Towing

Towing the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) requires attention and precise steps. This section describes preparing the vehicle and steering lock, the gear positions, and the maximum speed when towing. It also explains the differences for manual, automatic, and Powershift transmissions. Recommendations on jump-starting and behavior with a flat battery increase safety.

When towing, one vehicle pulls another vehicle by means of a tow rope.

Find out the legally permitted maximum towing speed before towing begins.

1. 1
   Unlock the steering lock by inserting the transponder key into the ignition lock and pressing and holding the START/STOP ENGINE button for a long time. Key position II is activated. For more information on key positions, see Key positions.
2. 2
   The transponder key must remain in the ignition lock for the entire towing procedure.
3. 3
   The tow rope must stay taut when the towing vehicle reduces speed, to avoid heavy jerking. To do this, keep your foot lightly on the brake pedal.
4. 4
   Always be ready to brake.

• Before towing, make sure the steering lock is unlocked.
• The transponder key must be in key position II. In position I, all airbags are deactivated.
• Never remove the transponder key from the ignition lock while towing the vehicle.

The brake booster and power steering do not work with the engine off. Braking force on the brake pedal must be about 5 times higher, and steering is significantly heavier than normal.

Manual transmission

Before towing:

Geartronic automatic transmission

Before towing:

• The vehicle must not be towed faster than 80 km/h or farther than 80 km.
• Note that the vehicle must always be towed so that the wheels roll forward.

Powershift automatic transmission

Vehicles with a Powershift transmission should not be towed if it can be avoided.

If the vehicle must still be towed, the distance should be as short as possible and the towing should be done at very low speed.

If you are unsure whether the vehicle has a Powershift transmission, check the designation on the transmission plate under the hood, see Model designations. The designation "MPS6" means it is a Powershift; otherwise it is the Geartronic automatic transmission.

Avoid towing.

• To move the vehicle away from a place that is dangerous for traffic safety, it may be towed for a short distance at low speed, but not farther than 10 km and only at a speed below 10 km/h. Note that the vehicle must always be towed so that the wheels roll forward.
• When towing over a distance longer than 10 km, the vehicle must be towed with the drive wheels lifted off the road. Hiring a professional towing service is recommended.

Before towing:

Jump-starting

Do not tow-start the vehicle. If the starter battery is so discharged that the engine cannot be started, use an auxiliary battery, see Jump-starting with a battery.

The catalytic converter can be damaged when attempting to tow-start the engine.

Related information

- Tow eye

- Recovery

The Volvo S80 (2nd gen) provides clear instructions for safe towing. The transponder key must remain in position II to keep the steering lock and airbags active. The permitted speeds and distances for towing must not be exceeded.

Especially with Powershift transmissions, towing is only permitted under strict conditions. For longer distances, a professional towing service is recommended to avoid damage.

Volvo specifies clear safety requirements and recommends always towing the vehicle so that the wheels roll forward.