

The panoramic roof, power
windows, 12-volt electrical
socket in the passenger com-
partment, Bluetooth, naviga-
tion, phone, blower and wind-
shield wipers can be used.

•

The power seats can be
adjusted.

•

The 12-volt electrical socket

*

 in

the cargo compartment can be
used.

Electrical current will be taken
from the battery in this ignition
mode.

II

•

The headlights illuminate.

•

Warning/indicator lights illumi-
nate for 5 seconds.

•

A number of other systems are
activated. However, seat and
rear window heating can only
be activated when the engine
is running.

This ignition mode uses a lot of
current from the battery and
should be avoided whenever
possible!

A

Also activated when the door is opened.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

408

Related information

•

Starting the vehicle (p. 404)

•

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 208)

•

Jump starting using another battery
(p. 450)

•

Selecting ignition mode (p. 408)

Selecting ignition mode

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

Selecting an ignition mode

Start knob in the tunnel console.

•

Ignition mode 0

 – Unlock the vehicle and

keep the remote key in the passenger
compartment.

NOTE

To set level 

I

 or 

II

 

without

 engine start –

do 

not

 depress the brake pedal (or clutch

pedal for vehicles with manual transmis-
sion) when selecting this ignition mode.

•

Ignition mode I

 – Turn the start knob

clockwise and release it. The control will

automatically return to the original posi-
tion.

•

Ignition mode II

 – Turn the start knob

clockwise and hold it there for
approx. 5 seconds. Release the knob,
which will automatically return to its origi-
nal position.

•

Back to ignition mode 0

 – To return to

ignition mode 

0

 from modes 

I

 and 

II

, turn

the start knob clockwise and release it.
The control will automatically return to the
original position.

Related information

•

Starting the vehicle (p. 404)

•

Switching off the vehicle (p. 406)

•

Ignition modes (p. 407)

•

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 208)

•

Jump starting using another battery
(p. 450)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

409

Brake functions

The vehicle's brakes are used to reduce
speed or prevent the vehicle from rolling.

In addition to the wheel brakes and parking
brakes, the vehicle is also equipped with a
number of automatic brake assist functions.
These systems provide assistance by e.g. the
driver not needing to depress the brake pedal
at a traffic light, when starting up a hill or
when driving down a hill.

Depending on how the vehicle is equipped,
the following brake assist functions may be
included:

•

Auto-hold brake function at a standstill
(Auto Hold)

•

Hill Start Assist (Hill Start Assist)

•

Braking assist after a collision

•

City Safety

•

Hill Descent Control (Hill Descent
Control)

*

Related information

•

Brakes (p. 409)

•

Parking brake (p. 412)

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 415)

•

Braking assist after a collision (p. 417)

•

Hill Start Assist (p. 417)

•

City Safety

™

 (p. 335)

•

Hill Descent Control

*

 (p. 440)

Brakes

The brake pedal is used to apply the vehicle's
regular brakes, which are part of the brake
system.

The vehicle is equipped with two brake cir-
cuits. If one brake circuit is damaged, the
brake pedal may go down further when
depressed. More pressure will then be
required from the driver for normal braking
effect.

The driver's pressure on the brake pedal is
enhanced by a power braking function.

WARNING

Power braking only functions if the engine

is running.

If the brake pedal is used when the engine is
turned off, the pedal will feel stiffer than usual
and greater pressure must be applied to brake
the vehicle.

In very hilly areas or when driving with a heavy
load, engine braking in manual gear should be
used to augment the brakes. Engine braking is
most effective if the same gear is used both
uphill and downhill. Use the Off Road

*

 drive

mode to increase the engine braking effect
when driving on steep downgrades at low
speeds.

Anti-lock brakes

The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS

2

), which helps prevent

the wheels from locking and helps maintain
steering control when braking. Vibrations may
be felt from the brake pedal when ABS is
operating, which is normal.

