Engine oil - Check and topping up

Checking and topping up engine oil on the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) requires precise procedures. This section explains the use of the oil dipstick or electronic oil level sensor and the recommended steps for an accurate measurement. Safety notes are also provided to prevent engine damage, such as avoiding overfilling and avoiding oil spills on hot components. Tips on correct reading after topping up complete the information.

On certain engines the oil level is checked with an electronic oil level sensor, on others with an oil dipstick.

Engine with oil dipstick5

Dipstick and filler tube.

It is especially important to check the engine oil level before the first scheduled oil change on the new vehicle.

Volvo recommends checking the oil level every 2 500 km. The most reliable reading is obtained before starting the engine, when the engine is cold. Immediately after switching off the engine, an incorrect reading is obtained: the dipstick will show a level that is too low, because the oil has not yet had time to drain back into the oil pan.

The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX marks.

Measure and top up with oil if necessary

1. 1
   Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground. It is important to wait about 5 minutes after switching off the engine so the oil can drain back into the oil pan.
2. 2
   Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. 3
   Reinsert the dipstick.
4. 4
   Pull it out again and check the oil level.
5. 5
   If the level is close to MIN, add 0.5 liters. If the level is well below MIN, a larger amount may be required.
6. 6
   If you want to check the oil level again, do so after a short drive. Then repeat steps 1–4.

Never fill above the MAX mark.

The oil level must never be above MAX or below MIN, as this can cause engine damage.

Take care to avoid spilling oil on the exhaust manifold, as this may cause a fire.

5 Does not apply to 4-cyl. or 5-cyl. diesel engines equipped with an electronic oil level sensor.

Engine with electronic oil level sensor, 4-cyl.

Filler tube 6.

In certain cases it may be necessary to add engine oil between service intervals.

Engine oil level measures are only required when the corresponding message appears in the instrument cluster display, see the following illustration.

6 Engines with an electronic oil level sensor do not have a dipstick.

Message and graphic in the display. The digital instrument cluster is shown on the left and the analog instrument cluster on the right.

1. 1
   Message
2. 2
   Engine Oil Level

The oil level is checked with the electronic oil level meter using the thumb wheel with the engine switched off, see Menu operation - Instrument cluster.

If the message Oil change required is displayed, visit a workshop. A Volvo Authorized Workshop is recommended.

The oil level may be too high.

If a low oil level message is displayed, add only the specified volume, e.g. 0.5 liters.

The system cannot detect changes immediately after adding or draining oil. For the oil level to be displayed correctly, the vehicle must first be driven approx. 30 km and then stand on level ground for 5 minutes with the engine switched off.

Take care to avoid spilling oil on the exhaust manifold, as this may cause a fire.

Oil level check, 4-cyl.

When checking the oil level, follow this sequence.

1. 1
   Activate ignition position II, see Ignition positions - Functions in different positions
2. 2
   Turn the thumb wheel on the left steering wheel lever to the Oil level position.

   > Engine oil level information is displayed.

   For more information on menu operation, see Menu operation - Instrument cluster.

If the conditions for a correct oil level measurement are not met (time since the engine was switched off, vehicle inclination, outside temperature, etc.), the message Not available is displayed.

This does not mean that there is a fault in the vehicle systems.

Engine with electronic oil level sensor, 5-cyl. diesel

Filler tube 7.

Engine oil level measures are only required when the corresponding message appears in the instrument cluster display, see the following illustration.

Message and graphic in the display. The digital instrument cluster is shown on the left and the analog instrument cluster on the right.

1. 1
   Message
2. 2
   Engine Oil Level

The oil level is checked with the electronic oil level meter using the thumb wheel with the engine switched off, see Menu operation - Instrument cluster

If the message Oil change required is displayed, visit a workshop. A Volvo Authorized Workshop is recommended.

The oil level may be too high.

7 Engines with an electronic oil level sensor do not have a dipstick.

When the message Oil level low is displayed, add 0.5 liters only.

The system only detects the oil level while driving. It cannot detect changes immediately after adding or draining oil. The vehicle must be driven approx. 30 km before the oil level is displayed correctly again.

Do not add any more oil if level (3) or (4) is displayed, as shown in the illustration below. The level must never be above MAX or below MIN, as this can cause engine damage.

Take care to avoid spilling oil on the exhaust manifold, as this may cause a fire.

Oil level check, 5-cyl. diesel

When checking the oil level, follow this sequence.

1. 1
   Activate ignition position II, see Ignition positions - Functions in different positions
2. 2
   Turn the thumb wheel on the left steering wheel lever to the Oil level position.

   > Engine oil level information is displayed.

   For more information on menu operation, see Menu operation - Instrument cluster.

   

Numbers 1–4 indicate the oil level. Do not add any more oil if level (3) or (4) is displayed. The recommended level is 4.

Message and graphic in the display. The digital instrument cluster is shown on the left and the analog instrument cluster on the right.

Related information

- Engine oil - general

The engine oil level on the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) can be checked with the dipstick or the electronic oil level sensor, depending on the engine. It is important to check the oil level with the engine switched off on level ground and not to fill above the MAX mark, to avoid damage.

With electronic oil level sensors, the level is shown in the instrument cluster. After adding oil, drive the vehicle approx. 30 km so the system can correctly detect the new level. Volvo recommends using exactly the amount shown in the display when adding oil.

FAQ

Why is overfilling engine oil harmful?
Too much oil can cause increased pressure and engine damage.

When does “Oil change required” appear?
When the oil level is too high or an oil change is due according to the service schedule. A workshop should be visited.