2010 VOLVO V50 oil dipstick

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine compartment09
217
G026456
Cooling system expansion tank
Power steering fluid reservoir (concealed
behind the headlight)
Dipstick – engine oil
Radiator
Cooling fan
Washer fluid reservoir
Engine oil filler cap
Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
Battery
Relay/fuse box
Air cleaner
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to
operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine
has been switched off.

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
218
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 275 for oil specifications. Refer to
the Warranty and Service Records Information
booklet for information on the oil change inter-
vals.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
NOTE
•Volvo does not recommend the use of
oil additives.
•Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance
intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge. Please consult a
trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.
Checking and adding oilThe oil level should be checked every time the
vehicle is refueled. This is especially important
during the period up to the first scheduled
maintenance service
•The car should be parked on a level surface
when the oil is checked.
•If the engine is warm, wait for at least
10–15 minutes after the engine has been
switched off before checking the oil.
G020338
Location of dipstick and oil filler cap
Checking the oil1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
1 US quart (1 liter) of oil.
4. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
5. Switch off the engine and wait for at least
10–15 minutes and recheck the oil level. If
necessary, add oil until the level is near the
MAX mark.
G020336
CAUTION
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Oil that is lower than the specified qual-
ity can damage the engine.
•Always add oil of the same type and
viscosity as already used.
•Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This
could cause an increase in oil consump-
tion.

11 Specifications
Engine oil
11
275 Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC
specification GF-4, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1.
Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel
economy, engine performance, or engine pro-
tection.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and Max marks on
the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 lit-
ers).
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or
synthetic oils may provide superior fuel econ-
omy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo
retailer or a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician for recommendations on premium
or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal service intervals.
This oil is only used at customer request, at
additional charge. Please consult a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life
under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will providegood fuel economy and engine protection. See
the viscosity chart.
G023491
Viscosity chart
Extreme engine operationSynthetic oils meeting SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40
and complying with oil quality requirements are
recommended for driving in areas of sustained
temperature extremes (hot or cold), when tow-
ing a trailer over long distances, and for pro-
longed driving in mountainous areas.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
symbol
G022917
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into
three parts:
•The upper section describes the oil's per-
formance level.
•The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
•The lower section indicates whether the oil
has demonstrated energy-conserving
properties in a standard test in comparison
to a reference oil.