After the vehicle is started, a brief test of the
ABS system is automatically performed when
the driver releases the brake pedal. An addi-
tional automatic test of the system may be
performed when the vehicle is traveling at a
low speed. During the test, the brake pedal
may feel as though it is pulsating.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

410

Symbols in the instrument panel

Symbol Meaning

A

B

Check the brake fluid level. If the
level is low, fill brake fluid and
check to determine the reason
for the loss of brake fluid.

A

B

Steady glow for 2 seconds after
the engine is started: Automatic
function check.

Steady glow for more than 2
seconds: Fault in the ABS sys-
tem. The vehicle's regular brake
system is still working, but with-
out the ABS function.

A

In Canada.

B

In the US.

WARNING

If the warning symbols for both brake fault

and ABS fault are lit simultaneously, there

may be a fault in the brake system.

•

If the brake fluid reservoir level is nor-
mal when this occurs, drive carefully to
the nearest workshop to have the
brake system checked - an authorized
Volvo workshop is recommended.

•

If the brake fluid has fallen below the

MIN

 level in the brake fluid reservoir,

the vehicle should not be driven until
the brake fluid has been filled. The rea-
son for the brake fluid loss must be
checked.

Related information

•

Brake Assist System (p. 410)

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 415)

•

Hill Start Assist (p. 417)

•

Braking on wet roads (p. 411)

•

Braking on salted roads (p. 411)

•

Maintenance of the brake system (p. 411)

•

Brake lights (p. 165)

Brake Assist System

The brake enhancing system, (BAS

3

), helps

increase braking force and can thereby
reduce braking distance.

The system monitors the driver's braking hab-
its and increases braking force when neces-
sary. Braking force can be increased up to the
point at which the ABS intervenes.

NOTE

When BAS is activated, depress and hold
down the brake pedal as long as needed.

Related information

•

Brakes (p. 409)

2

Anti-lock Braking System

3

Brake Assist System

STARTING AND DRIVING

411

Braking on wet roads

Prolonged driving in heavy rain without brak-
ing may cause braking effect to be slightly
delayed the first time the brakes are applied.

This may also occur after washing the vehicle.
It will then be necessary to apply greater pres-
sure to the brake pedal. You should therefore
maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.

Firmly apply the brakes after washing the
vehicle or driving on wet roads. This helps
warm up the brake discs, enabling them to dry
more quickly and protecting them against cor-
rosion. Consider the current traffic situation
when braking.

Related information

•

Brakes (p. 409)

•

Braking on salted roads (p. 411)

Braking on salted roads

When driving on salted roads, a layer of salt
may form on the brake discs and brake pads.

This could increase stopping distance. Main-
tain an extra large safety distance to the vehi-
cle ahead. Make sure to also:

•

Apply the brakes from time to time to help
remove salt. Make sure braking does not
pose a risk to any other road users.

•

Gently apply the brakes when you have
finished driving and before driving again.

Related information

•

Brakes (p. 409)

•

Braking on wet roads (p. 411)

Maintenance of the brake system

Regularly check the brake system compo-
nents for wear.

To keep the vehicle as safe and reliable as
possible, follow the Volvo service schedule
specified in the Warranty and Maintenance
Records Information booklet. After replacing
brake pads and brake discs, braking effect is
not adapted until they are "broken in" by driv-
ing a few hundred kilometers (miles). Com-
pensate for the reduced braking effect by
applying greater pressure to the brake pedal.
Volvo recommends only using brake pads
approved for your Volvo.

CAUTION

The brake system's components should be
regularly checked for wear.

Contact a workshop for advice on how to
do this or let a workshop perform the
inspection - an authorized Volvo workshop
is recommended.

Related information

•

Brakes (p. 409)

STARTING AND DRIVING

412

Parking brake

The parking brake helps keep the vehicle sta-
tionary by mechanically locking two wheels.

The parking brake controls are located in the tunnel

console between the seats.

When the electric parking brake is being
applied, a faint sound can be heard from the
brake's electric motor. This sound can also be
heard during the automatic function check of
the parking brake.

