SPA XC90 DIY Oil Change with pics

[stick_shift]

I did an oil change on our 2018 XC90 at 5k miles, these steps and pics should apply for any 2016/2017/2018/2019 vehicle.
[This thread is for those interested in doing the oil change, not intended to start a holy war. Head over to BITOG for that ]

See Post 36 for UOA! (Used Oil Analysis)

Materials:

Filter
(Comes with new crush washer, two rubber o-rings for filter housing and one o-ring on filter itself)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wrench
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oil (Available from Walmart at a very good price and occasionally goes on sale at Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tools:
- 17mm hex wrench
- T27 Torx driver
- T40 Torx driver or 6mm Allen

Volvo Oil Recommendation:




Steps:
- Loosen oil cap under the hood
- Remove the skid plate (10 T27 Torx screws, plus two spring loaded inserts)
- Remove the oil drain plug (17mm hex bolt)
- Drain oil into suitable container
- Replace the drain bolt with new crush washer, tighten slightly past 'snug'
- Optionally remove the T40/6mm bolt from bottom of filter housing (to drain initial oil in filter) [Either T40 Torx or 6mm Allen wrench will fit]
- Remove the filter housing with the Volvo oil wrench
- Replace the filter within the housing
- Replace the large o-ring on the housing
- Replace the small o-ring on the T40/Allen bolt (bottom of filter housing) [If you removed the bolt]
- Apply oil to all o-rings!
- Replace the T40/6mm bolt [if you removed it]
- Screw in the filter & housing back into engine, I had to use the wrench again. Do not tighten very much! Let the o-ring do the work.
- Replace skid plate
- Fill engine with 6.2qt of specified oil


Service light reset:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCZ66SYBj3c

Volvo oil filter wrench


Removing T27 screw, holding the skid plate


Skid plate, one screw removed showing orange threads in car body


The Damn Skid plate


T27 screws


Drain bolt location, middle of pic


Removing oil drain bolt


Oil draining
(I recycled it, no whales or dolphins died...)


The oil filter housing


Removing the bolt from oil filter housing, T40 Torx or 6mm Allen will work


Removing the oil filter housing


Old oil filter within housing


Oil filter


Oil filter components


T40 Torx driver, supposedly it's actually a 6mm Allen bolt


Filter bottom bolt and o-ring


Location of large o-ring on filter housing


New filter installed in housing


Drain bolt with new crush washer installed


Installing filter housing



Pennzoil meeting Volvo spec, available from Wally world and frequently on sale


Fill with 6.2qt oil



All done!

[anbu-kakashi]

Great post and it could come in handy. Thanks for this!

[yluong]

Good write-up. How bad does the oil look on the first 5k?

[stick_shift]

Good write-up. How bad does the oil look on the first 5k?

Dark - but I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

I'm going to get a used oil analysis (normally I never do this since I use a 5k OCI, but I'm curious to know how the car is breaking in.)

[GRUENDIG]

Verrry good write-up

[XC90TODD]

Very helpful, thanks for sharing.

[SG1]

Great post!

[badcyclist]

Wow-- I think my do it myself oil days died with this car, but if I ever get inspired to d.i.m. I know where to come for a pictorial tutorial. Thanks, stickshift.

[Tech]

FYI: The center plug on the filter housing uses a 6mm Allen, not a T40. While a T40 will fit, be cautious because if you use a worn out bit it can strip out the hole.

[Zahra]

According to this calculator, 6.2qt equals 6.8L. Isn't that too much if 5.9L is the volume for a "dry" engine.
http://convert-units.info/volume/us-quart/6.2

[Tech]

According to this calculator, 6.2qt equals 6.8L. Isn't that too much if 5.9L is the volume for a "dry" engine.
http://convert-units.info/volume/us-quart/6.2

Not sure where that calculator gets that. 5.9L is 6.2 quarts.

[Zahra]

Strange, according to this calculator, 1qt is about 1.1 liters.
Elsewhere, I find that 1 US quart = 0.946352946 liters. 6.2 of these does indeed match 5.9 liters

[Tech]

I've been putting 6.2 quarts in Drive-E engines since they came out and can tell you that is how much they take.

