Get STARTING AND DRIVING -> Towbar and Driving with a trailer Guide for Volvo XC40 SUV Second Generation (2022-2026)

STARTING AND DRIVING

Support battery (p. 599)

•

Towbar*

NOTE

The car can be equipped with a towbar that

makes it possible to tow e.g. a trailer behind

the car.

There may be different towbar variants availa-

ble for the car. Contact a Volvo dealer for more

information.

If the starter battery has been discharged

so much that the car has no normal electri-

cal functions and the engine is then jump-

started with an external battery or a battery

charger, the Start/stop function may con-

tinue to be activated. If the Start/stop

function then auto-stops the engine shortly

afterwards, there is a great risk that engine

auto-start will fail due to insufficient bat-

tery capacity, because the battery has not

had the time to recharge.

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the con-

stant battery voltage to the trailer connec-

tor can be switched off automatically so as

not to drain the starter battery.

If the car has been jump-started, or if there

is insufficient time to charge the battery

with a battery charger, the Start/stop func-

tion is temporarily deactivated until the

battery has been recharged by the car. In

an outside temperature of approx. +15 °C

(approx. 60 °F), the battery needs to be

charged for at least 1 hour by the car. In a

lower outside temperature, the charging

time may increase to 3–4 hours. The rec-

ommendation is to charge the battery

using an external battery charger.

IMPORTANT

The towball needs regular cleaning and

lubrication with grease in order to prevent

wear.

NOTE

When a hitch with a vibration damper is

used, the towball must not be lubricated.

This also applies when fitting a bicycle rack

that is clamped in around the towball.

Related information

Starting the car (p. 404)

•

Ignition positions (p. 406)

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 181)

Selecting ignition mode (p. 407)

}}

* Option/accessory. 457

STARTING AND DRIVING

||

Related information

Specifications for towbar*

Dimensions and mounting points for towbar.

Dimensions, mounting points in mm

(inches)

Extendable and retractable towbar*

•

(p. 459)

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

939 (37)

72 (2.8)

Driving with a trailer (p. 461)

•

Towbar-mounted bicycle rack* (p. 465)

Specifications for towbar* (p. 458)

6 (0.24)

145 (5.7)

88 (3.5)

Side beam tilts 8 degrees

353 (13.9)

1048 (41.3)

524 (20.6)

Related information

Towbar* (p. 457)

•

Towing capacity and towball load

(p. 648)

•

458

* Option/accessory.

STARTING AND DRIVING

1.

2. Press and release the button – extension

might not start if the button is pressed for

too long.

Extendable and retractable

towbar*

The retractable tow hook is easy to retract or

extend as required. In the retracted position,

the towbar is completely concealed.

WARNING

Follow the instructions for retracting and

extending the towbar carefully.

WARNING

Open the tailgate. A button for extending/

retracting the towbar is located on the

right-hand side at the rear of the cargo

area. An indicator lamp in the button must

illuminate with a constant orange glow for

the extension function to be active.

Do not press the extend/retract button if a

trailer or accessory is attached to the tow

bar.

> The towbar extends out and down in an

unlocked position - the indicator lamp

flashes orange. The tow hook is ready

to continue moving to the locked posi-

tion.

Extending the towbar

WARNING

Avoid standing close to the bumper in the

centre behind the car when extending the

towing hitch.

}}

* Option/accessory. 459

STARTING AND DRIVING

|| 3.

2.

WARNING

Take care to secure the trailer's safety

cable in the intended bracket.

NOTE

Power save mode activates after a while

and the indicator lamp goes out. The sys-

tem is reactivated by closing and opening

the tailgate. This applies when retracting or

extending the towbar.

Move the towbar to its end position,

where it is secured and locked in place -

the indicator lamp illuminates with a con-

stant orange glow.

Lock the towbar by moving it back to its

retracted position, where it is locked.

If the car detects a connected trailer elec-

trically, the indicator lamp stops illuminat-

ing with a constant glow.

> The indicator lamp will now illuminate

with a constant glow if the towbar is

correctly retracted.

> The towbar is ready for use.

Retracting the towbar

IMPORTANT

When the tow bar is activated by pressing

a key and has been placed in the unlocked

position:

Make sure that there is no plug or adapter

in the electrical socket when retracting the

towbar.