If the vehicle is stationary when the parking
brake is activated, it will only be applied to the
rear wheels. If it is activated while the vehicle
is moving, the normal brakes will be used on
all four wheels. Braking will be transferred to
only the rear wheels when the vehicle is
almost stopped.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating the parking
brake (p. 412)

•

Parking on a hill (p. 414)

•

Parking brake malfunction (p. 414)

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 415)

Activating and deactivating the

parking brake

Use the parking brake to help keep the vehi-
cle stationary when it is parked.

Activating the parking brake

1. Pull up the control.

> The symbol in the instrument panel will

illuminate when the parking brake is
activated.

2. Make sure the vehicle is stationary.

STARTING AND DRIVING

413

Symbol in the instrument panel

Symbol Meaning

A

B

The symbol will be illuminated
when the parking brake is acti-
vated.

A flashing symbol indicates that
a fault has been detected. Read
the message in the instrument
panel.

A

Canadian models.

B

US models.

Automatic activation

The parking brake is applied automatically

•

when the ignition is switched off and the
setting for automatically activating the
parking brake is activated in the center
display.

•

when the gear selector is moved to 

P

 on a

steep hill.

•

if the auto-hold brake (automatic brake at
standstill) function is activated and

•

the vehicle has been stationary for a
prolonged period of time (5-10
minutes).

•

the vehicle is switched off.

•

the driver has left the vehicle.

Emergency braking

In an emergency, the parking brake can be
activated when the vehicle is moving by pull-
ing and holding up the control. The braking
process is canceled when the control is
released or if the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

NOTE

In case of emergency braking at high
speeds, a signal sounds during the brake
procedure.

Deactivating the parking brake

Deactivating manually

The parking brake can only be deactivated if
the engine is running.

1. Depress the brake pedal firmly.

2. Press the control.

> The parking brake will release and the

symbol in the instrument panel will go
out.

Deactivating automatically

1. Start the vehicle.

2. Depress the brake pedal firmly. Move the

gear selector to 

D

 or 

R

 and press the

accelerator pedal.
> The parking brake will release and the

symbol in the instrument panel will go
out.

NOTE

For automatic deactivation to be possible,
the driver's seat belt must be buckled or
the driver's door closed.

Related information

•

Settings for automatically activating the
parking brake (p. 414)

•

Parking brake malfunction (p. 414)

•

Parking brake (p. 412)

•

Parking on a hill (p. 414)

STARTING AND DRIVING

414

Settings for automatically

activating the parking brake

Choose whether the parking brake should be
activated automatically when the vehicle is
switched off.

To change this setting:

1. Tap 

Settings

 in the center display's Top

view.

2. Tap 

My Car

Parking Brake and

Suspension

 and select or deselect the

Auto Activate Parking Brake

 function.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating the parking
brake (p. 412)

•

Parking brake (p. 412)

Parking on a hill

Always use the parking brake when parking
on a hill.

WARNING

Always apply the parking brake when park-

ing on an incline. Selecting a gear or put-

ting the automatic transmission in 

P

 may

not be sufficient to keep the vehicle sta-

tionary in all situations.

If the vehicle is pointing uphill:

•

Turn the front wheels so they are pointing

away from

 the curb.

If the vehicle is pointing downhill:

•

Turn the front wheels so they are pointing

toward

 the curb.

Heavy load uphill

Heavy loads, such as a trailer, could cause the
vehicle to roll backward when the parking
brake is released automatically on steep uphill
gradients. To help avoid this, pull the control
upward while you are driving away. Release
the control when the vehicle gains traction.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating the parking
brake (p. 412)

Parking brake malfunction

If you are unable to deactivate or activate the
parking brake after several attempts, contact
an authorized Volvo workshop.

A audible warning signal will sound if the park-
ing brake is activated while the vehicle is
being driven.

If the vehicle must be parked before the prob-
lem is rectified, turn the wheels as when park-
ing on an incline and put the gear selector in

P

.

