Volvo XC90 2007 Owner Manual

2007 Volvo XC90

2 0 0 7

VOLVO

XC90

VOLVO OWNER'S MANUAL XC90

pg. 1 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 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.

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2007 Volvo XC90

For further information please contact your retailer, or:

In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
1-800-458-1552

www.volvocars.us

In Canada:
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.
National Customer Service
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
1-800-663-8255

www.volvocanada.com

2006 © Volvo Car Corporation

pg. 2 Introduction

General Information

Shiftlock
When your vehicle 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 and move the selector from (P)ark.

Keylock
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 vehicle 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 vehicles central locking system.

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Press the button on the light switch panel (see illustration on page 55) when the vehicle is at a standstill to
unlock the fuel filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will remain unlocked until the vehicle

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 vehicle is refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
("Check Engine" light) will illuminate.

Important information
Before you operate your vehicle for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the new engine oil
consumption information on

page 114. 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.

pg. 3 Introduction

General Information

WARNING!

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.

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WARNING!

If your vehicle is involved in an accident, unseen damage may affect your vehicle's drivability and
safety.

pg. 4 Introduction

Volvo and the environment

Volvo is committed to the well being of its 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 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), freons, 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 a heated
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 vehicle'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.

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● 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 vehicle, use Volvo's own vehicle 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.us

pg. 5 Introduction

Important warnings

Accessory Installation

● We strongly recommend that Volvo owners install only genuine, Volvo-approved accessories, and that

accessory installations be performed only by the factory-trained technicians at your authorized Volvo
retailer.

● Genuine Volvo accessories are tested to ensure compatibility with the performance, safety, and

emission systems in your vehicle. Additionally, your authorized Volvo retailer knows where accessories
may and may not be safely installed in your Volvo. In all cases, please consult your authorized Volvo
retailer before installing any accessory in or on your vehicle.

● Accessories that have not been approved by Volvo may or may not be specifically tested for

compatibility with your vehicle. Additionally, an inexperienced installer may not be familiar with some of
your vehicle's systems.

● Any of your vehicle's performance and safety systems could be adversely affected if you install

accessories that Volvo has not tested, or if you allow accessories to be installed by someone unfamiliar
with your vehicle.

● Damage caused by unapproved or improperly installed accessories may not be covered by your new

vehicle warranty. See your Warranty and Service Records Information booklet for more warranty
information. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from the
installation of non-genuine accessories.

Driver Distraction

● Driver distraction results from driver activities that are not directly related to controlling the vehicle in

the driving environment. Your new Volvo is, or can be, equipped with many feature-rich entertainment
and communication systems. These include hands-free cellular telephones, navigation systems, and
multipurpose audio systems. You may also own other portable electronic devices for your own
convenience. When used properly and safely, they enrich the driving experience. Improperly used, any of
these could cause a distraction.

● For all of these systems, we want to provide the following warning that reflects the strong Volvo

concern for your safety:

● Never use these devices or any feature of your vehicle in a way that distracts you from the task of

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driving safely. Distraction can lead to a serious accident.In addition to this general warning, we offer the
following guidance regarding specific newer features that may be found in your vehicle:

● Never use a hand-held cellular telephone while driving. Some jurisdictions prohibit cellular telephone

use by a driver while the vehicle is moving.

● If your vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, set and make changes to your travel itinerary only

with the vehicle parked.

● Never program your audio system while the vehicle is moving. Program radio presets with the vehicle

parked, and use your programmed presets to make radio use quicker and simpler.

● Never use portable computers or personal digital assistants while the vehicle is moving.