[gsb4522]

Even though I will let Volvo change my oil, it was very interesting seeing how it is done. Nice pictures and thanks for taking the time to show us the procedure.

[Zahra]

I've been putting 6.2 quarts in Drive-E engines since they came out and can tell you that is how much they take.

Does that include engines that still have/had dipsticks?
If so, did you fill 6.2qt without having any overfill?

[hfwilkesjr]

Thanks for the write up!

[Tech]

I've been putting 6.2 quarts in Drive-E engines since they came out and can tell you that is how much they take.

Does that include engines that still have/had dipsticks?
If so, did you fill 6.2qt without having any overfill?

Drive-E engines do not have dipsticks. But I checked the level with VIDA

[Zahra]

Drive-E engines do not have dipsticks. But I checked the level with VIDA

Thanks, good to know! I assume Vida can tell if the oil level is too high?

[Tech]

Yes it can.

[wvinson]

Wow, who has this kind of time on their hands?

[FusionRedXC60]

Wow, who has this kind of time on their hands?

Actually less time than waiting for shuttle from and to dealership. Just need a powered socket drive to help on those 10 easy bolts.

Fusion · Red · T8 · XC60

[wvinson]

I just get a loaner

[Steve13]

Good write-up, but I’m lazy - so...
My only question is “Why.” 😀

[christopher.moor]

Good write-up, but I’m lazy - so...
My only question is “Why.”

Well for me, having a lift helps.

I enjoy working on my own cars. It gives me peace of mind that I did the extra work. By no means am I a dealer mechanic though.


I’m an engineer, so this kind of stuff interests me 🤣


Sent from my iPhone X using Tapatalk

[FusionRedXC60]

I just get a loaner

The autonation franchise here share same shuttle among MB, Volvo, maybe BMW, Audi too. Compare with the Ford Focus from onsite Enterprise rental, I'd ride the shuttle.

Rolling, Fusion Red XC60 T8

[wvinson]

That's a shame!

[stick_shift]

Wow, who has this kind of time on their hands?

I just get a loaner

Good write-up, but I’m lazy - so...
My only question is “Why.” 😀

That's a shame!

It takes me no longer than 30 minutes to change the oil, perhaps 45 if I'm slow _and_ I rotate the tires. It actually takes me far less time than doing to the dealer.

For my 'free' scheduled maintenance I'll be going to the dealer but once those run out, I'll be on my own.

(I also do my own electrical work, all house IT work, minor plumbing, drywall, painting, gardening, brake jobs, minor carpentry) Electrical engineer during week days!

[kevintinple]

Thanks! Do you need a ramp to access the belly pan? I have air suspension, so I'm thinking if I changed it to off road mode, shut the car, then I don't have to raise the car to do an oil change?

[FusionRedXC60]

Thanks! Do you need a ramp to access the belly pan? I have air suspension, so I'm thinking if I changed it to off road mode, shut the car, then I don't have to raise the car to do an oil change?

The idea is to lift the front end of car to let more oil drain out, as the drain plug is at rear of oil pan. My driveway is a small slope and I can park the car at top of slope so it tilts up and do the oil change if I am lazy.

Fusion · Red · T8 · XC60

[comp1]

stick_shift - thanks for doing this!! While I do not change the oil/filter on our Volvos (always assumed it was more difficult than other cars) I do change the oil on my nicees' Hondas and Hyundais. This proves that the cartridge filter set up, while very different, is really not that more involved than the traditional set up. Our 12 XC60 is due for an oil change next month so I may give it a try. There is nothing more satisfying than an quick and easy DIY project.

[stick_shift]

Thanks! Do you need a ramp to access the belly pan? I have air suspension, so I'm thinking if I changed it to off road mode, shut the car, then I don't have to raise the car to do an oil change?

I didn't use ramps the first time but I will next time since it was a little challenging to fit my drill under there when removing the skid plate. I have shallow ramps with ~3" lift that should be perfect. It will also help with oil drainage as someone suggested.

stick_shift - thanks for doing this!! While I do not change the oil/filter on our Volvos (always assumed it was more difficult than other cars) I do change the oil on my nicees' Hondas and Hyundais. This proves that the cartridge filter set up, while very different, is really not that more involved than the traditional set up. Our 12 XC60 is due for an oil change next month so I may give it a try. There is nothing more satisfying than an quick and easy DIY project.

