Volvo XC90 2003 Owner Manual
2003 VOLVO XC90
2 0 0 3
VOLVO
XC90
Introduction
Welcome to the world-wide family of Volvo owners. We trust that you will enjoy many years of safe driving in
your Volvo, an automobile designed with your safety and comfort in mind. To help ensure your satisfaction
with this vehicle, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the equipment descriptions, operating
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instructions and maintenance requirements/recommendations in this manual. We also urge you and your
passengers to wear seat belts at all times in this (or any other) automobile. And, of course, please do not operate
a vehicle if you may be affected by alcohol, medication or any impairment that could hinder your ability to
drive.
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety and emission standards, as evidenced by the certification
labels attached to the driver's door opening and on the left wheel housing in the engine compartment.
For further information please contact your retailer, or:
In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America
Customer Relations
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
800-458-1552
In Canada:
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
800-663-8255
General information
Shiftlock
When your car is parked, the gear selector is locked in the (P)ark position. To release the selector from this
position, turn the ignition key to position II (or start the engine), depress the brake pedal, press the button on the
front side of the gear selector knob and move the selector from (P)ark.
Keylock (automatic transmission)
When you switch off the ignition, the gear selector must be in the (P)ark position before the key can be
removed from the ignition switch.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS system in your car performs a self-diagnostic test when the vehicle first reaches the speed of
approximately 12 mph (20 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several times and a sound may be audible from
the ABS control module. This is normal.
Fuel filler door
The fuel filler door, located on the right rear fender, is connected to your vehicle's central locking system.
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Press the button on the light switch panel (see page 31) when the car is at a standstill to unlock the fuel filler
door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the car begins to move forward. An audible
click will be heard when the fuel filler door relocks.
Fuel filler cap
After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place. If this cap is not closed
tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("Check Engine"
light) may indicate a fault.
Important information
Before you operate your vehicle for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new engine oil
consumption information on
page 84. You should also be familiar with the information in chapters one, two
and eight of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be read after operating the
vehicle for the first time. The manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. For this reason, it should
be kept in the vehicle for ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating that country's applicable safety and exhaust
emission requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements.
Modifications to the emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the
U.S., Canada and other countries.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication. Please note that some vehicles may be equipped differently,
depending on special legal requirements. Optional equipment described in this manual may not be available in
all markets.
Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change specifications or design, without
notice and without incurring obligation.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known
to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Volvo and the environment
Volvo is committed to the well being of our customers. As a natural part of this commitment, we care about the
environment in which we all live. Caring for the environment means an everyday involvement in reducing our
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environmental impact.
Volvo's environmental activities are based on a holistic view, which means we consider the overall
environmental impact of a product throughout its complete life cycle. In this context, design, production,
product use, and recycling are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), lead chromates, naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals
used in our plants 50% since 1991.
Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with Lambda
Sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions
of harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate
the remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits
for the air conditioning system of all models as far back as the 1975 Volvo 240. Advanced electronic engine
controls, refined purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo vehicles and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life
cycle. The metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a vehicle, which makes the vehicle among the most
recycled industrial products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have
printed dismantling manuals, indicating the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all
homogeneous plastic parts weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with international symbols that
indicate how the component is to be sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion
engines, Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
● Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly
inflated tires.
● Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet.
● Drive at a constant speed.
● See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction
indicator) lamp illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started.
● Properly dispose of any vehicle-related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
● When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in which Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.
and Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com
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2003 VOLVO XC90
PremAir®
On the surface of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a special coating called PremAir®. PremAir®
works as a catalytic converter, converting most of the ground-level ozone passing through the radiator into
oxygen, thereby reducing harmful ground-level ozone.
