Red engine oil? / check engine light went off?

asummers · Post by **asummers** » 14 May 2008, 08:23

Last night I checked the oil in our S80. I was amazed to see a "red" color to the oil on the dipstick. We purchased the car a couple of months ago, and the dealer had just done the scheduled service. They said they use Mobil 5w30 oil when the changed oil in a vehicle. I have never seen a red color to any oil, of course I have never bought Mobil oil either. Has anybody ever seen a red color to Mobil oils after about 1,000 miles? I really hate to think this, but it looks like transmission fluid, but does not smell like tranny fluid.
The dealer has offered to give me a free oil change, but it is an hour away from my home and would mean taking time off work to take it to them. My safest bet may be to change the oil myself, and soon!

Also, the check engine light came on. But two days after it came on it no longer comes on. Anyone ever had phantom check engine lights on the S80?

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1996 Volvo 850T Platinum Edition, 164,000 miles
1999 Volvo S80 2.9, 80,000 miles

damotu · Post by **damotu** » 14 May 2008, 17:57

Best of my knowledge, Engine oil is'nt red, at least as red as tranny oil.
If you cannot get back soon to where it was last changed, I'd crawl underneigh and drain the oil and replace filter...That way your positive about it....Tranny oil is usually really red unless it has'nt been changed for a very long time, then its a brownish color..If it has a burnt smell then I'd be concerned.(really more than that, worried)...
If you have a ABDII you can check codes by just plugging in, this will tell you if service is needed...Might go to a Checker Auto or Pep Boys., believe they would check it for you free...
Also if last service personnel did'nt re-set the computer then you could get the Check Engine Light as a reminder its time for service.....Your owners manual tells you how to re-set yourself, might try that, its a simple procedure...Good Luck

asummers · Post by **asummers** » 15 May 2008, 05:16

Well, I now feel really stupid. When I mentioned checking the oil it was at night in the garage with my incandescent lamps on. For some reason the lamps made it look red. I checked the oil yesterday in the daylight and it is a brown/gold color. So, please excuse my blunder.

However, the check engine light question still applies.

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1996 Volvo 850T Platinum Edition, 165,000 miles
1999 Volvo S80 2.9, 80,000 miles

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 May 2008, 12:43

In the dark I probably would not have found the dipstick!!

The check engine light should only come on when a fault code has been stored. As suggested by damotu Pepboys will read the codes, if any, free of charge. I think this can also be done by Autozone.

Bill.