Maintenance And Service - Volvo V50 Owner's Manual

09 Maintenance and service

Oils and fluids
09
IMPORTANT
In order to fulfil the requirements for the
engine's service intervals all engines are
filled with a specially adapted synthetic
engine oil at the factory. The choice of oil
has been made very carefully with regard to
service life, starting characteristics, fuel
consumption and environmental impact.
An approved engine oil must be used in
order that the recommended service inter-
vals can be applied. Only use a prescribed
grade of oil (see the engine compartment
decal) for both filling and oil change, other-
wise you will risk affecting service life, star-
ting characteristics, fuel consumption and
environmental impact.
Volvo Car Corporation disclaims all war-
ranty liability if engine oil of the prescribed
grade and viscosity is not used.
Volvo uses different systems for warning of low
oil level or low oil pressure. Certain variants
have an oil pressure sensor, and then the lamp
for oil pressure is used. Other variants have an
oil level sensor, and then the driver is informed
via the warning symbol in the centre of the
instrument unit as well as by display texts. Cer-
tain models have both of the variants. Contact
an authorised Volvo dealer for more informa-
tion.
202
Checking the oil level in a new car is especially
important before the first scheduled oil change.
The Service and Warranty Booklet specifies the
odometer readings for oil changes.
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 imme-
diately 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.
Checking the oil
The oil level must be within the area marked on the
dipstick.
Checking the oil in a cold engine
1. Wipe the dipstick clean before checking
the level.
2. Check the oil level using the dipstick. The
level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
3. If the level is close to the MIN mark, start
by topping up with 0.5 litres. Top up until
the oil level is nearer the MAX than the
MIN mark on the dipstick, see page 265
for capacities.
Checking the oil in a warm engine
1. Park the car on a level surface, switch off
the engine and wait 10 – 15 minutes to
allow the oil time to run back to the sump.
2. Wipe the dipstick clean before checking
the level.
3. Check the oil level using the dipstick. The
level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks.
If the level is close to the MIN mark, start by
topping up with 0.5 litres. Top up until the oil
level is nearer the MAX than the MIN mark on
the dipstick, see page 265 for capacities.