Service Bulletin
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Greensboro, NC USA Trucks
Date Group No. Page
Supersedes Service Bulletin 175-60, "Oil and Filters,
Volvo Components", (11.2002), publication no. 6.2003 175 60 1(14)
PV776–TSP181097.
Oil and Filter Change Intervals for
VOLVO Components
VN, VHD VERSION2
From build date 11.2002
Oil and Filters, Volvo Components
W1000080
(Valid from April 2003)
This information is updated again in October 2003. After October 2003 the document
is updated every 12 months. The document covers oil change intervals for Volvo
Engines. Information regarding transmissions, rear axle and steering oil and change
intervals is also included.
For the list of companies that offer oil types that meet the Volvo Drain Specification
refer to Service Bulletin 175-61, “Approved Oil List for Volvo Components, VN/VHD
Version 2” (06.2003), publication no. PV776–TSP191639.
Note: Failure to follow these recommendations may void any and all applicable engine
and driveline warranties.
Contents
• “Engine, Lubrication” page 2
• “Transmission, Lubrication” page 6
• “Rear Axle, Lubrication” page 11
• “Power Steering, Lubrication” page 14
PV776-TSP191570 USA13765
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 2(14)
Engine, Lubrication
For further lubrication information refer to the “Approved
Oil Lists, Volvo Components” Service Bulletin and
any other related information in function group 1. For
further Engine information refer to function group 2 and
appropriate vendor literature.
Engine oil lubricates, seals, cools and cleans the engine.
Filtering the intake air and using a low sulfur fuel helps the
oil protect the engine parts. With better engine designs
and improved oils, the service intervals have steadily
increased. The interval choice depends on the engine
manufacturer specifications. Make sure that the correct
oil type and also the correct viscosity are chosen for the
mileage interval driven.
CAUTION
Please note that an extension of oil drains beyond the
ones given in “Oil Change Intervals” page 4 may
damage the engine, and void your warranty if in effect.
Shorter oil change intervals are required if the engine is
operating in a dusty environment or if frequent stops and
starts are made (see “Oil Change Intervals” page 4 ). If
the fuel has a sulfur content exceeding 0.5% by weight,
the indicated maximum mileage intervals, must be cut
in half.
There are many aftermarket oil additives that claim
improved performance when added to the engine oil. Do
not use supplements such as aftermarket oil treatment
additives. Each oil type recommended here already
contains additives that have been tested by engine and oil
manufacturers. Adding extra additives may put the engine
at risk of failure.
Oil filters should always be changed when changing oil.
Previously there were two types of oil filters; one for
normal intervals and one for extended intervals. Only
long-life filters are available for all intervals today. Use
only Volvo original oil filters as replacement.
W1000077
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 3(14)
Oil Viscosity
Select viscosity for the ambient temperatures the vehicle
will be exposed to. It is not enough to just select the right
type of oil; the right oil viscosity is just as important.
The correct viscosity according to the SAE is determined
by the minimum ambient temperature at cold start
and the maximum ambient temperature during engine
operation. Use the temperature chart below to select the
best viscosity. In general, use the highest viscosity oil
available that still meets the cold start-up temperature
requirements.
W1000144
Select viscosity from the table above. Temperatures
refer to stable ambient temperature readings.
Oil Type/Quality
See the engine types for recommended oil change
intervals. The intervals will not cover all applications. In
on/off highway driving, severe off-highway, continuous
stop-and-go city driving and extremely high mileages, the
oil change interval needs to be customized for the best
protection and economy. Change all oil filters at each oil
change.
Synthetic oils do not allow further extension of oil drain
intervals. It is the contamination rate, i.e., soot, and the
depletion of additives, rather than base oil quality that
determines the useful engine oil life and therefore the oil
change intervals.
Note: Engines meeting the emissions requirements of
the consent decree operate under more severe conditions
than previous engines. This has lead Volvo to require
an oil that meets both VDS-2 and EO-N Premium Plus
quality or both VDS-2 and API CI-4 quality standards for
model year 2003 and later Volvo engines. Earlier engines
also work better with the above mentioned oils, but these
are not required, though oils meeting VDS-2 and EO-N
Premium Plus are strongly recommended.