Instruments, switches and controls
Control panel in driver's door (controls 34-37)
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1. Headlights/Parking lights 31
2. Instrument lighting 31
3. Panel vents 47
4. Text window 28
5. Temperature gauge 24
6. Odometer/Trip odometer/Cruise control indicator 24, 37
7. Speedometer iv
8. Turn signal indicator lights 24
9. Tachometer 24
10. Ambient temperature gauge, clock, gear indicator 24
11. Fuel gauge 24
12. Indicator and warning symbols 25
13. Panel vents 47
14. Glove compartment 65
15. Hazard warning flashers 35
16. Audio system 159
17. Switches in the center console 29
18. Climate system controls 48
19. Windshield wiper/washer lever 34
20. Audio control buttons in steering wheel 161
21. Instrument panel 24
22. Horn iv
23. Cruise control buttons in steering wheel 37
24. Turn signals, High/low beams 33
25. Front fog lights, Rear fog light 31
26. Parking brake pedal 38
27. Parking brake release handle 38
28. Button for unlocking fuel filler door 31
29. Reading lights 61
30. Courtesy light 61
31. Moonroof control (option) 43
32. Seat belt reminder 27
33. Rearview mirror 42
34. Central locking button 77
35. Lockout switch for rear seat power windows 41
36. Power window controls 40
37. Sideview mirror controls 42
Contents
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Contents
Safety
Instruments and controls
Climate control
Interior
Locks and Alarm
Starting and driving
Vehicle care
Wheels and tires
Maintenance
Specifications
Audio
Index
Back Cover
Top of Page
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VOLVO
XC90
Safety
pg. 1 Safety
Seat belts 2
Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System) 4
Side airbags (SIPS airbags) 10
Inflatable Curtain (IC) 12
Roll-over Protection System 13
Inspection of airbags, Inflatable Curtains and seat belt pretensioners 14
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) 15
Child safety 17
Occupant safety, Reporting safety defects 21
pg. 2 Safety
Seat belts
Not wearing a seat belt is like believing "It'll never happen to me!" Volvo, the inventor of the three-point
seat belt, urges you and all occupants of your vehicle to wear seat belts and ensure that children are
properly restrained, using an infant, car or booster seat determined by age, weight and height. Volvo also
believes no child should sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
NOTE: Most states and provinces make it mandatory for occupants of a vehicle to use seat belts. So,
urging you to buckle up is not just our recommendation. The few moments it takes to buckle your seat
belt may one day allow you to say "It's a good thing I was wearing my seat belt."
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NOTE: A chime will sound several times if the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt.
Extending the lap belt
To buckle a seat belt:
Pull the belt out far enough to insert the latch plate into the receptacle until a distinct click is heard. The
seat belt retractor is normally "unlocked" and you can move freely, provided that the shoulder belt is not
pulled out too far. The retractor will lock up as follows:
● if the belt is pulled out rapidly
● during braking and acceleration
● if the vehicle is leaning excessively
● when driving in turns
For the seat belt to provide maximum protection in the event of an accident, it must be worn correctly.
When wearing the seat belt remember:
● The belt should not be twisted or turned.
● The lap belt must be positioned low on the hips (not pressing against the abdomen).
Make sure that the shoulder belt is rolled up into its retractor and that the shoulder and lap belts are taut.
Before exiting the vehicle, check that the seat belt retracts fully after being unbuckled. If necessary,
guide the belt back into the retractor slot.
Child seats:
Please refer to
page 20 for information on securing child seats with the seat belts.
pg. 3 Safety
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During pregnancy
Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Remember that the belt should always be positioned in
such a way as to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen. The lap portion of the belt should be
located low, as shown in the above illustration.
WARNING!
Seat belts:
● Never use a seat belt for more than one occupant. Never wear the shoulder portion of the belt under
the arm, behind the back or otherwise out of position. Such use could cause injury in the event of an
accident. As seat belts lose much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching, they should be
replaced after any collision, even if they appear to be undamaged.
● Never repair the belt on your own; have this work done by an authorized Volvo retailer only.
● Any device used to induce slack into the shoulder belt portion of the three-point belt system will
have a detrimental effect on the amount of protection available to you in the event of a collision.
● The seat back should not be tilted too far back. The shoulder belt must be taut in order to function
properly.
● Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We
also recommend that children who have outgrown these devices sit in the rear seat with the seat belt
properly fastened.
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Sample label found on all seat belts with pretensioners
pg. 4 Safety
Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System)
Driver's side airbag
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) to complement the three-point seat belt system. The inflatable airbag is installed
folded up in the center of the steering wheel. The wheel is embossed with SRS.
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WARNING!
Never drive an SRS equipped vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel pad/airbag
housing.
Passenger side airbag
The airbag on the front passenger side is folded up in a compartment above the glove compartment. The
panel is embossed SRS.
WARNING!
No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to, or installed near the SRS
cover in the center of the steering wheel, the SRS cover above the glove compartment or the area
affected by airbag deployment.
Passenger side airbag - location
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WARNING!
As its name implies, SRS is designed to be a SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the threepoint belt system. For maximum protection, wear seat belts at all times. Be aware that no system can
prevent all possible injuries that may occur in an accident.
When installing any accessory equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Do not
attempt to service any component of the SRS yourself. Attempting to do so may result in serious
personal injury. If a problem arises, take your vehicle to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for
inspection as soon as possible.
pg. 5 Safety
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NOTE:
Deployment of SRS components occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where
deployment occurs, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners activate. Some noise occurs and a small
amount of powder is released. The release of the powder may appear as smoke-like matter. This is a
normal characteristic and does not indicate fire.
NOTE:
Volvo's dual-threshold, dual-stage airbags use special sensors that are integrated with the front seat
buckles. The point at which the airbag deploys is determined by whether or not the seat belt is being
used, as well as the severity of the collision. Collisions can occur where only one of the airbags deploys.
If the impact is less severe, but severe enough to present a clear injury risk, the dual-stage airbags are
triggered at 70% of their total capacity. If the impact is more severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered
at full capacity.
WARNING!
Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We also
recommend that occupants under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these devices
sit in the rear seat with the seat belt fastened. Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that
they hang out can impair the steering of your vehicle. Other safety systems can also be damaged. The
smoke and dust formed when the airbags are deployed can cause skin and eye irritation in the event of
prolonged exposure.
pg. 6 Safety
Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System) (contd)
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WARNING!
Children must never be allowed in the front passenger's seat. Volvo recommends that ALL occupants
(adults and children) shorter than 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) be seated in the back seat of any vehicle
with a front passenger-side airbag. See page 20 for guidelines.
Occupants in the front passenger's seat must never sit on the edge of the seat, sit leaning toward the
instrument panel or otherwise sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort
allows and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly fastened.
Feet must be on the floor, e.g. not on the dash, seat or out of the window. No objects or accessory
equipment, e.g. dashboard covers, may be placed on, attached to, or installed near the SRS hatch (the
area above the glove compartment) or the area affected by airbag deployment (see illustration on
page
4).
There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat or dashboard area. Never try to
open the SRS cover on the steering wheel or the passenger side dash. This should only be done by an
authorized Volvo service technician.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants.
Warning light in the instrument panel
A self-diagnostic system incorporated in the sensor monitors the SRS. This system does not, however,
monitor the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags. If a fault is detected, the warning light will
illuminate. The light is included in the warning/indicator light cluster in the instrument panel. Normally,
the SRS warning lamp should light up when the ignition key is turned to positions I, II or III and should
go out after 7 seconds or when the engine is started. Check that this light is functioning properly every
time the vehicle is started.
The following items are monitored by the self-diagnostic system:
● Sensor unit
● Cable harness
● Gas generator
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WARNING!
If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it comes on while you are driving,
drive the vehicle to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
pg. 7 Safety
When are the airbags deployed?
The information on this page pertains to SRS (front) airbags only. For information about Side Impact
Protection System (SIPS) airbags, please see
page 10. For Inflatable Curtain (IC) airbags, please see
page 12.
The SRS system is designed to deploy during certain frontal or front-angular collisions, impacts, or
decelerations, depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The SRS sensor is
designed to react to both the impact of the collision and the inertial forces generated by it and to
determine if the intensity of the collision is sufficient for the seat belt pretensioners or airbags to be
deployed.