Low battery charge level

If the battery charge level is too low, it will not
be possible to activate or deactivate the park-
ing brake. Connect an auxiliary battery to the
vehicle if the battery is discharged.

Replacing brake pads

Due to the design of the electric parking
brake, the rear brake pads must be replaced
by a workshop. An authorized Volvo workshop
is recommended.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

415

Symbols in the instrument panel

Symbol Meaning

A

B

A flashing symbol indicates that
a fault has been detected. See
the message in the instrument
panel.

A

B

Fault in the brake system. See
the message in the instrument
panel.

Information message in the
instrument panel.

A

Canadian models.

B

US models.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating the parking
brake (p. 412)

•

Parking on a hill (p. 414)

•

Starter battery (p. 610)

•

Volvo's service program (p. 592)

Auto-hold brakes

With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver
can release the brake pedal and the brakes
will remain applied, for example, when the
vehicle has stopped at a traffic light or inter-
section.

When the vehicle stops, the brakes are acti-
vated automatically. The function can use
either the normal brakes or the parking brakes
to keep the vehicle stationary and works on
flat surfaces or hills. If the driver has their seat
belt fastened and/or if the driver's door is
closed, the brakes will disengage automati-
cally when the vehicle starts driving.

NOTE

When braking to a stop on an uphill or
downhill gradient, depress the brake pedal
with slightly more force than usual before
releasing to ensure that the vehicle cannot
move at all.

The parking brake is activated if

•

the vehicle is switched off.

•

the driver's door is opened

•

the driver's seat belt is removed

•

the vehicle has been stationary for a pro-
longed period of time (5-10 minutes)

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

416

Symbols in the instrument panel

Symbol Meaning

This symbol illuminates when the
function is using the normal
brakes to keep the vehicle sta-
tionary.

A

B

This symbol illuminates when the
function is using the parking
brake to keep the vehicle station-
ary.

A

Canadian models.

B

US models.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating Auto-hold at a
standstill (p. 416)

•

Brakes (p. 409)

•

Parking brake (p. 412)

•

Hill Start Assist (p. 417)

Activating and deactivating Auto-

hold at a standstill

The Auto-hold brake function at a standstill is
activated with the button in the tunnel con-
sole.

–

Press the button in the tunnel console to
activate or deactivate the function.
> The indicator light in the button will illu-

minate when the function is activated.
The function will remain active the next
time the vehicle is started.

When shutting off

If the function is active and holding
the vehicle stationary using the nor-
mal brakes (A symbol lit in the
instrument panel), the brake pedal

must be depressed while pressing the button
in order to deactivate Auto-hold.

•

The function will remain off until it is reac-
tivated.

•

When Auto-hold is switched off, Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will remain active to help
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward
when starting up a hill.

Related information

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 415)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

417

Hill Start Assist

The function for assisting when starting the
vehicle on inclines (HSA

4

) helps prevent the

vehicle from rolling backward when starting
on an uphill gradient. When backing up a hill,
HSA helps prevent the vehicle from rolling
forward.

The function retains pressure from the brake
pedal in the brake system for several seconds
after the brake pedal has been released.

This temporary braking effect is released after
a few seconds or when the driver begins driv-
ing.

Hill Start Assist is activated when the vehicle
is stopped on steep inclines. The function is
available even when the Auto-hold brake func-
tion is switched off.

Related information

•

Auto-hold brakes (p. 415)

•

Brakes (p. 409)

Braking assist after a collision

In a collision in which the activation level is
reached for the pyrotechnic seat belt tension-
ers or airbags, or if a collision with a large ani-
mal is detected, the vehicle's brakes will be
automatically activated. This function is
intended to help prevent or reduce the effects
of any subsequent collision.

After a serious collision, it may no longer be
possible to control and steer the vehicle. In
order to avoid or mitigate a possible further
collision with a vehicle or an object in the vehi-
cle's path, the brake assist system is activated
automatically to help stop the vehicle safely.

