[meade18]

The Old 7 yr / 100K absolutely paid for Piston Ring Failure. Volvo didn't have knowledge of the problem so there was no exclusionary verbiage at the time. Volvo has seen enough of these failures now, to know they're costly and not one offs. The Piston Ring issue is definitely a defect, and Volvo isn't alone. Google Oil Consumption and you'll see Honda and other Manufacturers being Class Action'ed over the issue. There was some law firm in New Jersey looking to start one on Volvo. No idea whatever happened with that action.

New VIP warranties definitely exclude consumption. Any car outside Standard / CPO has potential to be stonewalled by Volvo. You aren't a good case study, as you were a rare exception. The VIP warranties definitely cover failure. So if someone is driving along in between their 10K visit, and the engine seizes due to piston failure, Volvo is on the hook. However, if someone rolls into the bay for a 10K service and Volvo notices the vehicle is down 3 courts, Volvo won't do squat. Volvo will tell the person to add oil in between visits. It's pretty clear that unless a failure results from the consumption issue, Volvo intends to ignore the problem.

Now if someone fights or asks for good will, they may have luck, but general rule seems to be "it's normal". Thus, people with other brands getting pissed and suing manufacturers.

You are talking like you have personal knowledge of all the things you are saying. You don't. Therefore, your comments are quite unhelpful.

FACT: There are several people with oil consumption where Volvo has followed TJ-31216 and recommended replacing the pistons and rings BEFORE there has been a failure.
FACT: No one with a VIP Warranty has run into this issue AND come on this board to tell us whether or not the VIP warranty covered the repair.

We simply don't know if the warranty adjuster would claim that the rings in that situation are worn, and therefore not covered, or admit they were defective, and therefore covered.

I'm not telling people to get a warranty and everything will be hunky-dory. But I remember when I first discovered my oil consumption, my first thread here was me posting about whether I should get a warranty. The only people that replied with an answer to that question told me not to get the warranty because it excludes oil consumption. Boy was it a good thing I didn't listen to them. So until there is someone that has specifically been denied by a VIP warranty adjuster when a Volvo dealer says their car needs new pistons and rings, I think it is unhelpful to tell people that the fix for their oil consumption issue will definitely not be covered by a VIP warranty.

I will point out 2 more things:
1. My Volvo service advisor said the folks at the VIP warranty company were better to work with than any other 3rd party warranty company he has ever dealt with. That dealership must not sell VIP warranties, because he said it was the first time he ever dealt with them.
2. The warranty is refundable. The refund is prorated, so you don't have to get a refund in 30 days. If you buy it and they don't cover a huge repair, I doubt they are going to give you that hard a time when you cancel and ask for your prorated refund.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

You are talking like you have personal knowledge of all the things you are saying. You don't. Therefore, your comments are quite unhelpful.

FACT: There are several people with oil consumption where Volvo has followed TJ-31216 and recommended replacing the pistons and rings BEFORE there has been a failure.
FACT: No one with a VIP Warranty has run into this issue AND come on this board to tell us whether or not the VIP warranty covered the repair.

1. Volvo seems to offer good will assistance on a case by case basis. Exclusively serviced and vehicle purchased from a Volvo Dealership are two of the sole deciding factors in determining whether good will is approve or denied. I've yet to see Volvo approve a repair outside of standard warranty / old CPO where an indy had touched the car or the car was bought elsewhere.

2. The consumption problem was supposedly fixed after 2016. I've yet to see a new SPA car having an oil consumption problem. Only p3s. So this might be a moot issue or too early to tell. As any SPA car would still be under warranty for a few more years. So if an issue arose, it'd be covered under standard warranty.

3. The fact it says in clear and plain text gives you the answer regarding the VIP Warranty. Volvo wouldn't have added the verbiage if it intended to undertake repairs. Now exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.... but the language is clear as day. Volvo has every right to refuse a repair, and adding that consumption issues are not covered, speaks for itself.