A driver has a responsibility to do everything possible to ensure his or her own safety and the safety of
passengers in the vehicle and others sharing the roadway. Avoiding distractions is part of that
responsibility.

pg. 6 Introduction

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pg. 7 Introduction

Contents

Safety
Instruments and controls
Climate control
Interior
Locks and alarm
Starting and driving
Wheels and tires
Vehicle care
Maintenance
Specifications

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Audio
Index

pg. 8 Introduction

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Contents | Top of Page

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VOLVO

XC90

Safety

pg. 9 Safety

Occupant safety, Reporting safety
defects

10

Seat belts

12

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

15

Front airbags

16

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS)

20

Side impact (SIPS) airbag

24

Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)

25

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)

26

Child safety

28

Child restraint systems

31

Infant seats

33

Convertible seats

35

Booster cushions

37

ISOFIX lower anchors

38

Top tether anchors

39

Integrated booster cushion

40

pg. 10 Safety

Occupant safety, Reporting safety defects

Volvo concern for safety

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Safety is the Volvo cornerstone. Our concern dates back to 1927 when the first Volvo rolled off the
production line. Three-point seat belts (a Volvo invention), safety cages, and energy-absorbing impact
zones were designed into Volvo vehicles long before it was fashionable or required by government
regulation. We will not compromise our commitment to safety. We continue to seek out new safety
features and to refine those already in our vehicles. You can help. We would appreciate hearing your
suggestions about improving automobile safety. We also want to know if you ever have a safety concern
with your vehicle. Call us in the U.S. at: 800-458-1552 or in Canada at: 800-663- 8255.

Occupant safety
How safely you drive doesn't depend on how old you are but rather on:

● How well you see.

● Your ability to concentrate.

● How quickly you make decisions under stress to avoid an accident.

The tips listed below are suggestions to help you cope with the ever changing traffic environment.

● Never drink and drive.

● If you are taking any medication, consult your physician about its potential effects on your driving

abilities.

● Take a driver-retraining course.

● Have your eyes checked regularly.

● Keep your windshield and headlights clean.

● Replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.

● Take into account the traffic, road, and weather conditions, particularly with regard to stopping

distance.

Reporting safety defects in the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your retailer, or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or write to: NHTSA, U.
S. Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. 20590.

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from:

http://www.safecar.gov

Volvo strongly recommends that if your vehicle is covered under a service campaign, safety or emission
recall or similar action, it should be completed as soon as possible. Please check with your local retailer
or Volvo Cars of North America, LLC if your vehicle is covered under these conditions.

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NHTSA can be reached at:
Internet:

http://www.nhtsa.gov

Telephone:
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

pg. 11 Safety

Occupant safety, Reporting safety defects

Reporting safety defects in Canada
If you believe your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform Transport Canada in addition to notifying Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.
To contact Transport Canada, call [phone], or [phone] if you are calling from the Ottawa
region.

pg. 12 Safety

Seat belts

Using seat belts
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.
Most states and provinces make it mandatory for occupants of a vehicle to use seat belts.

Seat belt tensioners

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The seat belts are equipped with tensioners that reduce slack in the belts. These tensioners are triggered
in situations where the airbags deploy. The front seat belts also include a tension reducing device which,
in the event of a collision, limits the peak forces exerted by the seat belt on the occupant.

Buckling 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

When wearing the seat belt remember:

● The belt should not be twisted or turned.

● The lap section of the 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.

Unbuckling the seat belt
To remove the seat belt, press the red section on the seat belt receptacle. Before exiting the vehicle,
check that the seat belt retracts fully after being unbuckled. If necessary, guide the belt back into the
retractor slot.

Seat belt reminder
The seat belt reminder consists of an audible signal, an indicator light above the rearview mirror, and a
symbol in the instrument panel that alert the driver and front seat passenger if their seat belts are not
fastened.

pg. 13 Safety

Seat belts

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Seat belt use during pregnancy
The seat belt should always be worn during pregnancy. But it is crucial that it be worn in the correct
way. The diagonal section should wrap over the shoulder then be routed between the breasts and to the
side of the belly. The lap section should lay flat over the thighs and as low as possible under the belly. It
must never be allowed to ride upward. Remove all slack from the belt and insure that it fits close to the
body without any twists.
As a pregnancy progresses, pregnant drivers should adjust their seats and steering wheel such that they
can easily maintain control of the vehicle as they drive (which means they must be able to easily operate
the foot pedals and steering wheel). Within this context, they should strive to position the seat with as
large a distance as possible between their belly and the steering wheel.

Child seats
Please refer to

page 31 for information on securing child seats with the seat belts.