If the airbags have been deployed, we recommend the following:
● Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Volvo retailer. Never drive with the airbags deployed.
● Have an authorized Volvo retailer replace the SRS system components.
● Use only new, Genuine Volvo Parts when replacing SRS components (airbags, seat belts,
pretensioners, etc.).
When are the airbags NOT deployed?
Not all frontal collisions activate the SRS system. If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow
drift or bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low speed, the SRS system will not necessarily deploy. Front
airbags do not normally deploy in a side impact collision, in a collision from the rear or in a rollover
situation. The amount of damage to the bodywork does not reliably indicate if the airbags should have
deployed or not.
Seat belts - the heart of the Volvo safety system
The heart of the Volvo safety system is the three-point seat belt (a Volvo invention)! In order for the
SRS system to provide the protection intended, seat belts must be worn at all times by everyone in the
vehicle. The SRS system is a supplement to the seat belts.
WARNING!
Never drive with the airbags deployed. The fact that they hang out can impair the steering of your
vehicle. Other safety systems can also be damaged. The smoke and dust formed when the airbags are
deployed can cause skin and eye irritation in the event of prolonged exposure.
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pg. 8 Safety
Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System) (contd)
WARNING!
If your vehicle has been subjected to flood conditions (e.g. soaked carpeting/standing water on the
floor of the vehicle) or if your vehicle has become flood-damaged in any way, do not attempt to start
the vehicle or put the key in the ignition before disconnecting the battery (see below). This may cause
airbag deployment which could result in personal injury. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized
Volvo retailer for repairs.
Automatic transmission:
Before attempting to tow the vehicle, use the following procedure to override the shiftlock system to
move the gear selector to the neutral position.
● Switch off the ignition for at least 10 minutes and disconnect the battery
● Wait at least one minute
● Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to position II
● Press firmly on the brake pedal.
● Move the gear selector from (P)ark to the (N)eutral position.
There is no maintenance to perform on the SRS yourself. The month and year shown on the decal on the
door pillar indicate when you should contact your Volvo retailer for specific servicing or replacement of
airbags and seat belt pretensioners. This maintenance must be performed by an authorized Volvo
retailer. Should you have any questions about the SRS system, please contact your authorized Volvo
retailer or Volvo Customer Support:
In the U.S.A In Canada:
Volvo Cars of North America Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
Customer Relations 175 Gordon Baker Road
P.O. Box 914 North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914 800-663-8255
800-458-1552
pg. 9 Safety
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Front airbag (SRS) system
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS). The Volvo SRS consists of an airbag (2) on both the driver's and passenger's
sides and seat belt pretensioners in both front door pillars. The system is designed to supplement the
protection provided by the three-point seat belt system. All rear seat belts are also equipped with
pretensioners. The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS" embossed on the steering wheel pad and above
the glove compartment, and by decals on both sun visors and on the front and far right side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and located in the steering wheel hub and above the glove compartment.
Deployment:
The SRS airbags are designed to deploy during certain frontal or front-angular collisions, impacts, or
decelerations, depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and object impacted. The airbags may also
deploy in certain non-frontal collisions where rapid deceleration occurs.
The airbag system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and front seat belt
pretensioners for both of the front seats. To deploy the system, the sensor (3) activates the gas generators
causing the airbags to be inflated with nitrogen gas.
As the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a
controlled rate to provide better cushioning. Both seat belt pretensioners also deploy, minimizing any
seat belt slack.The entire process, including inflation and deflation of the airbags, takes approximately
two-tenths of a second.
WARNING!
The SRS is designed to help prevent serious injury. Deployment occurs very quickly and with
considerable force. During normal deployment and depending on variables such as seating position,
one may experience abrasions, bruises, swellings, or other injuries as a result of airbag(s) deployment.
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system
could cause malfunction and serious injury. All work on these systems should be performed by an
authorized Volvo retailer.
