Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual page 427

Hill Descent Control*
The function for assisting when driving down-
14
hill (HDC ) is a low-speed function with
increased engine braking. The function
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on steep downhill gradients
by only using the accelerator pedal, without
applying the brakes.
In vehicles equipped with drive mode con-
trol*, the function is included in the
drive mode.
HDC is designed for driving on rough roads at
low speeds and downhill gradients with slip-
pery or otherwise difficult road surfaces. The
driver does not need to use the brake pedal
but can instead focus on steering.
WARNING
HDC is only intended to be a supplemen-
tary braking aid and it does not function in
all situations.
The driver is always ultimately responsible
for operating the vehicle in a safe manner.
Function
Hill Descent Control allows the vehicle to
move forward or backward at very low speeds
assisted by the brake system. The driver can
increase the speed by pressing the accelerator
14 Hill Descent Control
15 Low Speed Control
pedal. When the accelerator pedal is released,
the vehicle will return to very low speed
regardless of how steep the hill is and without
the brakes needing to be applied. The brake
lights will illuminate when the function is acti-
vated.
The driver can brake to stop or slow the vehi-
cle at any time by depressing the brake pedal.
HDC is activated along with Low Speed Con-
Off Road
15
trol (LSC ), which facilitates and improves
traction and control on rough and slippery sur-
faces. The system is intended to be used at
low speeds, up to approximately 40 km/h (25
mph).
To keep in mind when using HDC
If the function is switched off while driving
•
on a steep downhill gradient, braking
effect will be gradually reduced.
HDC can be used in gear positions D and
•
R, and in manual gears 1 or 2.
It is not possible to manually shift to third
•
gear or higher when HDC is active.
NOTE
When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel
of the accelerator pedal and engine
response will change.
STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTE
This drive mode is not designed to be used
for normal street driving.
NOTE
The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.
Related information
Activating and deactivating Hill Descent
•
Control* using the function button
(p. 426)
Changing drive mode* (p. 413)
•
Low Speed Control* (p. 423)
•
All Wheel Drive (AWD)* (p. 410)
•
* Option/accessory.
425