Seat belt maintenance
Check periodically that the seat belts are in good condition. Use water and a mild detergent for cleaning.
Check seat belt mechanism function as follows: attach the seat belt and pull rapidly on the strap.

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pg. 14 Safety

Seat belts

WARNING!

● 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.

● Seat belts lose much of their strength when exposed to violent stretching and should be replaced

after any collision, even if they appear to be undamaged.

● Never repair the belt yourself; have this work done by an authorized Volvo service technician 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.

pg. 15 Safety

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Supplemental Restraint System
As an enhancement to the three-point seat belts, your Volvo is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS). Volvo's SRS consists of seat belt tensioners, front airbags, side impact airbags, the

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occupant weight sensor, and inflatable curtains. All of these systems are monitored by the SRS control
module. An SRS warning light in the instrument panel (see the illustration above) illuminates when the
ignition key is turned to position I, II, or III, and will normally go out after approximately 7 seconds if
no faults are detected in the system.
Where applicable, a text message will also be displayed when the SRS warning light illuminates. If this

warning symbol is not functioning properly, the general warning symbol

illuminates and a text

message will be displayed.

WARNING!

● If the SRS warning light stays on after the engine has started or if it illuminates while you are

driving, have the vehicle inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as
possible.

● Never try to repair any component or part of the SRS yourself. Any interference in the system

could cause malfunction and serious injury. All work on these systems should be performed by an
authorized Volvo service technician.

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 a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician 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.

pg. 16 Safety

Front airbags

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The front airbag system
The front airbags supplement the three-point seat belts. For these airbags to provide the protection
intended, seat belts must be worn at all times.
The front airbag system includes gas generators and the airbags. A deceleration sensor 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 tensioners also

deploy, minimizing seat belt slack. The entire process, including inflation and deflation of the airbags,
takes approximately one fifth of a second.
The location of the front airbags is indicated by "SRS AIRBAG" 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 driver's side front airbag is folded and located in the steering wheel hub.

● The passenger's side front airbag is folded behind a panel located above the glove compartment.

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WARNING!

● The airbags in the vehicle are designed to be a SUPPLEMENT to - not a replacement for - the

three-point seat belts. 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.

● Never drive a vehicle with a steering wheel-mounted airbag with your hands on the steering wheel

pad/airbag housing.

● The front airbags are 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 from
deployment of one or both of the airbags.

● When installing any accessory equipment, make sure that the front airbag system is not damaged.

Any interference in the system could cause malfunction.

pg. 17 Safety

Front airbags

Front airbag deployment

● The front 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 SRS sensors, which trigger the front airbags, are 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 tensioners and/or airbags to be deployed.

However, not all frontal collisions activate the front airbags.

● If the collision involves a nonrigid object (e.g., a snow drift or bush), or a rigid, fixed object at a low

speed, the front airbags 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.

NOTE:

● Deployment of front airbags occurs only one time during an accident. In a collision where deployment

occurs, the airbags and seat belt tensioners 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.

● Volvo's dual-threshold, dual-stage front airbags use special sensors to control deployment. The point

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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 70-80% of their total
capacity. If the impact is more severe, the dual-stage airbags are triggered at full capacity.

Should you have questions about any component in the SRS system, please contact a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician or Volvo Customer Support:

In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
1-800-458-1552

www.volvocars.us

In Canada:
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.
National Customer Service
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
1-800-663-8255

www.volvocanada.com

pg. 18 Safety

Front airbags

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

1

.

● 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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1. See also the Occupant Weight Sensor information on page 20.

pg. 19 Safety

Front airbags

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 passenger-side front airbag. See page 30 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.

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WARNING!

● No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dashboard covers, may be placed on, attached to, or

installed near the air bag hatch (the area above the glove compartment) or the area affected by airbag
deployment (see the illustration on page 16).

● There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat, or dashboard area.

● Never try to open the airbag cover on the steering wheel or the passenger's side dashboard. This

should only be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants.

pg. 20 Safety

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS)

Disabling the passenger's side front airbag
Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and children) shorter than 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) be
seated in the rear seat of any vehicle with a passenger's side front airbag, and be properly restrained.
Children should always be seated in child restraints appropriate for their size and weight. See also the
child safety recommendations beginning on page 31.

The Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) is designed to meet the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 and is designed to disable (will not inflate) the passenger's side
front airbag under certain conditions. The OWS works with sensors that are part of the front passenger's
seat and seat belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and
determine if the passenger's side front airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or disabled (will not
inflate).

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The OWS will disable (will not inflate) the passenger's side front airbag when:

● the front passenger's seat is unoccupied, or has small/medium objects in the front seat,

● the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat that is installed according to

the manufacturer's instructions,

● the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing child restraint that is installed

according to the manufacturer's instructions,

● the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat,

● a front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time,

● a child or a small person occupies the front passenger's seat. The OWS uses a PASSENGER

AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp which will illuminate and stay on to remind you that the passenger's side
front airbag is disabled. The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp is located in the overhead
console, near the base of the rearview mirror.

NOTE: The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp will illuminate for a short period of time when
the ignition is turned on to confirm it is functional. When the front passenger's seat is not occupied
(empty seat) or in the event that the passenger's side front airbag is enabled (may inflate), the
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp will be off.

However, if a fault is detected in the system:

● The OWS indicator light will stay on.

● The SRS warning light (see page 15) will come on and stay on.

● The message PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT will be displayed in the information display.

pg. 21 Safety

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS)

WARNING!

If a fault in the system is detected and indicated as explained on the previous page, be aware that the
passenger's side front airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision.
In this case, the safety systems and Occupant Weight Sensor should be inspected by an authorized
Volvo retailer as soon as possible.

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WARNING!

● Never try to open, remove, or repair any components in the OWS system. This could result in

system malfunction. Maintenance or repairs should only be carried out by an authorized Volvo
service technician.

● The front passenger's seat should not be modified in any way. This could reduce pressure on the

seat cushion, which might interfere with the OWS system's function.

The OWS is designed to disable (will not inflate) the passenger's side front airbag when a rear facing
infant seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected. The PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF indicator lamp will illuminate and stay on to remind you that the passenger's side front airbag is
disabled (see the following table).

1. Volvo recommends that children always be properly restrained in appropriate child restraints in the rear seats.
In rare situations when the seat belt is not properly fastened, some child restraints may not be detected by the
OWS because there is very little weight on the vehicle seat cushion. In these cases the passenger's side front
airbag may be disabled, but the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp will not be lit. Do not assume that
the passenger's side front airbag is disabled unless the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp is lit. Make
sure the child restraint is properly installed (turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and
reinstall the restraint following the child restraint manufacturer's instructions) and that the PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp is on, or move the child restraint to the rear seat.

The OWS is designed to enable (may inflate) the passenger's side front airbag anytime the system senses
that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the front passenger's seat. The PASSENGER AIRBAG

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OFF indicator lamp will be off and remain off.
If a person of adult size is sitting in the front passenger's seat, but the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp is on, it is possible that the person isn't sitting properly in the seat. If this happens:

● Turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seat back in an upright position.

pg. 22 Safety

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS)

● Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person's legs

comfortably extended.

● Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow

the system to detect that person and enable the passenger's frontal airbag.

● If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp remains on even after this, the person should be

advised to ride in the rear seat.

This condition reflects limitations of the OWS classification capability. It does not indicate OWS
malfunction.

Modifications
If you are considering modifying your vehicle in any way to accommodate a disability, for example by
altering or adapting the driver's or front passenger's seat(s) and/or airbag systems, please contact Volvo
at:

In the USA:
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 914
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647-0914
1-800-458-1552

In Canada:
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp.
National Customer Service
175 Gordon Baker Road
North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
1-800-663-8255

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WARNING!

● No objects that add to the total weight on the seat should be placed on the front passenger's seat. If

a child is seated in the front passenger's seat with any additional weight, this extra weight could cause
the OWS system to enable the airbag, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision,
thereby injuring the child.

● The seat belt should never be wrapped around an object on the front passenger's seat. This could

interfere with the OWS system's function.

● The front passenger's seat belt should never be used in a way that exerts more pressure on the

passenger than normal. This could increase the pressure exerted on the weight sensor by a child, and
could result in the airbag being enabled, which might cause it to deploy in the event of a collision,
thereby injuring the child.

pg. 23 Safety

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS)

WARNING!