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Contents | Top of Page
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pg. 10 Safety
Side airbags (SIPS airbags)
SIPS airbag*
SIPS airbag (front seats only)
As an enhancement to the structural Side Impact Protection System built into your vehicle, the vehicle is
also equipped with Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags. The SIPS airbag system consists of
airbag modules built into the sides of both front seat backrests, wires and gas generators/sensor units
(see illustration on next page).
The SIPS airbag system is designed to help increase occupant protection in the event of certain side
impact collisions. The SIPS airbags are designed to deploy only during certain side-impact collisions,
depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and point of impact. The airbags are not designed to
deploy in all side impact situations.
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NOTE: SIPS airbag deployment (one airbag) occurs only on the side of the vehicle affected by the
impact.The airbags are not designed to deploy in all side impact situations.
*A SIPS airbag ' decal is also located at the end of the instrument panel on the driver's side of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
● The SIPS airbag system is a supplement to the Side Impact Protection System and the three-point
seat belt system. It is not designed to deploy during collisions from the front or rear of the vehicle,
and will only deploy in certain rollover situations.
● The use of seat covers on the front seats may impede SIPS airbag deployment.
● No objects, accessory equipment or stickers may be placed on, attached to or installed near, the
SIPS airbag system or in the area affected by SIPS airbag deployment (see illustration in the center
column above).
● Never try to open or repair any components of the SIPS airbag system. This should be done only
by an authorized Volvo service technician.
● In order for the SIPS airbag to provide its best protection, both front seat occupants should sit in an
upright position with the seat belt properly fastened.
● Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the occupants of the vehicle in the event
of an accident.
pg. 11 Safety
The SIPS airbag system
This system consists of a gas generator (1), the side airbags (2), and electronic sensors/cables (3).
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pg. 12 Safety
Inflatable Curtain (IC)
7-seat model shown
Volvo Inflatable Curtain (IC)
This system consists of Inflatable Curtains located along the sides of the roof liners, stretching from the
front side windows to the rear edge of the rear side windows. It is designed to help protect the heads of
the occupants of the front seats and the occupant of the outboard rear seating positions, including the
outboard passenger in the optional third row of seats in certain side impact collisions. The Inflatable
Curtains in the Volvo XC90 are also designed to help protect the occupants of the vehicle in a roll-over
situation, and to help prevent them from being thrown from the vehicle if a roll-over occurs.
NOTE:
In 5-seat models, the Inflatable Curtains extend to protect both rows of seats. 7-seat models, they extend
to protect all three rows.
By design, the IC system deploys only on the side of the vehicle affected by the impact. However, in
certain side impacts, or in a rollover situation, BOTH the Inflatable Curtains (IC) and the Side Impact
Airbag System (SIPS-bag) will deploy, whereas, in some cases, ONLY the Inflatable Curtain (IC) will
deploy. In cases where BOTH the IC and the SIPS-bag deploy, deployment will occur simultaneously.
If the Inflatable Curtain deploys, it remains inflated for approximately 5 seconds.
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WARNING!
The IC system is a supplement to the Side Impact Protection System. It is not designed to deploy
during collisions from the front or rear of the vehicle. The Inflatable Curtains are designed to deploy
only during certain side-impact collisions, depending on the crash severity, angle, speed and impact.
The Inflatable Curtains are not designed to deploy in all side impact situations. Never try to open or
repair any components of the IC system. This should be done only by an authorized Volvo service
technician. In order for the IC to provide its best protection, both front seat occupants and all
outboard rear seat occupants should sit in an upright position with the seat belt properly fastened;
adults using the seat belt and children using the proper child restraint system. Only adults should sit in
the front seats. Children must never be allowed in the front passenger seat. See page 20 for
guidelines. Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants in an
accident.
When the backrest(s) in the rear seat(s) are folded down, the vehicle should not be loaded to a level
higher than 2 inches (5 cm) below the upper edge of the side windows. Objects placed higher than
this level could impede the function of the Inflatable Curtain.
pg. 13 Safety
Roll-over Protection System
Volvo's Roll-over Protection System has been developed to help prevent the vehicle from rolling over in
the event of sudden evasive maneuvers, skids, etc and to offer enhanced protection if a roll-over occurs.