Burnt valves, worn or carbon fouled piston rings, any mechanical breakdown resulting from a build up of carbon, the correction of oil consumption, or any repairs for reduction in engine efficiency that must be performed on your Volvo.

We simply don't know if the warranty adjuster would claim that the rings in that situation are worn, and therefore not covered, or admit they were defective, and therefore covered.

So let me rationalize your response. You are advocating buying the warranty which explicitly excludes consumption problems, in hopes that Volvo will make an exception should a consumption issue arise? I'll never go to Vegas with you! You're the guy sitting at the high roller table better everything on one number.

Warranties are generally a a money maker for dealers and underwriters. They get your money in advance and can invest it over time. The chances your repairs exceed the cost of warranty are low comparative to the price paid. Warranties are a gamble. Some cars never see the bay of a dealership beyond routine maintenance. Other cars spend much of their life being handled by a mechanic. Usually, most issues will arise under the standard warranty. I had plenty get fixed under the original 4 yr / 50K.

I can't remember exactly, but I think my seatbelt was replaced under CPO / Some other warranty this past year. And maybe a software reflash. My car hasn't spend it's life in the bay but it's had a fair share of issues early on. All repaired.

I'm not telling people to get a warranty and everything will be hunky-dory. But I remember when I first discovered my oil consumption, my first thread here was me posting about whether I should get a warranty. The only people that replied with an answer to that question told me not to get the warranty because it excludes oil consumption. Boy was it a good thing I didn't listen to them. So until there is someone that has specifically been denied by a VIP warranty adjuster when a Volvo dealer says their car needs new pistons and rings, I think it is unhelpful to tell people that the fix for their oil consumption issue will definitely not be covered by a VIP warranty.

The warranty you picked up didn't exclude consumption at the time. Now we don't know. Someone on here quoted a piston job at being around $5000. This of course assumes the engine wasn't trashed or damaged. The VIP extended warranties can run up to $3300-4200 (S60 vs XC90) and the extended CPO up to $4200. The VIP states no oil consumption and the CPO extended states:

THE CORRECTION OF OIL CONSUMPTION, REPAIR OF WORN RINGS, OR ANY REPAIRS FOR REDUCTION IN ENGINE EFFICIENCY THAT MUST BE PERFORMED ON YOUR VEHICLE WHEN A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN HAS NOT OCCURED.

I will point out 2 more things:
1. My Volvo service advisor said the folks at the VIP warranty company were better to work with than any other 3rd party warranty company he has ever dealt with. That dealership must not sell VIP warranties, because he said it was the first time he ever dealt with them.

2. The warranty is refundable. The refund is prorated, so you don't have to get a refund in 30 days. If you buy it and they don't cover a huge repair, I doubt they are going to give you that hard a time when you cancel and ask for your prorated refund.

Again, I'm not saying getting a warranty is necessarily bad. Every vehicle is different and some models are more problematic than others. Whereas some cars never need repairs and others have a lifetime ticket open with Volvo because nothing ever seems to get resolved. The only point I'm making is I wouldn't get a VIP Warranty expecting consumption to be covered. Could Volvo make an exception? Sure, but the language in the contracts are very clear.

 

[meade18]

Again, I'm not saying getting a warranty is necessarily bad. Every vehicle is different and some models are more problematic than others. Whereas some cars never need repairs and others have a lifetime ticket open with Volvo because nothing ever seems to get resolved. The only point I'm making is I wouldn't get a VIP Warranty expecting consumption to be covered. Could Volvo make an exception? Sure, but the language in the contracts are very clear.

This is going to be my last reply to you because it is clear to me you aren't really listening to what I am saying. Hopefully the other folks that read this that are running into this issue can read what I am saying, read what you are saying, and parse things together on their own without being bogged down by how you have muddied the water.

