Volvo

Volvo Engine Oil Change DIY

By Rushit Hila, ASE Certified Mechanic Updated: 02/24/2022.

This guide provides instructions on how to change the engine oil on a Volvo vehicle.

What you will need

Oil filter for Volvo
5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil
- Capacity
- 5.8L for 2.5T, 2.4 T5, 2.4i engines
- 6.6L for 2.8 T6, 2.9 T6, 2.9, 3.2, 4.4 engines
- Verify oil type, grade, and capacity in the owner's manual.

Ratchet
Oil filter pliers
Drain pan
Ramps
Jack stands
Oil funnel

Procedure

Drive the Volvo up on car ramps. Block rear wheels.
Put the car in park, and apply the emergency brakes.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands placed under the lifting points or a structural member.
Open the hood by pulling the hood release under the dash.
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Note the recommended oil grade listed on the cap.
Rotate the cap counter-clockwise to remove it.
If your Volvo has a splash shield, remove it. It is held in place with several 10mm bolts.
Locate the 13mm oil drain plug and place the drain pan below it.Remove the oil drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise.
Locate the engine oil filter.
Remove the oil filter using oil filter pliers.
Before installing a new oil filter, apply a small amount of oil to the oil filter gasket ring. Torque oil filter to 25 Nm.
Replace the copper ring on the oil drain plug.
When all of the oil has drained, reinstall the oil drain plug.

Torque the drain plug to 35 Nm.
Add 5 L oil through the oil filter hole. Be careful not to over-fill the engine with oil.
Wait for several minutes before checking the oil level using a dipstick. Add more oil to bring the level between the Min and Max marks of the dipstick.
Replace the oil filer cap, and check if any tools are left inside the engine bay.
Start the engine and check if the oil pressure light goes off within five seconds.
Turn off the engine, wait at least five minutes, and recheck the oil level. Add engine oil if the level is low.
Inspect for oil leaks in the next couple of days.

Instructions in this guide will help you change the engine oil on Volvo:

XC70
V70
S60
S40
V40
V50
XC60
XC90
S60
S70
S80
C30

Oil Change Interval

12000 km / 7500 miles

Recommend Volvo engine oil change interval is 7500 miles. This range may vary depending on the engine and oil type. See the owner's manual.

Conventional Oil

Every 3000 miles

Semi-synthetic / Synthetic Blend

Every 5000 miles

Full Synthetic

Every 7500 miles

Oil Capacity

Engine Code	Volume (liters)	Viscosity
B8444S “ 4.4 V8	Approx. 6.7	SAE 5W-30
B6324S “ 3.2 238hp (2007)	Approx. 7.7	SAE 5W-30
B6324S “ 3.2 238hp (2008 on)	Approx. 7.4	SAE 5W-30
B6324S5 “ 3.2 243hp	Approx. 6.8	SAE 5W-30
B6304S “ 2.9 200 hp	Approx. 6.6	SAE 5W-30
B6294S “ 2.9 200 hp	Approx. 6.6	SAE 5W-30
B6294T “ 2.9 T6 272 hp	Approx. 6.6	SAE 5W-30
B6284T “ 2.8 T6 272 hp	Approx. 6.6	SAE 5W-30
B5244S “ 2.4i 170 hp	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5244S6	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5244T4 “ 2.4 T5 260 hp	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5244T5 “ 2.4 T5 260 hp	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5254T2 “ 2.5T 210 hp	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5254T3	Approx. 5.8	SAE 5W-30
B5254T4 “ R “ 2.5 T 300 hp	Approx. 5.5	SAE 5W-30

Check your owner's manual to get the recommended oil change interval for your Volvo.

Torque Specifications

Oil filter - 25 Nm
Drain bolt - 35 Nm

About Author

Rushit Hila, ASE Certified Mechanic

I have been working on vehicles for over 20 years. In 2016, I decided to start YOUCANIC so that I can empower vehicle owners all over the world. Currently, I hold an ASE certification on G1 Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair.

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Safety Tips

Warnings

Prolonged and repeated contact with mineral oil can result in dryness, irritation, and dermatitis.
Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin cancer.
Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any used engine oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of engine oil do I need?

The oil viscosity is usually printed on the oil cap. If it is not, then you need to find the owner's manual under the recommended fluids and lubricants section typically at the end of the owner's manual.

at the oil cap
owner's manual
sticker by the top radiator support

Should I change the oil when the engine is hot or cold?

There is a lot of discussion on this topic of whether you should change the oil when the engine is hot or cold. Ideally, the oil should be slightly warm so it can flow easily but not burn you.

How much does it cost to change the oil?

Anywhere from $19.99 to $150. A four-cylinder engine that takes 5w30 or 0w20, such as a Honda Civic or Ford Focus, will only cost you about $20. A Mercedes-Benz E-Class that takes 8.5L synthetic oil and fleece oil filter may cost as much as $150 at the dealer. Two of the main factors that play a role in engine oil cost are the oil type (synthetic, synthetic blend, conventional) and oil quantity required. Oil filter quality and how easy it is to remove may also play a role in the price of an oil change.

How often should I change engine oil?

Typical recommended intervals for most vehicles.

Conventional Oil - Every 3,000 miles
Synthetic Blend - Every 5,000 miles
Synthetic Oil - Every 7500-10,000 miles (verify owner's manual)

Follow the recommended manufacturer intervals.

Can I change the engine oil at home?

Yes, you can. Follow this guide. We hope that once you go over all the steps, you will feel confident about the procedure to change the engine oil at home.

Can I change engine oil once a year?

While the age of oil can play a factor in the engine oil life, you need to pay closer attention to the miles driven. If you drive very little (under 5,000 miles) and use synthetic oil, you should be ok with changing the oil once a year.

Can I change engine oil but not filter?

Not recommended. You should change the oil filter at the same time that you change the engine oil. Oil filters do not last forever, and if not changed regularly, they will not filter the oil or, even worse, clog. In which case, the oil may bypass the oil filter altogether, which is a situation you don't want as you may shorten the life of the engine.

Is it necessary to change engine oil every year?

Yes. Most drivers should change the engine oil at least twice if not more per year, depending on the oil type and miles driven. If you put about 15,000 miles per year which is the national average in the US, you should change the engine oil at least twice per year. Assuming that you are using synthetic oil and a good oil filter.

Should I change the engine oil before or after storing the car for long periods?

Change the engine oil if stored for over 6 months. Oil can lose its lubricating properties when sitting for an extended period of time. Change the engine oil if your car has been sitting for a long time.

What happens if I don't change the oil?

You are shortening the life of your car. Sludge may build up. The engine may start to knock. Most importantly, bearings will wear much faster. You may not notice any symptoms right away, but you are causing premature wear to your car engine.

How much oil do I need to add?

Check on your owner's manual. Every car has a different capacity. There is no correlation between the number of cylinders and oil capacity. Some 6 cylinder engines require only four quarts, while others may require eight quarts. Always check the owner's manual. You don't want to overfill or underfill.