Yes, it is all the same except the shape of the filter. My Toyota Tundra has a similar setup to the Volvo, ie. a filter housing with a small drain plug. Some other Toyota/Lexus models also have it.

[FusionRedXC60]

stick_shift - thanks for doing this!! While I do not change the oil/filter on our Volvos (always assumed it was more difficult than other cars) I do change the oil on my nicees' Hondas and Hyundais. This proves that the cartridge filter set up, while very different, is really not that more involved than the traditional set up. Our 12 XC60 is due for an oil change next month so I may give it a try. There is nothing more satisfying than an quick and easy DIY project.

When taking off the cartridge, there is more dirty oil spill than other filter. I bag the cartridge in a plastic bag while taking it off to catch the spill and keep my hand cleaner.

Rolling, Fusion Red XC60 T8

[yluong]

I am using similar Rhino ramps in my garage. Works great for oil and transmission fluid changes. The design prevents the car to drive off the ramps even gas pedal is stepped on a bit too hard.

https://www.amazon.com/RhinoGear-119...or+oil+changes

[christopher.moor]

oil changes are MUCH easier with a lift. But rhino ramps are a good alternative


Sent from my iPhone X using Tapatalk

[brett_xc90]

Fantastic post. +1 and Thank you.

I too, am 'that way inclined' to do my own car maintenance. And I too, have nice soft hands from IT work
This post led me on a day of discovery...some may say wasted ...because it seriously has been a whole Sunday: 8am to 7pm!...I could have mowed the lawns, watched a movie, gone for a walk, talked with my family.... I guess! Hmmm.


I caught out the local dealership: they hadn't replaced the engine oil. I found grains of sand on the filler cap housing and o-ring after a service (long story how that got there....the short version is: demonstrator model that went for an adventure on a beach in Queensland....a serious adventure by all accounts....sand EVERYWHERE!) and so I figured that the cap hadn't been taken off at it's service, thus the oil not changed. No service technician in their right mind would replace that without cleaning off (the very evident) sand...at least I hope not! I'll see if I can dig out the pic of the sandy o-ring.


Hence my reason for wanting to do my own maintenance


Any ways. As the great ad in the 80'-90's from Castrol said: "Oils ain't Oils".

It's not just the viscosity range you need to look out for here. It's the specific ACEA ratings and/or Volvo Specifications that matter. In Australia and the UK, it's recommended to use a 0w20 weight, whilst the US recommends the 5w30. Why?
Lord only knows the answer to that question as my research today came up with nil.

Volvo recommends ACEA A5-B5 and/or VCC RBS0-2AE. The Pennzoil you've chosen falls in that criterion....so well done . The Ultra Platinum version is slightly better at cold start ups....just only very slightly.

Ultra Platinum v Platinum

As you're all probably aware, Castrol and Volvo partnered up in the development of the 2ltr turbo engine used in the XC90 (and the variation before, that was used in the XC60)
My preference in oils has been Liqui-Moly since 2013...it's just that good. Engine runs smoother, quieter and fuel economy improves. Have tested this enough against other brands to know it's not BS.

So, Liqui-Moly have an oil that is VCC RBS0-2AE compliant...Special Tec V 0w20.
Has a low pour point, high flash point, a higher Viscosity Index and a lower 40ºC Viscosity and higher 100ºC Viscosity than the specially developed Castrol Professional Edge.
The trouble is, getting it in Australia is difficult. In fact, the Castrol Professional Edge is also difficult...I'll leave it to you to search for this puppy!

Now....

Liqui-Moly also do a Special Tec 0w30 that is VCC 95200377 rated(a Volvo rating and approved for the XC60 2 Ltr turbo'd engine) and ACEA A5-B5 rated...It is pretty damn close to the V 0w20 but is better on the 100ºC Viscosity and also the Total Base Number (11.1 mg KOH/g compared with the V0w20 @ 7.9....higher is better).
The only drawback is it's Sulfate Ash result... <=1.6 wt% compared with 0.9wt%...lower is better.

My question to the audience is.... will this higher sulphate result, affect the catalytic converter in a negative way?

FYI, EUROL do a nice alternative too that is also compliant.

Thank you for your attention