08 Starting and driving
Hill Descent Control (HDC)12
introduction
–
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
NOTE
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent
All Wheel Drive, which means that power is
distributed automatically between the front
and rear wheels.
The message AWD disabled Service
required will be appear in the information
display if an electrical fault should occur in
the AWD system. A warning light will also
illuminate in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, have the system checked by a
trained and qualified Volvo service techni-
cian.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on downhill gradients using
only the accelerator pedal, without applying
the brakes. The brake system functions auto-
matically to maintain a low and steady speed.
Introduction
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is
released while driving down hills, the vehicle's
speed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm
(the normal engine braking effect). However, if
the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if
the vehicle is carrying a load, speed increases
despite the engine braking effect. In this sit-
uation, the brakes must be applied to reduce
the vehicle's speed.
Related information
•
Transmission – general information
(p. 252)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) – introduction
(p. 264)
•
Under normal driving conditions, most of the
engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for
the front wheels to spin, an electronically
controlled coupling distributes power to the
wheels that have the best traction.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down
steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the
road may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations,
and is a supplementary braking aid. The
driver has full responsibility for driving in a
safe manner.
08
12
Available on the V60 Cross Country in combination with certain engines only.
264
English 
