Brake System - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

06 Starting and driving

Brake system

BRAKE Brake circuit malfunction
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two master cylinders and two sepa-
rate brake circuits. If a problem should occur
in one of these circuits, it is still possible to
stop the vehicle with the other brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pres-
sure, the stopping distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will
light up to warn the driver that a fault has
occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
06
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.
*
154
Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in
BRAKE FAILURE
the reservoir or if a
STOP SAFELY
message is displayed in
the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have
the vehicle towed to a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician and have the
brake system inspected.
NOTE
When the vehicle is at a standstill and the
engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and
the brake pedal is depressed, the pedal
may go down slightly. This is a normal
function of the power-assisted brake sys-
tem.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by
raising the vehicle (see page 198 for informa-
tion about using the jack and removing a
wheel) and performing a visual inspection of
the brake pads.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle has been driven immedi-
ately prior to a brake pad inspection,
the wheel hub, brake components,
etc., will be very hot. Allow time for
these components to cool before car-
rying out the inspection.
•
Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.
•
Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.