The system works in two ways:
● The stabilizing system Roll Stability Control (RSC) acts to minimize body roll.
● The system provides additional protection with a reinforced body, Inflatable Curtains for all outboard
seating positions, and seat belt pretensioners for all seating positions.
RSC uses a gyro-sensor that registers the vehicle's angle of inclination and the speed at which this angle
changes. Using this information, the control module calculates the risk of a roll-over. If there is an
imminent roll-over risk, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system is activated, engine
speed is reduced, and the brakes are applied to one or more of the wheels until the vehicle has regained
stability.
If a roll-over occurs, RSC triggers the seat belt pretensioners and then deploys the Inflatable Curtains
(which remain inflated for approximately 5 seconds). These curtains are designed to follow the contours
of the side windows so that they position themselves between the occupants' heads and the sides of the
vehicle.
pg. 14 Safety
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Inspection of airbags, Inflatable Curtains and seat belt
pretensioners
The year and month specified on the decal in the door pillar(s) is the date when you should contact your
Volvo retailer to inspect and, if necessary, replace the airbags and seat belt pretensioners. If you have
any questions concerning either system, contact an authorized Volvo retailer.
pg. 15 Safety
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
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Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
WHIPS consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests and head restraints
designed to help absorb some of the energy generated in a rear-end collision.
In the event of a collision of this type, the hinges and brackets of the front seat backrests are designed to
change position slightly to allow the backrest/head restraint to help support the occupant's head before
moving slightly rearward. This movement helps absorb some of the forces that could result in the
whiplash effect.
WARNING!
WHIPS is designed to supplement the other safety systems in your vehicle. For this system to
function properly, the three-point seat belt must be worn. Please be aware that no system can prevent
all possible injuries that may occur in an accident.
If your vehicle has been involved in a collision, the front seat backrests must be inspected by an
authorized Volvo retailer even, if the seats appear to be undamaged. Certain components in the
WHIPS system may need to be replaced. Do not attempt to service any component in the WHIPS
system yourself.
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WARNING!
If the rear seat backrests are folded down, cargo must be secured to prevent it from sliding forward
against the front seat backrests in the event of a collision from the rear. This could interfere with the
action of the WHIPS system.
The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the crash
severity, angle and speed.
Occupants in the front seats must never sit out of position. The occupant's back must be as upright as
comfort allows and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly fastened.
pg. 16 Safety
WARNING!
Any contact between the front seat backrests and the folded rear seat could impede the function of the
WHIPS system. If the rear seat is folded down, the occupied front seats must be adjusted forward so
that they do not touch the folded rear seat.
Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats (see illustration above) could impede the function
of the WHIPS system.
pg. 17 Safety
Child safety
Volvo recommends the proper use of restraint systems for all occupants including children. Remember
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that, regardless of age and size, a child should always be properly restrained in a vehicle.
Your vehicle is also equipped with ISOFIX attachments, which make it more convenient to install child
seats (see
page 18).
Restraint systems for children are designed to be secured in the vehicle by lap belts or the lap portion of
a lap-shoulder belt. Such child restraint systems can help protect children in vehicles in the event of an
accident only if they are used properly. However, children could be endangered in a crash if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle. Failure to follow the installation instructions for your
child restraint can result in your child striking the vehicle's interior in a sudden stop.
Holding a child in your arms is NOT a suitable substitute for a child restraint system. In an accident, a
child held in a person's arms can be crushed between the vehicle's interior and an unrestrained person.