You keep mentioning Volvo like Volvo has any control over what the VIP Warranty adjuster says. This is the first indicator that you are very mistaken on this topic because you don't even understand that the VIP Warranty is a 3rd party warranty and not administered by Volvo even though it has Volvo in the name and is sold exclusively by Volvo dealers for Volvos. That is a common misconception, so I normally wouldn't give you a hard time about it, BUT you are talking about it like you are an expert, so you do deserve me giving you a hard time about it.

1. Volvo seems to offer good will assistance on a case by case basis. Exclusively serviced and vehicle purchased from a Volvo Dealership are two of the sole deciding factors in determining whether good will is approve or denied. I've yet to see Volvo approve a repair outside of standard warranty / old CPO where an indy had touched the car or the car was bought elsewhere.

You are speaking on this like you have direct knowledge. You don't. Unless you have spoken to a decision maker at Volvo corporate that has told you "our sole deciding deciding factors in giving out goodwill assistance is XYZ," you are basing your conclusion purely on conjecture. I think it is pure conjecture because you have left out what I believe is a significant factor in giving out goodwill - how far a car is out of warranty. Regardless, all of these things are likely out of the owner's control by the time they discover oil consumption, so they are neither here nor there in my comment about the VIP warranty.

2. The consumption problem was supposedly fixed after 2016. I've yet to see a new SPA car having an oil consumption problem. Only p3s. So this might be a moot issue or too early to tell. As any SPA car would still be under warranty for a few more years. So if an issue arose, it'd be covered under standard warranty.

We haven't been talking about SPA cars, so I have no idea why you are bringing this up.

3. The fact it says in clear and plain text gives you the answer regarding the VIP Warranty. Volvo wouldn't have added the verbiage if it intended to undertake repairs. Now exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.... but the language is clear as day. Volvo has every right to refuse a repair, and adding that consumption issues are not covered, speaks for itself.

Burnt valves, worn or carbon fouled piston rings, any mechanical breakdown resulting from a build up of carbon, the correction of oil consumption, or any repairs for reduction in engine efficiency that must be performed on your Volvo.

The warranty you picked up didn't exclude consumption at the time. Now we don't know. Someone on here quoted a piston job at being around $5000. This of course assumes the engine wasn't trashed or damaged. The VIP extended warranties can run up to $3300-4200 (S60 vs XC90) and the extended CPO up to $4200. The VIP states no oil consumption and the CPO extended states:

THE CORRECTION OF OIL CONSUMPTION, REPAIR OF WORN RINGS, OR ANY REPAIRS FOR REDUCTION IN ENGINE EFFICIENCY THAT MUST BE PERFORMED ON YOUR VEHICLE WHEN A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN HAS NOT OCCURED.

No one added any verbiage to the warranty recently. I bought my warranty in 2018 and its terms were written in 2016. It included the EXACT SAME exclusions in it that you are claiming Volvo added specifically because of the issues our cars are having. THAT IS UNTRUE. Stop repeating it. 3rd party warranties almost all exclude correction for oil consumption. There is nothing special about this exclusion in the VIP warranty.
Also, as mentioned before, Volvo isn't the one making the determination of if it is covered or not. Volvo (in conjunction with it's dealer mechanics) is the one diagnosing the issue and making repair suggestions. The adjusters for the VIP warranty company are the ones that determine if they will cover the repair.

So let me rationalize your response. You are advocating buying the warranty which explicitly excludes consumption problems, in hopes that Volvo will make an exception should a consumption issue arise? I'll never go to Vegas with you! You're the guy sitting at the high roller table better everything on one number.

Warranties are generally a a money maker for dealers and underwriters. They get your money in advance and can invest it over time. The chances your repairs exceed the cost of warranty are low comparative to the price paid. Warranties are a gamble.