Wait at least 2 seconds before the tow bar

is moved to the locked position. If the tow

bar does not remain in the locked position,

wait another few seconds and try again.

1. Open the tailgate. Press and release the

button on the right-hand side at the rear of

the cargo area - retraction might not start

if the button is pressed for too long.

Do not kick the tow bar.

> The towbar automatically lowers in an

unlocked position - the indicator lamp

in the button flashes orange.

460

STARTING AND DRIVING

Follow the regulations in force for the per-

mitted speeds and weights.

Driving with a trailer

•

IMPORTANT

When driving with a trailer, there are a num-

ber of points that are important to think about

regarding the towbar, the trailer and how the

load is positioned in the trailer.

Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The

total of the weight of the passengers and all

accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's

payload by a corresponding weight.

When the tow bar is activated by pressing

a key and has been placed in the unlocked

position:

Maintain a low speed when driving with a

trailer up long, steep ascents.

The maximum indicated trailer weight only

applies to heights up to 1000 metres

above sea level (3280 ft). At higher eleva-

tions, the engine output and the vehicle's

climbing ability are reduced due to the

reduced air density, and the maximum

trailer load must therefore be reduced. The

weight of the car and trailer must be

decreased by 10% for each additional

1000 m (3280 ft) or part thereof.

Wait at least 2 seconds before the tow bar

is moved to the locked position. If the tow

bar does not remain in the locked position,

wait another few seconds and try again.

Do not kick the tow bar.

The car is supplied with the necessary equip-

ment for towing a trailer.

Related information

The car's towbar must be of an approved

type.

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 461)

•

Towbar* (p. 457)

Distribute the load on the trailer so that

the weight on the towbar complies with

the specified maximum towball load. Tow-

ball load is calculated as part of the car's

payload.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of

more than 12%.

•

NOTE

Extreme weather conditions, driving with a

trailer or driving at high altitudes, in combi-

nation with poorer fuel quality than recom-

mended, are factors that considerably

increase the car's fuel consumption.

Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-

mended pressure for a full load.

•

The engine is loaded more heavily than

usual when driving with a trailer.

Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is

brand new. Wait until it has been driven at

least 1000 km (620 miles).

Trailer connector

An adapter is required if the car's towbar has a

13 pin connector and the trailer has a 7 pin

connector. Use an adapter approved by Volvo.

Make sure the cable does not drag on the

ground.

The brakes are loaded much more than

usual on long and steep downhill slopes.

Downshift to a lower gear when shifting

manually and adjust your speed.

•

}}

* Option/accessory. 461

STARTING AND DRIVING

||

4. Release the brake pedal and start driving

off.

When driving in hilly terrain and hot

climates

Under certain circumstances, there may be a

risk of overheating when towing a trailer. If the

engine and drive system overheats, a warning

symbol comes on in the driver display and a

message is displayed.

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the con-

stant battery voltage to the trailer connec-

tor can be switched off automatically so as

not to drain the starter battery.

Related information

Trailer stability assist* (p. 463)

•

Checking trailer lamps (p. 464)

Towing capacity and towball load

(p. 648)

Trailer weights

WARNING

The following applies for cars with automatic

gearbox:

Overheating in the engine and drive sys-

tem (p. 454)

•

The automatic gearbox adapts the gears

depending on load and engine speed.

Follow the stated recommendations for

trailer weights. Otherwise, the car and

trailer may be difficult to control in the

event of sudden movement and braking.

Adverse driving conditions for engine oil

(p. 655)

Steep inclines

Extendable and retractable towbar*

Do not lock the automatic gearbox in a higher

gear than the engine "can cope with" - it is not

always a good idea to drive at a high gear with

low engine speed.

(p. 459)

NOTE

The stated maximum permitted trailer

weights are those permitted by Volvo.

National vehicle regulations can further

limit trailer weights and speeds. Towbars

can be certified for higher towing weights

than the car can actually tow.

Parking on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Activate the parking brake.

3. Select gear position P.

4. Release the brake pedal.

Block the wheels with chocks when parking a

car with hitched trailer on a hill.

Level control*

The car's system for level control endeavours

to maintain a constant height regardless of

load (up to the maximum permissible weight).

When the car is stationary the rear of the car

lowers slightly, which is normal.

Starting on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Select gear position D.

