if the level is fine it is probably thinking it is oil quality. There is a sensor that monitors it.

how low is it when you check? 1/2 quart? quart? how long between checks?

 

I haven't had this message since I started using the Purple.

 

I concur...Use higher quality oil...I use Euro Castrol 0w-30...Have not seen the light since where I would usually see it illuminate around 3k miles after a change with Valvoline...

 

You'd think they'd at least program a slightly less misleading message...something like "Oil Level Low/Poor Quality" or you know, maybe 2 unique messages.

 

The first time I ever saw this message was shortly before my last oil change so since then I have put in about 3/4 of a quart. The light came on during my drive to work this morning but then turned off during the drive and did not reappear when shut the car off and restarted it. It's 2X in the past week now but I am due for another oil change.

What do the Volvo dealers use? That's where I get my oil changed - Castrol I think based on email ads I've received.

 

[What do the Volvo dealers use? That's where I get my oil changed - Castrol I think based on email ads I've received.[/QUOTE]

My dealer uses Castrol GTX 5w-30 in my 2007 MT w/41,000 miles and is changed every 3,000 miles. I'm trying to decide if synthetic is worth the difference. I do not track or drive mine hard and have not seen that message yet.

 

[What do the Volvo dealers use? That's where I get my oil changed - Castrol I think based on email ads I've received.

My dealer uses Castrol GTX 5w-30 in my 2007 MT w/41,000 miles and is changed every 3,000 miles. I'm trying to decide if synthetic is worth the difference. I do not track or drive mine hard and have not seen that message yet.[/QUOTE]

Castrol GTX is the same category as others in the higher yet lower end spectrum. I advise running Euro Castrol 0W-30 Full Synthetic...Keeps the gunk out and allows the engine to breathe like a freakin champ. Royal Purple is up there as well as Mobil 1. Keep the oil in Class V to avoid crappy mineral based synthetic oil. Group V Oil is TRUE Synthetic. If you take the car to the dealer I can assure you you're getting Group III which is $hit. Do the change yourself...takes me 15 minutes tops... Master it and you'll save yourself money in the long run.

 

I use Mobil 1 5w-30.

I have had this message 2 times. Both caes I was 1/2 to 3/4 low on oil.

 

I didn't realize this was that common.

 

It can also be more common when you switch from regular oil to full synthetic. Seals will soak sum up, some may get through older seals and burn off but not smoke, smell or leave a puddle. I got the message right about 5k after I did my first oil change (mobile one 5w-30 full synthetic), it was about half a quart low. I imagine the previous owner had the dealer put in whatever. I have not had it yet since the last change. Also keep in mind it is normal for any car to burn 1/2 to 1qt in between changes. Keep a qt in the trunk at all times and ride on.

 

Beating a dead horse at this point, but I've gotten this message before without the oil level being low. I was due for an oil change. Changed the oil, haven't seen it since. Oil quality sensor telling me I'm a lazy and that I needed to change my oil.

 

I bought the car with 42K miles so I've done a few oil changes before this message started appearing. The first time was right before last oil change but this time it came up earlier - now at 75K miles and due for a change again but I've had the message appear occasionally for a few weeks now before the reminder came on.

I'm curious as to why the message is appearing now and not during the previous 25K miles prior to the first time it appeared.

I believe the dealership has always used synthetic oil as they've said before that the R's are only synthetic oil (of course more $$ for service) and it's always the same tech who has worked on my car since I bought it 3 years ago (he has an R as well since new so most R owners request him to work on their cars).

I will ask them about the message next time I'm in.