Let me explain my logic hopefully for the final time. The VIP warranty covers all internally lubricated engine parts. This includes pistons and rings (it specifically listed pistons and rings as internally lubricated parts in my warranty). It excludes correction of oil consumption and worn piston rings. I THINK an argument can be made, on the cars that fall under the TJ to replace the pistons and rings, that the rings are not WORN, they are DEFECTIVE. I THINK an argument can be made that oil consumption isn't a problem that needs to be corrected on these cars, but is a symptom of the problem that Volvo itself identified as defective piston rings. Will the adjuster with the VIP warranty company buy that explanation? I don't know. I think it depends on several factors, one of which is how well the dealer servicing your car articulates the problem.

This is the exact route I took with my issue and I documented it here. I got lucky in that it never got to that point (convincing the adjuster he was paying for defective rings) because I had a broken piston. But before I knew I had a broken piston, I had a very specific conversation with my dealer's service manager on how I wanted them to approach the adjuster. They had every incentive to follow my instructions advocate for me because they wanted to do the service. We also were quite familiar with each other at that point.

Let me also be clear on my warranty recommendations. I AM NOT, as you say, "advocating buying the warranty which explicitly excludes consumption problems, in hopes that Volvo will make an exception should a consumption issue arise." I am saying that AFTER someone notices oil consumption, they should consider buying the VIP warranty before taking the car in. But I am also trying to temper their expectations because we don't have a data-point one way or the other on whether the VIP warranty will cover the piston/ring replacement. I had a great experience with my VIP warranty. I had a unique situation in the end. But at least I can say that in my situation, the warranty company did the right thing. That is why I advocate if someone wants a warranty, to go with the VIP warranty and not one of the other random ones that have terrible reviews. And also, if they don't cover it, it is refundable on a pro-rated basis. If your saga takes 6 months like mine did, and you buy a 2 year warranty, and they don't cover it, you can still get 75% of the warranty back.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

This is going to be my last reply to you because it is clear to me you aren't really listening to what I am saying. Hopefully the other folks that read this that are running into this issue can read what I am saying, read what you are saying, and parse things together on their own without being bogged down by how you have muddied the water.

You keep mentioning Volvo like Volvo has any control over what the VIP Warranty adjuster says. This is the first indicator that you are very mistaken on this topic because you don't even understand that the VIP Warranty is a 3rd party warranty and not administered by Volvo even though it has Volvo in the name and is sold exclusively by Volvo dealers for Volvos. That is a common misconception, so I normally wouldn't give you a hard time about it, BUT you are talking about it like you are an expert, so you do deserve me giving you a hard time about it.

The Policies are underwritten by Fidelity and are Volvo Backed. I guess if you want to technically argue that the Fidelity Adjuster can make exceptions, then yes, you're right. It all depends on who has the final say here. Fidelity has obviously limited their liability to Oil Consumption Issues for a Reason. If Volvo feels good will is worthwhile, I am sure it can either nudge Fidelity into approving a claim or bite the bullet and absorb the cost.

You are speaking on this like you have direct knowledge. You don't. Unless you have spoken to a decision maker at Volvo corporate that has told you "our sole deciding deciding factors in giving out goodwill assistance is XYZ," you are basing your conclusion purely on conjecture. I think it is pure conjecture because you have left out what I believe is a significant factor in giving out goodwill - how far a car is out of warranty. Regardless, all of these things are likely out of the owner's control by the time they discover oil consumption, so they are neither here nor there in my comment about the VIP warranty.

I covered this in mentioning where the car was purchased and if all services were performed by a Volvo Dealer. I have helped a ton of people on here contact corporate with issues. So I've got a decent sense of what will happen from that experience. Playing up the fact you've bought multiple Volvos, or that you have serviced this Volvo exclusively at a dealership, and that the car was bought from Volvo are all mitigating factors. There's obviously no guarantee Volvo will approve these claims, but your chances are far better than someone who bought a Volvo at Bob's used Car Lot and had it services a few times at Volvo and the rest at an Indy. You can expect the latter case to be denied sans 99.9%.

We haven't been talking about SPA cars, so I have no idea why you are bringing this up.

