New XC60 D5 Owner - Where Is The "Hidden" Oil Dipstick?

[tomascubero]

Hi Guys,

I'm new here and I am a new Volvo owner, 2011 XC60 D5. I am aware this car has the electronic dipstick for the oil level and know how to read it but I have read in several forums that it does have a physical dipstick but its rather hidden or difficult to get to. Can anyone explain where it is? I had an oil change and the mechanic insisted it used 7 US-Quarts of oil when I told him correct capacity has 5.9L (around 6 Quarts) and now my car shows engine maintenance required and the digital dipstick is over MAX. I want to find the physical dipstick to show him how to manually read it as well.

Thanks!
Tomas.

[bomberfr0g]

The dipstick is on the left front of the engine, small and grey looks like a T shape, can be hard to pull out and hard to reach, sometimes easier to see first from underneath, hope that helps

[chrisfr]

I have a my 17 d5 and have never seen one around the engine bay. Mine has an electronic dipstick too. What will they think of next? When i bought the car the center console seemed to be very simple to operate as all the things you wanted were at hand. Nav, tel, etc. Little did i know i would need a degree to find half the menus. I habe got used to them but i was shocked that volvo relies so heavily on electronics.

[AndyJudge]

Originally Posted by chrisfr

I have a my 17 d5 and have never seen one around the engine bay. Mine has an electronic dipstick too. What will they think of next? When i bought the car the center console seemed to be very simple to operate as all the things you wanted were at hand. Nav, tel, etc. Little did i know i would need a degree to find half the menus. I habe got used to them but i was shocked that volvo relies so heavily on electronics.

I've got the 2015 D5 & it's there, It's literally a short grey plastic dipstick maybe about 10 cm long right at the bottom of the front of the engine almost in the centre. I would add it's almost impossible to reach from above due to all of the other engine components being in the way & the distance from the top of the engine bay.

I presume the Police Dipstick kit will be a tube & longer dipstick that brings the whole assembly up to an accessible level.

I'm on my 2nd XC60 now & don't find too much of an issue with all the menu's as most are a set once & then forget option. Although a starter for 10, Can anybody remember where in the menu's you can adjust the volume of the traffic reports .

Other minor niggle with all the electronics why can't I convert my speedo to read KMH in the large display on the speedo surely that would be a simple thing to do. Oh & also having to reset the lights in the menu each time you start the car (I have Xenons with AHB & ABL so need changing). Heck joined up thinking time, integrate the whole lot into the GPS position of the car & just ask the driver to confirm do you wish to use Euro Set-up by pressing OK.

[NigelDay]

Originally Posted by AndyJudge

Although a starter for 10, Can anybody remember where in the menu's you can adjust the volume of the traffic reports .

Oh & also having to reset the lights in the menu each time you start the car (I have Xenons with AHB & ABL so need changing). Heck joined up thinking time, integrate the whole lot into the GPS position of the car & just ask the driver to confirm do you wish to use Euro Set-up by pressing OK.

Traffic volume is best adjusted when the traffic report interrupts your normal radio programme. Just turn the volume control up/down.
As far as the European lights setting, when I go abroad, I reset it in the menu just once and then leave it until I land back in the UK. If I recall, each time you start the car the dashboard displays a brief message saying lights adjusted for LHD (or something similar).
I do agree the GPS could be more intelligent and sense when you change country. The time zone could change, for example.

[mrliz332]

if anyone is interested here is the part and OEM of the short grey (10cm) dipstick that comes with the car. I had trouble locating the part online as others may have too, hopefully helpful - https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-part...stick/1055679/

[Deck1ng]

I presume the Police Dipstick kit will be a tube & longer dipstick that brings the whole assembly up to an accessible level.

It’s the second time that I have heard the term “Police Dipstick”, (excuse my snigger). But have failed to be able to locate such an item, was told by my local dealer the item does not exist.
If that info is wrong I would love to hear, thank you.

[Deck1ng]

All the above said, I’ve just found one on (eBay). For £71.00 +.

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Deck1ng

It’s the second time that I have heard the term “Police Dipstick”, (excuse my snigger). But have failed to be able to locate such an item, was told by my local dealer the item does not exist.
If that info is wrong I would love to hear, thank you.

I'm guessing you have the later 4-cylinder VEA engine? No physical dipstick option for that.

Having owned mine for 2 1/2 years I've got used to the electronic/virtual dipstick system (and messages) and found it to be quite trustworthy now I properly understand how to use it.

[Deck1ng]

Originally Posted by Zebster

I'm guessing you have the later 4-cylinder VEA engine? No physical dipstick option for that.

2012 D5 AWD, 5 cyl. With a tiny dipstick up front down low( can’t get my hand in).
But at £71 plus a few Bob, I’ll rely on the electrics.