When I start my '01 S40 (1.9L, automatic), the "Service" light in the dash lights up and stays on for a few minutes. If I start my engine when it is warm from a recent drive, the light goes out sooner, perhaps after only one minute. I do not really have the money to take it in to the shop right now, and I was wondering how serious this may be. I know the light can mean practically anything, but what is it, most likely? I just passed inspection a month ago at the Volvo dealership. Thanks

 

THE SERVICE LIGHT IS AN OIL REMINDER LIGHT. It means you need the oil changed.

Follow what it says in the link and you can reset it.

It will work on S40's as well.

https://volvoforums.com/m_32427/mpage_1/tm.htm#32427

 

Does it know my oil is dirty/low, or is it just looking at mileage? I do not go to the Volvo dealership for my oil changes, and I dont know if Grease Monkey does anything to reset the service light (if they even need to)

 

The computer calculates by milage and Time.