3. Releasing the parking brake.

462

* Option/accessory.

STARTING AND DRIVING

When Trailer Stability Assist

(TSA) is operating, the ESC

symbol flashes in the driver

display.

Trailer stability assist*

Trailer stability assist function

The function of trailer stability assist (TSA³²),

which is included in the stability system

ESC³³, is to stabilise cars towing trailers in

situations where they begin snaking. The

function is available with towbar installation,

contact a Volvo dealer for more information.

The trailer stability assist function continually

monitors the car's movements, particularly lat-

eral movements. If snaking is detected, the

front wheels are individually braked. This

serves to stabilise the car/trailer combination.

This is often enough to help the driver regain

control of the car.

NOTE

Reasons for snaking

If snaking is not eliminated the first time that

trailer stability assist intervenes, the car/trailer

combination is braked with all wheels and

engine power is reduced. Once snaking has

been gradually suppressed and the car/trailer

combination is stable once again, the system

stops regulating and the driver once again has

full control of the car.

Retrofitting a towbar requires an update of

the car's software, contact a Volvo dealer.

The snaking phenomenon can occur with any

car/trailer combination. Snaking normally

occurs at high speeds. However, there is a risk

of it occurring at lower speeds if the trailer is

overloaded or the load is improperly distrib-

uted, e.g. too far back.

Related information

Driving with a trailer (p. 461)

•

Electronic stability control (p. 271)

•

In order for snaking to occur, there must be a

triggering factor, e.g.:

NOTE

Car with trailer subjected to a sudden and

powerful side wind.

•

The stability function is deactivated if the

driver chooses to activate ESC Sport

Mode via the menu system in the centre

display.

Car with trailer drives on an uneven road

surface or in a pothole.

Sweeping steering wheel movements.

If snaking has started, it could be difficult or

even impossible to suppress. This makes the

car/trailer combination difficult to control and

there is a risk that you could, for example, end

up in the wrong lane or leave the carriageway.

Trailer stability assist may fail to intervene if

the driver uses severe steering wheel move-

ments to try to rectify the snaking because in

such a situation the system cannot determine

whether it is the trailer or the driver causing

the snaking.

32

Trailer Stability Assist

Electronic Stability Control

33

* Option/accessory. 463

STARTING AND DRIVING

therefore that the trailer is equipped with a

rear fog lamp to travel safely.

Switching off automatic checking

The automatic checking function can be

switched off in the centre display.

Checking trailer lamps

When connecting a trailer - check that all the

trailer lamps work before departure.

Checking trailer lamps*

1.

2. Press My Car Lights and Lighting.

Press Settings in the top view.

Direction indicators and brake lights

on the trailer

If one or more of the trailer's direction indica-

tors or brake light bulbs is broken, the driver

display shows a symbol and a message. Other

lights on the trailer must be checked manually

by the driver before setting off.

Automatic checking

After a trailer is connected electrically, it is

possible to check that the trailer lamps are

working via an automatic lamp activation. The

function helps the driver check that the trailer

lamps are working before starting off.

3.

Deselect Automatic Trailer Lamp

Check.

Manual checking

If the automatic checking is switched off then

it is possible to start the check manually.

The car must be switched off to perform the

check.

Symbol Message

1.

2. Press My Car Lights and Lighting.

Press Settings in the top view.

1. When a trailer is connected to the towbar,

the Automatic Trailer Lamp Check mes-

sage is shown in the driver display.

Trailer turn indicator Right

turn indicator malfunction

•

3.

Select Manual Trailer Lamp Check.

Trailer turn indicator Left

turn indicator malfunction

2. Confirm the message by pressing the

right-hand steering wheel keypad's O but-

ton.

> The lamp check starts. Exit the car to

check lamp functionality.

Trailer brake light Malfunc-

tion

•

Related information

> The lamp check starts.

Driving with a trailer (p. 461)

•

3. Exit the car to check lamp functionality.

> All trailer lamps start to flash - then the

lamps are switched on one at a time.

If any lamp for the trailer's direction indicators

is broken, the driver display symbol for direc-

tion indicators will also flash more quickly than

normal.

4. Visually check that all lamps available on

the trailer are operational.

5. After a moment, all lamps on the trailer

flash again.

Rear fog lamp on trailer

When connecting the trailer, the rear fog lamp

may not light up on the car. In such cases, the

rear fog lamp function switches to the trailer.