I realize this buy I brought up SPA's because we don't know if there will be a consumption problem with these vehicles. Too early to tell. Was worth mentioning. Most P3s are nearing the end of their factory warranty, if not having already expired. With 17s and 18s expiring in another year or two. Old CPO 7 yr / 100K i believe terminated in 2018. So the last cars that may qualify here will expire in 4 maybe 5 years. So there's shelf life. However, I'm not aware of too many people with late model 16s, 17s, and 18s having consumption issues. If I am not mistaken, I have read a few on here, but don't quote me on it.

No one added any verbiage to the warranty recently. I bought my warranty in 2018 and its terms were written in 2016. It included the EXACT SAME exclusions in it that you are claiming Volvo added specifically because of the issues our cars are having. THAT IS UNTRUE. Stop repeating it. 3rd party warranties almost all exclude correction for oil consumption. There is nothing special about this exclusion in the VIP warranty.
Also, as mentioned before, Volvo isn't the one making the determination of if it is covered or not. Volvo (in conjunction with it's dealer mechanics) is the one diagnosing the issue and making repair suggestions. The adjusters for the VIP warranty company are the ones that determine if they will cover the repair.

Your issue was a failure not just an oil consumption issue. I forgot your exact circumstance (Broken Piston / Trashed Engine?). Either way, your coverage rightfully replaced your engine because you suffered a failure. Had the engine not failed, repair would be case by case basis. Again, see above.

That's what you aren't grasping here. The verbiage gives Fidelity and Volvo an "out". Whether they choose to use discretion is irrelevant. One should operate under the pretense that oil consumption on a P3 isn't covered. If and/or when a consumption issue appears, then it's time to play up the Volvo Loyalty card and hope to win over Corporate if Fidelity chooses not to cover a repair.

Let me explain my logic hopefully for the final time. The VIP warranty covers all internally lubricated engine parts. This includes pistons and rings (it specifically listed pistons and rings as internally lubricated parts in my warranty). It excludes correction of oil consumption and worn piston rings. I THINK an argument can be made, on the cars that fall under the TJ to replace the pistons and rings, that the rings are not WORN, they are DEFECTIVE. I THINK an argument can be made that oil consumption isn't a problem that needs to be corrected on these cars, but is a symptom of the problem that Volvo itself identified as defective piston rings. Will the adjuster with the VIP warranty company buy that explanation? I don't know. I think it depends on several factors, one of which is how well the dealer servicing your car articulates the problem.

I think manufacturers shafting it to their owners is why you have seen numerous class action lawsuits against brands for oil consumption. A very expensive issue to fix, and it appears not a single dealer has issued a recall to replace rings across the board. More so, they hope the chips fall in their favor, in that the issue happens far outside of warranty. Therefore, they aren't on the hook to cover an costly repair. Lawyers wouldn't be suing if this were cut and dry as you articulate. Your argument isn't wrong at all, but manufacturers, including Volvo, aren't necessarily seeing the light. There was a firm in New Jersey looking for a class action against Volvo. Not sure whatever happened with it. Still says seeking candidates on the link.

This is the exact route I took with my issue and I documented it here. I got lucky in that it never got to that point (convincing the adjuster he was paying for defective rings) because I had a broken piston. But before I knew I had a broken piston, I had a very specific conversation with my dealer's service manager on how I wanted them to approach the adjuster. They had every incentive to follow my instructions advocate for me because they wanted to do the service. We also were quite familiar with each other at that point.

Getting the dealer on your side was wise. Having a detailed maintenance history is also crucial. These are things I recommend to everyone I help on here. While these options better your chances, they offer no guarantee. You were lucky that the piston failed, because you've got a brand new engine with new rings, and your car will now go for a few hundred thousand miles!

I'll be 100% Honest. I sit at 72,000 miles. 28,000 Miles / 22.5 Months left on CPO. Whichever comes first. I've owned my car since end of May 2016 so 50 months (4 yrs / 2 months). I'm trying to slow my driving down a bit to stretch out those remaining 28K for hit closest to the 22 months as possible. Unfortunately, this past year I probably did 25-30,000 miles of driving due to several different reasons. Anyway, my biggest fear is my car will hit 100K and I'll get hit with your issue or a consumption one shortly after. Knock on Wood, Rain Dance, etc so far so good, but it's always in the back of one's mind driving a 15.5 or early 16.

Let me also be clear on my warranty recommendations. I AM NOT, as you say, "advocating buying the warranty which explicitly excludes consumption problems, in hopes that Volvo will make an exception should a consumption issue arise." I am saying that AFTER someone notices oil consumption, they should consider buying the VIP warranty before taking the car in. But I am also trying to temper their expectations because we don't have a data-point one way or the other on whether the VIP warranty will cover the piston/ring replacement. I had a great experience with my VIP warranty. I had a unique situation in the end. But at least I can say that in my situation, the warranty company did the right thing. That is why I advocate if someone wants a warranty, to go with the VIP warranty and not one of the other random ones that have terrible reviews. And also, if they don't cover it, it is refundable on a pro-rated basis. If your saga takes 6 months like mine did, and you buy a 2 year warranty, and they don't cover it, you can still get 75% of the warranty back.

Always buy dealership and never 3rd party. Those 3rd party ones will screw you over 99.9% of the time, looking for every out on denying a claim. So yes, I agree. Also, I agree, if you see a consumption issue try buying a warranty and getting it covered before bringing the problem to the dealer's attention. The warranty can ALWAYS be cancelled if it's a Volvo Backed One. Once the issue is documented, you have ZERO chance of the warranty paying, and are left to Volvo's Good Will Graces. We don't disagree here at all!

 

[Dyno]

Not sure this is accurate but...Google seems to say the engine holds 5.7 Quarts? Meaning he's burning 3 quarts every 5,250 miles! A little over half before his 10K changes! So if he waited until 10K engine would almost be bone dry.

https://www.noln.net/articles/966-tech-spec-2015-volvo-s60

Motor Oil: SAE 5W-30 Full synthetic meeting the minimum ACEA A5/B5 specifications; SAE 0W-30 is recommended for extreme driving conditions; capacity is 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) for four-cylinder engines, 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) for five-cylinder engines and 7.18 quarts (6.8 liters) for six-cylinder engines

OP said he uses about 3 quarts per 10,000 miles. 10,000 divided by 3 = 3,333 miles per quart.

It would be very unwise to never check oil level between services, especially if you know you have an oil consumption issue. My Dad told me to check at every fillup. Now, I don't do that on my current Volvo, but I definitely would if I had an oil consumption problem. Oil is cheap. Engine rebuilds are not.

 

[Venth]

OP said he uses about 3 quarts per 10,000 miles. 10,000 divided by 3 = 3,333 miles per quart.

It would be very unwise to never check oil level between services, especially if you know you have an oil consumption issue. My Dad told me to check at every fillup. Now, I don't do that on my current Volvo, but I definitely would if I had an oil consumption problem. Oil is cheap. Engine rebuilds are not.

Things are different with the Drive-e's electronic oil level sensor. The car will automatically complain at you on the dash when you're down 1 quart of oil.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

OP said he uses about 3 quarts per 10,000 miles. 10,000 divided by 3 = 3,333 miles per quart.

It would be very unwise to never check oil level between services, especially if you know you have an oil consumption issue. My Dad told me to check at every fillup. Now, I don't do that on my current Volvo, but I definitely would if I had an oil consumption problem. Oil is cheap. Engine rebuilds are not.

Assuming that the number I found is accurate and that the Volvo S60 holds 5.7 quarters, 1 quart = 1,754 miles. 10 divided by 5.7 = 1,754 miles per quart. You're assuming that car holds 3 quarts when doing 10 / 3 = 3,300 This is not accurate. So that car is burning 3 quarts at 5,250 miles.

