XC60 D4 towing

[Sheded]

Originally Posted by Scarsdalejohn

I have a MY15 car of same spec and have towed a 1550KG van without problem.Very few motorway inclines defeat it even in 6th gear and it is without doubt a great towcar.
Im not sure about any red light though.Mine displays a little telltale indicator on the righthand side of the instruments which moves up if in too low a gear and down if change down required. It moves pretty well in accord with the drivers "feel" for what gear the outfit should be in.

Yeah, it’s the gear shift indicator that indicates a lower gear is required, but also the message appears on the central display, accompanied by a red light to the left of the instrument panel.

[Pitvar]

Previously towed a 1450kg single axle with a manual D4 including to the Dordogne and back and no issues as described. Have now switched to a D5 auto for more relaxed towing, as a manual with a van on the back was a pain in queues plus on some hills the D4 took lower gears than I was expecting.

Might be worth asking the dealer what the parameters are for the warning - plus has it got the official Volvo towing module and has it been enabled - no idea whether that would make a difference or not though?

[Sheded]

Originally Posted by Pitvar

Previously towed a 1450kg single axle with a manual D4 including to the Dordogne and back and no issues as described. Have now switched to a D5 auto for more relaxed towing, as a manual with a van on the back was a pain in queues plus on some hills the D4 took lower gears than I was expecting.

Might be worth asking the dealer what the parameters are for the warning - plus has it got the official Volvo towing module and has it been enabled - no idea whether that would make a difference or not though?

I had the towbar fitted recently, and it is supposed to have the proper plug in electrics, although I doubt its genuine Volvo. What do you mean by having it enabled?

[PJordan]

You may well have all the proper plug and electrics but only a Volvo Main Dealer is able to update the software in the car to enable the trailer assist system - this may well be all you need done to give you a better towing experience.

Hope this helps.

[nu11eaf]

On the new Spa volvo's a towbar that has been setup via Vida does several things when connected up, not sure if they all apply to older models.

It activates the cars trailer stability system as mentioned above.

It prevents the reverse sensors beeping when reversing as it would just see the caravan and just beep all the time.

It disables BLISS if you have it. (It would see a wide trailer all the time)

It may stop the "cars" rear fog/reverse lights coming on when hitched up but not sure about that.

Newer spa models it also.

Prevents coasting in eco mode and disables pilot assist. (to ensure you are always in control when towing, you can still use cruise control)

And it activates a trailer light check option that allows you to start the check, turn off the engjne then walk to the back of your trailer and visually check the lights as they come on in sequence.
The light check is very handy when on your own when connecting up your trailer.

[Sheded]

Spoke to three main dealers and an Independent who have never encountered this issue before. Had to bite the bullet and book it in for a diagnostic. Hope it finds something, and it’s not £100 wasted

[cardiomike]

just wondered how the engine fans are working? or indeed any issues with water pump/belt-might be over 65 air flow increase is sufficient to compensate and below 50 drag of caravan is low enough to ease strain?

[Sheded]

Originally Posted by cardiomike

just wondered how the engine fans are working? or indeed any issues with water pump/belt-might be over 65 air flow increase is sufficient to compensate and below 50 drag of caravan is low enough to ease strain?

Everything seems to be working ok. Clearly that’s not the case. Hopefully the diagnostics will find the problem. Other owners with same spec don’t report any problems, so must be something amiss somewhere.