Upon activation of the rear fog lamp, check

> The check is complete.

464

* Option/accessory.

STARTING AND DRIVING

The car's driving characteristics are affected

when a bicycle rack is fitted on the towbar.

For example due to:

sumption. It may also lead to an increased

load on the towbar.

Towbar-mounted bicycle rack*

When using a bicycle rack, the bicycle racks

that Volvo has developed are recommended.

This is in order to avoid damage to the car and

in order to achieve the maximum possible

safety during a journey. Volvo's bicycle racks

are available for purchase at authorised Volvo

dealers.

Related information

increased weight

•

Towbar* (p. 457)

•

reduced acceleration capacity

reduced ground clearance

changed braking capacity.

Carefully follow the instructions enclosed with

the bicycle rack.

Recommendations for loading

bicycles on the bicycle rack

The larger the distance between the load's

centre of gravity and the towball, the greater

the load on the towbar.

Bicycle rack including load must weigh a

maximum of 75 kg (165 pounds).

•

The bicycle rack may be designed for a

maximum of three bicycles.

•

Load according to the following recommenda-

tions:

WARNING

Fit the heaviest bicycle furthest in, closest

to the car.

•

Incorrect use of the bicycle rack may cause

damage to the towbar and car.

Keep the load symmetrical and as close to

the centre of the car as possible e.g. by

loading the bicycles facing alternately if

several bicycles are loaded.

•

The bicycle rack can loosen from the tow-

bar if it

is incorrectly fitted on the towball

•

Remove loose objects from the bicycle for

transportation, e.g. bicycle basket, battery,

child seat. Partly to reduce the load on the

towbar and bicycle rack, and partly to

reduce the wind resistance, which affects

fuel consumption.

•

is overloaded, see the bicycle rack's

instructions for maximum load weight

is used for carrying something other

than bicycles.

•

Do not use protective covers on the bicy-

cles. This may affect manoeuvrability,

impair visibility and increase fuel con-

* Option/accessory. 465

STARTING AND DRIVING

5. Move the gear selector to neutral position

and release the parking brake.

Towing

WARNING

During towing, the car is towed by another

vehicle by means of a towline.

Find out the statutory maximum speed limit

for towing before the towing begins.

Check that the steering lock is

unlocked before towing.

•

If the battery voltage is too low, the park-

ing brake cannot be disengaged. Connect

a donor battery if the battery voltage is too

low.

Ignition position II must be active - in

ignition position I all airbags are deacti-

vated.

Preparations and towing

> The towing vehicle can now start tow-

ing.

Always keep the remote control key in

the car when it is being towed.

•

IMPORTANT

6. Keep the towline taut when the towing

vehicle reduces speed by holding your foot

gently pressed on the brake pedal -

Some gearbox variants make it impossible

to shift out of P unless the engine is run-

ning. Contact an authorised Volvo work-

shop for assistance when towing, or sum-

mon professional help for recovery.

WARNING

thereby avoiding unnecessary jerking.

The brake servo and power steering do not

work when the engine is switched off - the

brake pedal needs to be depressed

7. Be prepared to brake to stop.

about 5 times more heavily and the steer-

ing is considerably heavier than normal.

Jump starting

Do not tow the car to jump start the engine.

Use a donor battery if the starter battery is dis-

charged and the engine does not start.

IMPORTANT

Note that the car must always be towed

with the wheels rolling forward.

1. Activate the car's hazard warning flashers.

2. Secure the towline in the towing eye.

Do not tow cars with automatic trans-

mission at speeds higher than

80 km/h (50 mph) or for distances in

excess of 80 km (50 miles).

•

IMPORTANT

3. Deactivate the steering lock by unlocking

the car.

The catalytic converter may be damaged

during attempts to tow-start the engine.

4. Set the car in ignition position II - press

the start button without depressing the

brake pedal and hold the button

depressed for approx. 4 seconds. Then

release the button.

Related information

Fitting and removing the towing eye

(p. 467)

•

Hazard warning flashers (p. 147)

Recovery (p. 468)

•

466

STARTING AND DRIVING -> Towbar and Driving with a trailer for Your Volvo XC40 SUV Second Generation (2022-2026)

Related Topics

STARTING AND DRIVING

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals