2003 Volvo XC90 cartridge insert oil filter question

[Jett Rink]

Hello BITOGers,

This is a fascinating website. I have been reading for a while now, attempting to familiarize myself with what is already here. My question relates to the volvo xc90 oil filter. My wife got a 2003, gently used with about 38,000 miles a couple of months ago. It has a cartride type oil filter, I believe. I am completely unfamiliar with these type of filters. Every car I've ever owned had the screw on type filter. My Honda Prelude certainly does, and changing it is no problem at all.

So my question for anyone in the know is...Where IS the oil filter on this Swedish wagon, and how do you change it?

Thanks in advance,
Jett Rink in Bristol

 

[Tones]

I guess I will pipe in and see if I can help. There are a lot of clubs on the internet you can browse for help. VolvoXC.com is one that comes to mind.

If your XC is like my S60, there is a plastic skid plate under the engine that will need removing. Once removed, there will be a black plastic cap poking out of what looks like the sump. That is your oil filter. You will need a special filter wrench to remove it--you can get these from IPDUSA.com. The filter is the cartridge type, Mahle or Mann are suggested replacements, also available from IPDUSA.com.

Hope you enjoy your new (to you) Volvo as much as I have been enjoying mine.

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

You might also check brickboard.com.

 

[Jett Rink]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the tips to these other websites. I'll investigate there.

The skid plate is visible, but I have yet to remove it for any reason. You are right, it is probably in under there.

I expected somebody to chime in along the lines of, "Try reading your owner's manual." No such clues there, the manual is silent on oil filters and oil changes, other than the recommended 5w30 and 7,500 normal, and 5,000 severe OCI. I guess Volvo just wants to make it difficult for the DIY population out there. Do y'all change it yourself, or let the dealership or your mechanic take care of it? The local Volvo dealership stocks Mann, which is probably what I will use. I know there is an O-ring that needs to be replaced along with the filter, so I need to study up on how this is correctly placed.

My wife drives it every day, not me. But it does seem to ride well. Certainly smoother than my Prelude, but they are two different animals.

Thanks again for the response,
Jett Rink in Bristol

 

[Tones]

Volvos are considered high end imports. My dealership charges close to $100 for an oil change. I have some freebies until 48k miles, so I will use those, then change it myself.

The black cap mentioned above is the cover for the cartridge-style oil filter. The cap has the o-ring on it. Replace the o-ring, wipe some oil on it, and screw it back on with a new filter. Nothing to it.

Dealership will normally charge around twice what IPD wants for a filter, BTW. I bought 4 at a time to spread the shipping cost over the filters.