Checking the oil level in a new car is especially important before the first scheduled oil change.
Volvo recommends checking the oil level every 2 500 km. The most accurate measurements are made on a cold engine before starting. The measurement will be inaccurate if taken immediately after the engine is switched off. The dipstick will indicate that the level is too low because the oil has not had time to flow down into the oil sump.
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Measurement and filling if required
Ensure that the car is level. After switching off the engine it is important to wait 5 minutes to allow the oil time to run back to the sump.
Pull up and wipe the dipstick.
Re-insert the dipstick.
Pull it out and check the level.
If the level is close to MIN then 0.5 litres should be added. If the level is significantly below, then an additional amount is required.
If required, check the level again, do it after driving a short distance. Then repeat steps 1 - 4.
Warning
Never fill above the MAX mark. The level should never be above MAX or below MIN as this could lead to engine damage.
Warning
Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold due to the risk of fire.
Engine with electronic oil level sensor, 4-cyl. 2.0 l
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 and have been stationary for 2 hours with the engine switched off and on level ground before 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, 4-cyl. 2.0 l
If the oil level needs to be checked then it should be carried out in accordance with the following sequence.
If the right conditions for measuring the oil level are not met (time after engine shutdown, the car's inclination, outside temperature, etc.) then the message Not available will be shown. This does not mean that there is something wrong in the car's systems.
Engine with electronic oil level sensor, 5-cyl. diesel
You do not need to take action with respect to the engine oil level before a message is shown in the combined instrument panel's information display, see following illustration.
Message and graph in the display. The left-hand display shows the digital combined instrument panel and the right-hand the analogue.
Message
Engine oil level
On certain cars, the oil level can be checked using the electronic oil level gauge with the thumbwheel when the engine is switched off.
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
In the event of the message Oil level low Refill 0.5 litre, only fill with 0.5 litres.
Note
The oil level is only detected by the system during driving. The system cannot directly detect changes when the oil is filled or drained. The car must be driven about 30 km before the oil level display is correct.
Warning
Do not fill more oil if filling level (3) or (4) appears as shown in the illustration below. The level must never be above MAX or below MIN, as this could lead to engine damage.
Warning
Do not spill oil onto the hot exhaust manifold due to the risk of fire.
Measuring the oil level, 5-cyl. diesel
If the oil level needs to be checked then it should be carried out in accordance with the following sequence.
The figures 1-4 represent filling level. Do not fill more oil if filling level (3) or (4) is shown. The recommended filling level is 4. Message and graph in the display. The left-hand display shows the digital combined instrument panel and the right-hand the analogue.
Message
Engine oil level
