Hey everyone, I need some input on where and what to do next. My 2014 S60 is using oil. It has less than 5K since change and oil level is down to the last "XX's" on dipstick. Local dealer is "monitoring" it and they do not seem to concerned and say this is normal and think they are full of it. Has anyone else been thru this. Car has 63K on it.

 

This has come up a lot on the newer vehicles. Yes, it is normal given the number of miles that you are suggesting. My own opinion of this phenomenon is that with electronic monitoring systems, it might "seem" that the car uses oil more than a prior Volvo, but the fact is that your prior Volvo didn't have a low oil warning message.

If you are down about a quart in 2500 miles, then that's about what I would expect. If you are down a quart before then, that's high consumption.

I have also noticed that the newer vehicles are very sensitive to what they call a "low oil level". I had the message come up in an S80 with the 3.2 L and I ended up adding about 1/2 quart. I believe that they have adjusted the software to allow for more deviation before the low oil message comes up.

At any rate, this is a balance. On an older model that someone didn't check the oil, I've seen those cars 3 quarts low, or more, and no warning. Now, like low tire pressure, the situation is monitored and you are aware of it.

 

Thanks Tony!!

 

At least you have a dipstick! While oil level monitors may be appealing to those who do not check the oil level at every fill-up (should they be driving?) the electronic monitor only is perhaps my biggest peeve with my 2015 - second in line is the stupid can of goo + air pump instead of even a temporary spare. I've only had two flats in the last 25 years but both have been blow-outs where the goop + pump would have been useless.

 

Nate - I urge you to read this thread. Please take the advice of a guy who had to replace his engine on his own dime!
https://volvoforums.com/forum/search...archid=2631421

Jeff

 

The link that you provided brings back an empty page.

 

Sorry, try this link: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...own-rod-92443/

 

On the thread you posted, all that we know is that there was some type of engine damage. We don't know why because it was never stated or proven.

It is always a good idea to check your oil.

 

Nate, I'm not sure what your concern is - ie the fact that the car requires adds between changes or that you don't trust the electronic dipstick? Assuming the concern is you need to add oil between changes, consider the fact that new engines run thinner synthetic oil compared to years back (to reduce friction) and are designed around tighter tolerances out of the factory so for the most part car owners come to expect longer duration between fills/changes. If the car is using more oil than expected, then you should inspect for any signs of leaks (ie driveway spotting etc). Consuming oil over a longer term (say 2500 miles/quart) means the oil needs to go somewhere - usually the rings or valve seals. To say you can go 5000 miles before adding a quart suggests the engine has normal wear at 70K miles. Also note that this may vary with driving style - do you run the car hard before its fully warmed up? do you regularly hit the upper RPMs (ie getting onto the freeway etc)?

 

Hey mt, I do not run car hard before its warmed up.... I don't think. If I get on the interstate it's a few miles drive with a few stop signs. Maybe higher rpms but for short bursts. As long as that is normal I am ok, I just did not want to rely solely on the dealers opinion.

 

Just to make sure all is "normal" I checked my oil this morning and is is down past the last set of XX's on the dip stick and it has about 4,900 since last change.

 

So you are saying you need to add a quart every 3000-4000 miles? I think the problem is one of expectations whether a car should be able to go the entire extended service interval without adding oil and what is considered normal or acceptable. Certainly adding a quart between changes is a hassle but I would not say that getting pistons/rings replaced or valve seals replaced is an appropriate response or even if doing so will up the interval to 7500 miles. If you have a dipstick, you should check it regularly - say every 3rd fill up. I always keep a spare quart in all my cars (buy cheap at Costco/Walmart) just in case.

 

Remember when oil (typically 30 wt single viscosity) was changed every 1000 miles - and - 12-15 zerk fittings were greased as well?

 

Thanks mt6127 and Pretorien, I appreciate your input. Will keep a quart handy for sure!

 

Nate, this is exactly the problem I had. I was using 5 quarts of oil per week, I literally checked it every morning. There was no leakage, so it was burning it. Dealer kept telling me to watch it carefully, then I threw a rod on the way home from work.

 

Jeff, Well that would suck......I had a MB ML320 with over 150K and did not use a drop of oil, sometimes I wish I still had it. I guess I will keep a quart handy and good notes so if anything were to happen I have my documentation.

 

Update, My last trip the dealer, they have opened a case with Volvo North America. Will keep posted on progress