If braking is not appropriate, e.g. if there is a
risk of being hit by passing traffic, the driver
can override the system by depressing the
accelerator pedal.

This function assumes that the brake system
is intact after a collision.

Related information

•

Rear Collision Warning

*

 (p. 355)

•

BLIS

*

 (p. 356)

•

Brake functions (p. 409)

Regenerative braking

*

The vehicle recovers kinetic energy during
braking in order to reduce fuel consumption
and emissions.

The battery symbol is shown in the
instrument panel when the vehicle is
generating power for the battery

5

.

The function is available in all drive modes
together with gear selector position 

D

 or 

M

.

Activating brake regeneration

Brake regeneration is activated by gentle pres-
sure on the brake pedal or during engine brak-
ing.

Regeneration increases during engine braking
if manual gear selector position 

M

 is selected.

Related information

•

Drive modes

*

 (p. 425)

•

Shifting gears with automatic transmis-
sion (p. 419)

4

Hill Start Assist

5

The symbol is used in vehicles with 48 V batteries.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

418

Transmission

The transmission is part of the vehicle's drive-
line (power transmission) between the engine
and the drive wheels. The function of the
transmission is to change gears depending
on speed and power needs.

The vehicle has an 8-speed automatic trans-
mission. The number of gears allows the
engine's torque and power band to be effec-
tively utilized.

Two of the gears are overdrive gears that save
fuel when driving at a constant engine speed.
Both the gear selector and the steering wheel
paddles can be used to shift up or down man-
ually. The selected gear selector position will
be displayed in the instrument panel.

Related information

•

Automatic transmission (p. 418)

Automatic transmission

Gear position is selected automatically to
make driving as energy efficient as possible.
The transmission also has a manual mode.

The transmission is available in two different
versions. The gear selector indicates which
transmission the vehicle has. The various gear
selectors have different functions.

Overview of large gear selector and gear shift pattern

in the instrument panel.

Overview of small gear selector and gear shift pat-

tern in the instrument panel.

The selected gear selector position is dis-
played in the instrument panel:

P

, 

R

, 

N

, 

D

 or 

M

.

Related information

•

Shifting gears with automatic transmis-
sion (p. 419)

•

Using the steering wheel paddles

*

 to shift

(p. 421)

•

Shiftlock (p. 423)

•

The kickdown function (p. 424)

•

The Launch function

*

 (p. 424)

•

Automatic transmission symbols and mes-
sages (p. 425)

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

419

Shifting gears with automatic

transmission

For the small gear selector, change gear posi-
tion by pushing the spring-loaded gear selec-
tor forward or rearward, or to the side for
manual shifting. For the large gear selector,
you instead move the gear selector to the left
for manual shifting.

Selecting gears

Large gear selector and gear selector positions over-

view.

Small gear selector and gear selector positions over-

view.

Gear selector positions

Parking – P

Overview of gear selector and gear position P for the

small gear selector.

For the small gear selector, Park is activated
using the 

P

 button next to the gear selector.

For the large gear selector, Park is activated
by moving the gear selector to position 

P

.

In the 

P

 position, the transmission is mechani-

cally locked.

Select 

P

 position when the vehicle is parked.

The vehicle can be started when it is in 

P

 posi-

tion. The vehicle must be stationary when 

P

 is

selected.

When parking – apply the parking brake
before shifting to position 

P

.

WARNING

Always apply the parking brake when park-

ing on an incline. Selecting a gear or put-

ting the automatic transmission in 

P

 may

not be sufficient to keep the vehicle sta-

tionary in all situations.

NOTE

The gear selector must be in position 

P

 in

order to lock the vehicle and set the alarm.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

420

Help functions

6

The system will switch to the 

P

 position auto-

matically:

•

if the ignition is switched off while 

D

 or 

R

is selected.

•

if the driver unbuckles the seat belt and
opens the driver's door while the vehicle is
running with a gear other than 

P

 selected.

