2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Starting and switching off the car
Immobilizer
The electronic immobilizer is a theft protection system that prevents an unauthorized person from starting the car.\
The car can only be started with the correct key.
The following error message in the driver display is related to the electronic immobilizer:
| Symbol | Message | Specification |
|---|---|---|
 |
The car key is not detected. See Owner’s Manual for more information. | Error reading the key during starting – place the key on the key symbol in the cup holder and try again.
|
Starting the car
The car is started using the ignition dial in the tunnel console when a key is in the car.
Warning
Before starting:
- Fasten the seatbelt.
- Adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors.
- Make sure that the brake pedal can be fully depressed.
Important
The car cannot be started if the charging cable is still connected. Make sure the charging cable is unplugged and the charging hatch is closed before the starting the car.
Start knob in the tunnel console.
Make sure the key is in the car.(For cars with passive start, the key needs to be located in the front part of the passenger compartment)
- Put the seatbelt on.
- Depress the brake pedal.(If the car is moving, the engine can be started by turning the start knob clockwise)
- Turn the start knob clockwise and release it.
- The car starts and the ignition dial automatically returns to its original position.
- Change gear to D or R.
- If One Pedal Drive is activated, the car will drive in the selected driving direction when the brake pedal is released, provided that the car is not facing uphill.
- If One Pedal Drive is deactivated, the car will be held stationary until the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Important
If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts – wait for 3 minutes before making a further attempt. Starting capacity increases if the battery is allowed to recover.
When the engine is started, the starter motor works until the engine is started or until its overheating protection triggers.(Does not apply to KERS cars where the alternator is used for starting)
- When starting in normal conditions, the car’s electric drive motor is prioritised – the petrol engine remains switched off. This means that after the start knob has been turned clockwise, the electric motor has ”started” and the car is ready to drive. A started car is indicated by the driver display’s indicator lamps extinguishing and its preset theme illuminating.
- However there are situations where the petrol engine is started instead e.g. in the event of the temperature being too low or if the hybrid battery needs charging.
Error messages
If the message Car key not detected is shown, place the key by the back-up reader. Then try to start the car again.
Backup reader’s location in the tunnel console.
Note
- When the key is positioned by the back-up reader, make sure that there are no keys, metal objects or electronic apparatus by the back-up reader, (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, computers or chargers). Several keys close to one another by the backup reader may cause interference with each other.
- If the message Car start System check, wait is shown, wait until the message disappears and then try to start the car again.
Note
The car cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.
Warning
Never remove the key from the car while driving.
Warning
Always take the key out from the car when leaving the car and make sure the car’s electrical system is in ignition position 0 – especially if there are children in the car.
Note
The idling speed can be noticeably higher than normal for certain engine types during cold starting. This is done in order that the emissions system can reach normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which minimises exhaust emissions and protects the environment.
Using jump starting with another battery
If the car’s starter battery (12 V) is discharged then the car’s electrical system can be started with current from another battery.
If the battery with a voltage of 12 V (starter battery) is discharged, the car’s electrical system can be started by means of jump starting using jump leads and another car. If the hybrid battery is also discharged, it will need to be charged using a charging cable after starting the electrical system in order to be able to start the engine.
Charging points for jump-starting own car. The appearance in the engine compartment may vary depending on car model and equipment level.
Important
The car’s charging points are only intended for jump-starting the car itself. Do not use them to start other cars – the fuse for the charging circuit may be overloaded so that it stops working.
If a fuse has been overloaded, the message 12 V battery fuse failure Service required is shown in the driver display. Volvo recommends that an authorized Volvo workshop is contacted.
When jump-starting the car, the following steps are recommended to avoid short circuits or other damage:
- Set the car’s electrical system in ignition position 0.
- Check that the donor battery has a voltage of 12 V.
- If the battery is installed in another car – switch off its engine and make sure that the cars do not touch each other.
- Connect one of the red jump lead’s clamps to the donor battery’s positive terminal (1).
Important
Connect the jump lead carefully to avoid a short circuit and contact with other components in the engine compartment. - Open the positive charging point’s cover (2).
- Attach the red jump lead’s other clamp onto the car’s positive charging point (2).
- Connect one of the black jump lead’s clamps to the donor battery’s negative terminal (3).
- Attach the black jump lead’s other clamp onto the car’s negative charging point (4).
- Check that the jump lead clamps are affixed securely. Poor contact may cause sparks or the clamps to loosen during the starting attempt.
- Start the engine of the donor car and allow it to run for a few minutes at a rotation speed higher than normal idle approx. 1500 rpm.
- Start your own car’s engine. If the start attempt fails then extend the charging time to 10 minutes, and then make a new start attempt.
Note
When starting the engine in normal conditions the car’s electric drive motor is prioritised – the petrol engine remains switched off. This means that after the start knob has been turned clockwise, the electric motor has “started” and the car is ready to move. A started motor is indicated by the driver display’s indicator lamps extinguishing and its preset theme illuminating.
Important
Do not touch the connections between cable and car during the starting attempt. There is a risk of sparks forming. - Remove the jump leads in reverse order – first the black and then the red.
Make sure that the black jump lead’s clamps do not come into contact with the car’s positive charging point, the donor battery’s positive terminal, or the clamp connected to the red jump lead.
Warning
- The battery can generate oxyhydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. A spark can be formed if a jump lead is connected incorrectly, and this can be enough for the battery to explode.
- Do not connect the jump leads to any fuel system component or any moving part. Be careful of hot engine parts.
- The battery contains sulphuric acid, which can cause serious burns.
- If sulphuric acid comes into contact with eyes, skin or clothing, flush with large quantities of water. If acid splashes into the eyes – seek medical attention immediately.
- Never smoke near the battery.
Note
The car cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.
Switching off the car
The car is switched off using the start knob in the tunnel console.
Start knob in the tunnel console.
To switch off the car:
- Turn the start knob clockwise and release it.
- The car switches off and the ignition dial automatically returns to its original position.
If the gear selector is not in position P or if the car rolls:
Turn the ignition dial clockwise and hold until the car is switched off.
Ignition positions
The car’s electrical system can be set in different levels/positions and in this way make the different functions available.
- In order to facilitate the use of a limited number of functions with the engine switched off, the car’s electrical system can be set in three different levels – 0, I and II. These levels are described with the denomination “ignition position” throughout the owner’s manual.
- The following table shows the functions available in each ignition position/level:
| Level | Functions |
|---|---|
| 0 |
In this mode, the functions are controlled by time and are switched off automatically after a short while. |
| I |
Power is taken from the battery in this ignition position. |
| II |
This ignition position consumes a lot of current from the battery and should therefore be avoided!
|
Selecting ignition mode
The car’s electrical system can be set in different levels/positions and in this way make the different functions available.
Selecting ignition position
Start knob in the tunnel console.
- Ignition position 0 – Unlock the car and store the key inside the car.
Note
To reach level I or II without starting the engine – do not depress the brake pedal when these ignition positions are to be selected.
- Ignition position I – Turn the start knob clockwise and release it. The control automatically returns to its starting position.
- Ignition position II – Turn the start knob clockwise and hold it in position for approx. 5 seconds. Then release the knob, which automatically returns to its starting position.
- Back to ignition position 0 – To return to ignition position 0 from position I and II – Turn the start knob clockwise and release. The control automatically returns to its starting position.