The car is equipped with two brake circuits. If a brake circuit is damaged, the brake pedal may engage deeper. Higher pressure on the pedal will therefore be needed to produce the normal braking effect.
The driver's brake pedal pressure is assisted by a brake servo.
Warning
If the foot brake is used when the car is not activated, greater pedal pressure is required to brake the car.
In very hilly terrain or when driving with a heavy load the brakes should be relieved by using engine braking in manual gearshift mode. Engine braking is most efficiently used if the same gear is used downhill as up.
Anti-lock braking system
The car has anti-lock brakes (ABS1), which prevents the wheels from locking while braking and allows maintained steering control.
After the car has been activated, a short test of the ABS system takes place. A further automatic test of the system may take place at low speed.
Symbols in the driver display
| Symbol | Specification |
|---|---|
 | Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fill with brake fluid and check for the cause of the brake fluid loss. |
 | Fault in pedal sensor. |
 | Constant glow for 2 seconds when the car is started: Automatic function check. Constant glow for more than 2 seconds: ABS fault. The car's regular brake system continues to work, but without ABS function. |
 | In the event of the message:Brake pedal characteristics changed Service required The brake pedal needs to be depressed past the normal braking position using a higher pressure to brake the car. |
Warning
If both the warning lamps for brake fault and ABS fault illuminate at the same time, a fault has occurred in the brake system.
- If the level in the brake fluid reservoir is normal at this stage, drive carefully to the nearest workshop and have the brake system checked - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
- If the brake fluid is below the MIN level in the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive further before topping up the brake fluid. The reason for the loss of brake fluid must be investigated.