To park a vehicle with an unbuckled seat belt
and open door – end 

P

 mode by shifting to 

R

or 

D

 again.

If the vehicle is switched off in gear position

N

, it will not automatically switch to the 

P

position. This makes it possible to wash the
vehicle in an automatic car wash.

Reverse – R

Select 

R

 when backing up. The vehicle must

be stationary when 

R

 is selected.

Neutral – N

In 

N

 position, the vehicle can roll freely. The

vehicle can be started when it is in 

N

 position.

Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is sta-
tionary with the gear selector in the 

N

 posi-

tion.

To move to another gear position when 

N

 is

selected, the brake pedal must be depressed
and the ignition in mode 

II

. For vehicles with

the small gear selector, the engine must be
running.

D drive mode

D

 is the normal driving gear position. The

transmission shifts up or down automatically
depending on acceleration and speed.

The vehicle must be stationary when the gear
selector is moved from 

R

 to 

D

.

Manual position – M

Overview of gear shift pattern in the instrument

panel for large gear selector.

With position 

M

, it is possible to shift gears

manually. Engine braking will occur when the
accelerator pedal is released.

The 

M

 position is selected by moving the gear

selector to the side from 

D

 to the end position

at "

±

".

•

Push the gear selector forward toward 

+

(plus) and release to shift up one gear.

•

Pull the gear selector backward toward 

–

(minus) and release to shift down one
gear.

•

Push the gear selector to the side to the
end position at 

D

 to return to 

D

 mode.

Overview of gear shift pattern in the instrument

panel for the small gear selector.

With position 

M

, it is possible to shift gears

manually. Engine braking will occur when the
accelerator pedal is released.

M

 position is selected by moving the gear

selector rearward from 

D

.

6

Applies to vehicles with the small gear selector.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

421

•

Push the gear selector to the right toward
"

+

" (plus) and release to shift up one gear.

•

Push the gear selector to the left toward
"

–

" (minus) and release to shift down one

gear.

•

Push the gear selector rearward to return
to 

D

 mode.

For smooth shifting and engine performance,
the transmission will shift down automatically
if the vehicle's speed becomes too low for the
selected gear.

Related information

•

Automatic transmission (p. 418)

•

Shiftlock (p. 423)

•

Using the steering wheel paddles

*

 to shift

(p. 421)

•

The kickdown function (p. 424)

Using the steering wheel paddles

*

to shift

The steering wheel paddles are a supplement
to the gear selector and make it possible to
shift manually without removing your hands
from the steering wheel.

The function is available in position 

D

 or 

M

.

"

-

": Shift down one gear.

"

+

": Shift up one gear.

Change

To shift:

–

Pull one of the paddles toward the steer-
ing wheel and then release.

As long as the engine speed (rpm) is within
the permissible range for the selected gear, a
gear shift will take place each time a paddle is

pulled. The current gear will be displayed in
the instrument panel.

In the 

M

 position, the paddles are automati-

cally activated.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for

shifting in manual mode, large gear selector.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for

shifting in manual mode, small gear selector.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

422

Activating the steering wheel paddles
in the D position

To be able to shift gears using the paddles,
they must be activated:

–

Pull one of the paddles toward the steer-
ing wheel.
> A number in the instrument panel indi-

cates the current gear being used.

Instrument panel when shifting gears using steering

wheel paddles, large gear selector.

Instrument panel when shifting gears using steering

wheel paddles, small gear selector.

Turning off the steering wheel paddles
in the D position

Manual deactivation

–

Pull the right paddle (

+

) toward the steer-

ing wheel and hold it there until the num-
ber in the instrument panel goes out.
> The transmission will return to the 

D

position.

Automatic deactivation

The steering wheel paddles will switch off
after a short time if they are not being used.
This is shown by the number in the instrument
panel going out. If engine braking is currently
being used, the paddles will remain active
until engine braking stops.

Related information

•

Automatic transmission (p. 418)

•

Shifting gears with automatic transmis-
sion (p. 419)