 

[meade18]

OP said he uses about 3 quarts per 10,000 miles. 10,000 divided by 3 = 3,333 miles per quart.

It would be very unwise to never check oil level between services, especially if you know you have an oil consumption issue. My Dad told me to check at every fillup. Now, I don't do that on my current Volvo, but I definitely would if I had an oil consumption problem. Oil is cheap. Engine rebuilds are not.

Assuming that the number I found is accurate and that the Volvo S60 holds 5.7 quarters, 1 quart = 1,754 miles. 10 divided by 5.7 = 1,754 miles per quart. You're assuming that car holds 3 quarts when doing 10 / 3 = 3,300 This is not accurate. So that car is burning 3 quarts at 5,250 miles.

In post 105, he specifically said he goes through 3 quarts every 10,000 miles. What sort of common core math are you using to conclude that a car that burns 3 quarts every 10,000 miles actually burns 3 quarts every 5,250 miles? Or is this part of some Abbott and Costello routine I never saw?

 

[Dyno]

10 divided by 5.7 = 1,754

 

[Stampermann]

I had 2 choices when I bought my used 2015.5 V60 2 years ago. A black V60 with Beechwood interior, sport suspension/19" wheel option, paddle shifters, harmon kardon stereo and blis/backup camera or a Flamico Red V60, tan interior, not as well-optioned, but still with the sport suspension/19" wheels and paddle shifters. The black car was at Ford dealership and the red car at a Volvo dealer with a CPO warranty. They both had the same amount of miles (34K) and the asking price on both was very close.

In the end I picked the CPO car because warranty. I'm glad I did, as it started using oil over the winter and the dealer recently replaced the rings and pistons on it. I still think about the black one, and I also think of what it would have been like to pay for the warranty service I just had out of pocket...

 

[ak1]

I've been writing about this for the last month....
My 2015.5 V60CC T5 (now 60K miles...) had oil consumption issue diagnosed and replaced rings, etc...in March by my Volvo dealer. I had about 50K on engine.
No problems or questions asked.
In June, I started to hear a plastic sounding "tick" coming from engine. Definitely audible.....and goes about every 15-20 seconds. After warm up, it usually disappears but sometimes
stays.....You can even hear it (with less frequency...) when engine is off (maybe 5 minutes or less....)
No oil consumption issues.....

Back to dealer: They said all is fine and that was manifold expanding and contracting.......I left very skeptical.....
Back to dealer (yesterday)...Talked to tech (nice guy, seemed very honest...) that did the ring job and basically he said that they (and Volvo) have noticed this in most ring jobs. I had the car idle with tech and service manager there to hear the sound. Dealer had redone some engines and "tick" sound is still there. He reassured me that performance is not altered but there has been no definitive answer from Volvo as to why this is happening. (just the opening of the head and realignment is not like orginal factory conditions...) He talked about an anaerobic gasket, and something about the manifold but in all, he cannot figure out why this is happening...just that it seems especially on the T5s, this will be a new "normal" sound....
Just like my former Subaru cars had a "unique" engine sound....I guess my Volvo will have the same. Funny, my wife's MDX had piston/ring replacement after oil consumption issue and it sound/looks like a brand new quiet engine!!

So if anybody is noticing the same thing (or is going to....), I have not heard of any reason why this is happening and been told not to worry. Somehow I'm skeptical again.

 

[Dyno]

Many of my cars have gone "tink...........tink..........ta-tink" after I've pulled into the garage and turned off the engine. It's just the exhaust system cooling and contracting.

If that's what you are hearing, it is normal.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

In post 105, he specifically said he goes through 3 quarts every 10,000 miles. What sort of common core math are you using to conclude that a car that burns 3 quarts every 10,000 miles actually burns 3 quarts every 5,250 miles? Or is this part of some Abbott and Costello routine I never saw?

