Engine oil - checking and filling

Updated 06/08/2023

The oil level is detected with the electronic oil level sensor.

P4-1420 Filler cap engine VEP4 — Filler pipe1.

In some cases, oil may need to be topped up between service intervals.

No action needs to be taken on engine oil level until a message is shown in the combined instrument panel's display, see the following illustration.

P3-1346 Oil message and graph in display VEA — Message and graphic in the display. The left-hand display is shown in the digital combined instrument panel and the right-hand in the analogue.

Ikon röd cirkel 1 — Message and graphic in the display. The left-hand display is shown in the digital combined instrument panel and the right-hand in the analogue.

The oil level is checked using the electronic oil level gauge with the thumbwheel when the engine is switched off, see Menu navigation - combined instrument panel.

Warning

If the message Oil service required is shown, visit a workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended. The oil level may be too high.

Important

If notified of low oil level, only fill with the volume specified, for example, 0.5 litres.

Note

The system cannot directly detect changes when the oil is filled or drained. The car must have been driven approx. 30 km (approx. 20 miles) and have been stationary for 5 minutes with the engine switched off and on level ground before the oil level indication is correct.

Warning

Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold due to the risk of fire.

Measuring the oil level

If the oil level needs to be checked then it should be carried out in accordance with the following sequence.

Activate key position II; see Key positions - functions at different levels.

Rotate the thumbwheel on the left-hand stalk switch to position Oil level.

You will then see information displayed about the engine oil level.

For more information on menu navigation, see Menu navigation - combined instrument panel.

Note

If the right conditions for measuring the oil level (time after engine shutdown, the car's inclination, outside temperature, etc.) are not met, the message Not available will be shown. This does not mean that there is something wrong in the car's systems.