Brakes

The brake pedal is used to apply the vehicle's regular brakes, which are part of the brake system.

The vehicle is equipped with two brake circuits. If one brake circuit is damaged, the brake pedal may go down further when depressed. More pressure will then be required from the driver for normal braking effect.

If the brake pedal is used when the vehicle is not activated, greater pressure must be applied to brake the vehicle.

In very hilly areas or when driving with a heavy load, gear position B can be used to augment the brakes with engine braking.

Anti-lock brakes

The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS1), which helps prevent the wheels from locking and helps maintain steering control when braking.

After the vehicle is activated, a brief test of the ABS system is automatically performed. Another automatic test of the system may be performed at low speed.

Light braking charges the hybrid battery

Energy is regenerated to the battery during light braking. This converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the hybrid battery. When the battery is being charged using regenerative braking, this will be indicated in the instrument panel.

For harder braking, the braking is supplemented by the hydraulic brake system.

 Note

Volvo recommends braking hard regularly using the friction brakes to prevent problems with the brake discs, such as rust or dirt accumulation, caused by inactivity.

Symbols in the instrument panel

SymbolMeaning
P5P6-2037-iCup-Brake warning symbol

2

P5P6-2037-iCup-Brake warning symbol - USA/Canada

3

Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fill brake fluid and check to determine the reason for the loss of brake fluid.
P5P6-2037-iCup-Brake control symbol

2

P5P6-2037-iCup-Brake control symbol USA/Canada

3

Fault in pedal sensor.
P5P6-2037-iCup-ABS warning symbol

2

P6P5-2037-iCup-ABS warning symbol - USA/Canada

3

Steady glow for 2 seconds after the vehicle is started: Automatic function check.

Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: Fault in ABS system. The vehicle's regular brakes will still work, but without the ABS function.

P5P6-2037-iCup-Brake pedal symbol

In the event of the message: Brake pedal characteristics changed Service required

The brake pedal must be depressed with greater pressure, past the normal braking position, in order to brake the vehicle.

 Warning

If the warning symbols for both brake fault and ABS fault are lit simultaneously, there may be a fault in the brake system.

  • If the brake fluid reservoir level is normal when this occurs, drive carefully to the nearest workshop to have the brake system checked - an authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.
  • If the brake fluid has fallen below the MIN level in the brake fluid reservoir, the vehicle should not be driven until the brake fluid has been filled. The reason for the brake fluid loss must be checked.
  1. 1 Anti-lock Braking System
  2. 2 In Canada.
  3. 3 In the US.