Volvo XC90: Starting and driving / Using the steering wheel paddles to shift
(Option/accessory.)
The steering wheel paddles are a supplement to the gear selector and make
it possible to shift manually without removing your hands from the steering wheel.
The function is available in position D or M.

"-": Shift down one gear.
"+": Shift up one gear.
Change
To shift:
- Pull one of the paddles toward the steering wheel and then release.
As long as the engine speed (rpm) is within the permissible range for the selected
gear, a gear shift will take place each time a paddle is pulled. The current gear
will be displayed in the instrument panel.
In the M position, the paddles are automatically activated.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for shifting
in manual mode, large gear selector.

Instrument panel when the paddles are activated for shifting
in manual mode, small gear selector.
Activating the steering wheel paddles in the D position
To be able to shift gears using the paddles, they must be activated:
- Pull one of the paddles toward the steering wheel.
- A number in the instrument panel indicates the current gear being used.

Instrument panel when shifting gears using steering wheel paddles,
large gear selector.

Instrument panel when shifting gears using steering wheel paddles,
small gear selector.
Turning off the steering wheel paddles in the D position
Manual deactivation
- Pull the right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel and hold it there until
the number in the instrument panel goes out.
- The transmission will return to the D position.
Automatic deactivation
The steering wheel paddles will switch off after a short time if they are not
being used. This is shown by the number in the instrument panel going out. If engine
braking is currently being used, the paddles will remain active until engine braking
stops.
For the small gear selector, change gear position by pushing the spring-loaded
gear selector forward or rearward, or to the side for manual shifting. For the large
gear selector, you instead move the gear selector to the left for manual shifting...
The automatic transmission's shiftlock function helps prevent inadvertently
moving the gear selector between different positions. There are two types of shiftlocks:
mechanical and automatic...
Other information:
Cruise control (CC1) can be deactivated and switched off.
Press the button on the steering
wheel (2).
The symbol and markings turn gray – cruise control goes into standby
mode.
Press the (1) or
(3) buttons on the steering wheel
to select another function...
With the vehicle connected to the Internet1, updates for a number
of the vehicle's systems can be downloaded from the center display.
The Download Center app
is started from the center display and makes it possible to:
search for and update system software
update Sensus Navigation* map data
download, update and delete apps...