The child could also be injured by striking the interior, or by being ejected from the vehicle during a
sudden maneuver or impact. The same can also happen if the infant or child rides unrestrained on the
seat. Other occupants should also be properly restrained to help reduce the chance of injuring or
increasing the injury of a child. All states and provinces have legislation governing how and where
children should be carried in a vehicle. Find out the regulations existing in your state or province. Recent
accident statistics have shown that children are safer in rear seating positions than front seating positions
when properly restrained. A child restraint system can help protect a child in a vehicle. Here's what to
look for when selecting a child restraint system:
● It should have a label certifying that it meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS 213) - or in Canada, CMVSS 213.
● Make sure the child restraint system is approved for the child's height, weight and development - the
label required by the standard or regulation, or instructions for infant restraints, typically provide this
information.
● In using any child restraint system, we urge you to carefully look over the instructions that are
provided with the restraint. Be sure you understand them and can use the device properly and safely in
this vehicle. A misused child restraint system can result in increased injuries for both the infant or child
and other occupants in the vehicle.
When a child has outgrown the child safety seat, you should use the rear seat with the standard seat belt
fastened. The best way to help protect the child here is to place the child on a cushion so that the seat
belt is properly located on the hips (see
page 2). Legislation in your state or province may mandate the
use of a child seat or cushion in combination with the seat belt, depending on the child's age and/or size.
Please check local regulations.
A specially designed and tested booster cushion (not available in Canada) for children between the age
of 3 and approximately 10 years, weighing 33-80 lb (15-36 kg) and 38-54 inches (97-137 cm) in height,
can be obtained from your Volvo retailer.
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WARNING!
● Do not use child safety seats or child booster cushions/backrests in the front passenger's seat. We
also recommend that children under 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) in height who have outgrown these
devices sit in the rear seat with the seat belt fastened.
● Keep vehicle doors and the tailgate locked and keep keys out of a child's reach. Unsupervised
children could lock themselves in an open tailgate and risk injury. Children should be taught not to
play in vehicles.
● On hot days, the temperature in the vehicle interior can rise very quickly. Exposure to these high
temperatures for even a short period of time can cause heat-related injury or death. Small children are
particularly at risk.
pg. 18 Safety
Child safety (contd)
Isofix attachments
ISOFIX fasteners and seat guides
ISOFIX fasteners are installed in the second row of seats in the outboard positions. One set of ISOFIX
guides is also provided. Consult your Volvo retailer for more information on child safety accessories.
When installing child seats in the second row of seats (in seven-seat models), we recommend that the
seats in this row be moved to their rearmost position.
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Integrated child booster cushion (option)
Volvo's own integrated booster cushion has been specially designed to help safeguard a child seated in
the rear seat. When using an integrated booster cushion, the child must be secured with the vehicle's
three-point seat belt. This child seat is designed for use only by children who weigh between 33 and 80
lb (15 and 36 kg) and whose height is between 38 and 54 in (97 and 137 cm).
The child should be properly seated on the booster cushion. The hip section of the three-point seat belt
must fit snugly across the child's hips, not across the stomach. The shoulder section of the three-point
seat belt should be positioned across the chest and shoulder (see illustration). The shoulder belt must
never be placed behind the child's back or under the arm.
WARNING!
Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the use of this child restraint system can result in
your child striking the vehicle's interior during a sudden stop or crash. In the event of a collision
while the integrated booster cushion was occupied, the entire booster cushion and seat belt must be
replaced. The booster cushion should also be replaced if it is badly worn or damaged in any way. This
work should be performed by an authorized Volvo retailer only. The booster cushion should be
cleaned while in place in the vehicle if possible. If not, please consult your Volvo retailer.
pg. 19 Safety
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Integrated booster cushion Raising
● Pull the handle at the front of the cushion (1) forward.
● With both hands push the cushion rearward (2).
● Push the cushion until it locks in place.
Lowering
● Pull the handle at the front of the cushion (1) forward.
● Pull the seat forward and press it down until it locks in place.
The booster cushion must be pressed down before the backrest can be folded down.
Child restraint anchorages
Child restraint anchorages
Volvo vehicles are equipped with child restraint top tether anchorages in the rear seats (second row of
seats in seven-seat models). Refer to the child seat manufacturer's instructions for information on
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