I read things wrong. I was looking at it sequentially. Meaning he has a 5.7 quart tank. Each quart nets you 1,754 miles. So at a constant rate 1,754 (quart 1), 3508 (quart 2), 5262 (Quart 3), etc

Brain on sabbatical. I was factoring that he was burning through all his oil by 10K, not just 3 quarts.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

I had 2 choices when I bought my used 2015.5 V60 2 years ago. A black V60 with Beechwood interior, sport suspension/19" wheel option, paddle shifters, harmon kardon stereo and blis/backup camera or a Flamico Red V60, tan interior, not as well-optioned, but still with the sport suspension/19" wheels and paddle shifters. The black car was at Ford dealership and the red car at a Volvo dealer with a CPO warranty. They both had the same amount of miles (34K) and the asking price on both was very close.

In the end I picked the CPO car because warranty. I'm glad I did, as it started using oil over the winter and the dealer recently replaced the rings and pistons on it. I still think about the black one, and I also think of what it would have been like to pay for the warranty service I just had out of pocket...

Bad thing is this is completely random. I have a 2015.5 S60 with 72,000 miles going strong. However, as I begin to approach the final years of my 7yr / 100k Warranty (June 2022 / or 28,000 miles), this weighs heavily on my mind. I think those with replaced rings are actually FORTUNATE. You're guaranteed to have the problem fixed. Those of us that never show an issue, may never have one, or get hit further down the road!

 

[Stampermann]

That's the way I feel, I know that it's fixed and should not be an issue in the future. While it was apart I paid for the timing belt kit and had it replaced. It was already apart so it was the cost of the kit only. My service manager (a really good guy) was surprised that I asked to have that done. The original belt is good to 150K and I suppose no one else has thought to replace it, especially when it had 70,000 miles of life left. It was a no brainer for me and now means I don't have to worry about it until I hit 230,000 miles.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

That's the way I feel, I know that it's fixed and should not be an issue in the future. While it was apart I paid for the timing belt kit and had it replaced. It was already apart so it was the cost of the kit only. My service manager (a really good guy) was surprised that I asked to have that done. The original belt is good to 150K and I suppose no one else has thought to replace it, especially when it had 70,000 miles of life left. It was a no brainer for me and now means I don't have to worry about it until I hit 230,000 miles.

Good foresight. Replacing the timing belt and waterpump is a good $1400 repair. With car already in pieces, might as well have it done at very little additional cost. Means you've got a good 150K of problem free ownership with the new engine installed.

 

[ak1]

I wish it was that.....but its not.....Its definitely not a "metal" cooling tick sound. As written above, its a mystery to Volvo too AND its common AFTER the rings have been replaced....

 

[qaz996]

Good foresight. Replacing the timing belt and waterpump is a good $1400 repair. With car already in pieces, might as well have it done at very little additional cost. Means you've got a good 150K of problem free ownership with the new engine installed.

Water pump on Drive-e engines is electric, not belt driven.

Nevertheless, having a new timing belt installed during that repair is worthwhile.

 

[MyVolvoS60]

Water pump on Drive-e engines is electric, not belt driven.

Nevertheless, having a new timing belt installed during that repair is worthwhile.

Did not know that about the water pump. Still, having the belt done is a major repair, and with all disassembled was worthwhile to have done at the same time.

 

[B-SIDE]

I quickly got rid of my 2015.5 V60 Drive-E because I've seen consistent reports (on this and other forums) of the 'Spark-knock' / 'ticking' sound coming back every 12-15K (or so) miles EVEN after ring and plug replacements.
Especially after the lead tech at my local Volvo said that this particular run of Drive-E engines around 2015 were the only one he's seen with "consistent problems like this".


And to make it worse Volvo is in denial by officially addressing or recalling the issue.
Which is scary because I've had moments where I lost power (momentum) or the engine hesitated under hard acceleration.