Keep the following points in mind with respect to the OWS system. Failure to follow these
instructions could adversely affect the system's function and result in serious injury to the occupant of
the front passenger's seat:

● The full weight of the front seat passenger should always be on the seat cushion. The passenger

should never lift him/herself off the seat cushion using the armrest in the door or the center console,
by pressing the feet on the floor, by sitting on the edge of the seat cushion, or by pressing against the
backrest in a way that reduces pressure on the seat cushion. This could cause OWS to disable the
front passenger's side airbag.

● Do not place any type of object on the front passenger's seat in such a way that jamming, pressing,

or squeezing occurs between the object and the front seat, other than as a direct result of the correct
use of the ALR/ELR seat belt (see page 30).

● No objects should be placed under the front passenger's seat. This could interfere with the OWS

system's function.

pg. 24 Safety

Side impact (SIPS) airbag

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Side impact airbags - front seats only
As an enhancement to the structural side impact protection built into your vehicle, the vehicle is also
equipped with Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags.
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.

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.

Components in the SIPS airbag system
This SIPS airbag system consists of gas generators and side airbag modules built into the outboard sides
of both front seat backrests.

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WARNING!

● The SIPS airbag system is a supplement to the structural 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 or in 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.

● Never try to open or repair any components of the SIPS airbag system. This should be done only

by a trained and qualified 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. 25 Safety

Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC)

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 occupants 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. In 7-seat models,
they extend to protect all three rows.

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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.

NOTE: If the Inflatable Curtain deploys, it remains inflated for approximately 5 seconds.

WARNING!

● The VIC 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 or in all rollover situations.

● Never try to open or repair any components of the VIC system. This should be done only by a

trained and qualified Volvo service technician.

pg. 26 Safety

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)

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2007 Volvo XC90

WARNING!

In order for the VIC to provide its best protection, both front seat occupants and both 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 30 for guidelines. Failure to

follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants in an accident.

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - front seats only
The WHIPS system consists of specially designed hinges and brackets on the front seat backrests
designed to help absorb some of the energy generated in a collision from the rear (when the vehicle is
"rear-ended").
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 whiplash.

WARNING!

● The WHIPS system 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.

● The WHIPS system is designed to function in certain collisions from the rear, depending on the

crash severity, angle and speed.

pg. 27 Safety

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)

WARNING!

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.

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pg. 28 Safety

Child safety

WARNING!

● Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats could impede the function of the WHIPS

system.

● 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.

● If your vehicle has been involved in a rear-end collision, the front seat backrests must be inspected

by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician, 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.

● 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.

Children should be seated safely
Volvo recommends the proper use of restraint systems for all occupants including children. Remember
that, regardless of age and size, a child should always be properly restrained in a vehicle.
Your vehicle is also equipped with ISOFIX/ LATCH attachments, which make it more convenient to
install child seats.
Some 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

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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

pg. 29 Safety

Child safety

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 the illustration on

page 40). 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) can be obtained from your
Volvo retailer for children weighing 33 - 80 lb. (15 - 36 kg) and 38-54 inches (97 - 137 cm) in height.

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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.

● 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. 30 Safety

Child safety

Automatic Locking Retractor/ Emergency Locking Retractor
To make child seat installation easier, each seat belt (except for the driver's belt) is equipped with a
locking mechanism to help keep the seat belt taut.
When attaching the seat belt to a child seat:

- Attach the seat belt to the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

- Pull the seat belt out as far as possible.

- Insert the seat belt latch plate into the buckle (lock) in the usual way.

- Release the seat belt and pull it taut around the child seat.

A sound from the seat belt retractor will be audible at this time and is normal.

The belt will now be locked in place.

This function is automatically disabled when the seat belt is unlocked and the belt is fully

retracted.

WARNING!

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.

Volvo's recommendations
Why does Volvo believe that no child should sit in the front seat of a vehicle? It's quite simple really. A
front airbag is a very powerful device designed, by law, to help protect an adult.
Because of the size of the airbag and its speed of inflation, a child should never be placed in the front

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