CAUTION
Extra oil additives must never be added to any oil
used.
For a list of oil qualities for a specific applications, refer to
Service Bulletin 175-60, “Oil and Filter Change Intervals
for VOLVO Components, VN/VHD Version 2” (11.2002),
publication no. PV776–TSP181097.
Note: Oil Terminology: VDS (Volvo Drain Specifications),
and EO-N (Engine Oil - [Grade Level])
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 4(14)
Oil Change Intervals
Note: Engines meeting the emissions requirements of the consent decree operate under more severe conditions than
previous engines. This has lead Volvo to require an oil that meets both VDS-2 and EO-N Premium Plus quality or both
VDS-2 and API CI-4 quality standards for model year 2003 and later Volvo engines. Earlier engines also work better
with the above mentioned oils, but these are not required, though strongly recommended.
Note: Volvo strongly recommends to use oils meeting both VDS-2 and EO-N Premium Plus at all times.
Note: For information on the Oil Change Intervals for Non-Volvo engines refer to the appropriate vendor
literature.
Engine D12
Type of Operation
• Average fuel consumption • Average fuel consumption • Average fuel consumption
is over 4.7 liters per 10 is between 4.7 and 3.6 liters is under 3.6 liters per 10
km (under 5.0 miles per per 10 km (between 5.0 km (over 6.5 miles per
gallon) and 6.5 miles per gallon) gallon)
• Gross combined weight • Gross combined weight • Gross combined weight
(GCW) is greater than (GCW) is less than (GCW) is less than
45,000 kg (100,000 lb) 45,000 kg (100,000 lb) 36,000 kg (80,000 lb)
• Idle time is 40% or higher • Vehicle operates in • On highway operation
• Vehicle operates off road regional distribution only
or in dusty areas
• Vehicle operates in inner
city delivery
Model Year 2003 (from serial # 307434)
Higher Oil Qualities
Oil Quality both VDS-2 and EO-N both VDS-2 and EO-N both VDS-2 and EO-N
Premium Plus Premium Plus Premium Plus
Mileage* . . . . . . 19,000 km (12,000 miles) 24,000 km (15,000 miles) 40,000 km (25,000 miles)
Months* . . . . . . 4 4 4
Hours* . . . . . . . 300 400 600
Fuel Usage* . . . 9500 liters (2500 gallons) 11,500 liters (3000 gallons) 15,000 liters (4000 gallons)
Normal Oil Qualities
Oil Quality both VDS-2 and API CI-4 both VDS-2 and API CI-4 both VDS-2 and API CI-4
Mileage* . . . . . . 14,000 km (9000 miles) 18,000 km (11,000 miles) 30,000 km (19,000 miles)
Months* . . . . . . 4 4 4
Hours* . . . . . . . 250 300 450
Fuel Usage* . . . 7100 liters (1900 gallons) 8500 liters (2200 gallons) 11,500 liters (3000 gallons)
* Whichever comes first
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. cannot guarantee the performance of filters that are not made or sold by
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. The performance guarantee of any commercially available filters is the
responsibility of the filter manufacturer.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 5(14)
Oil Capacity
Current Engines
Vehicle Engine Approximate oil change capacity in liters (US quarts)
Normal oil change Dry capacity Max. to Min. on
(incl. filter) dipstick
VN D12D 33 liters (35 quarts) 37 liters (39 quarts) 8 liters (8.5 quarts)
VHD D12D 38 liters (40 quarts) 42 liters (44 quarts) 6 liters (6.5 quarts)
Fuel Filters
Filter Change Interval
All engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At every engine oil change (maximum 40,000 km [25,000 miles])
Filter Change Interval
All engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See reading on air restriction gauge or maximum every 2 years
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 6(14)
Transmission, Lubrication
W4001387
For further lubrication information refer to the “Approved
Oil Lists, Volvo Components” Service Bulletin and any
other related information in function group 1. For further
Transmission information refer to function group 4 and
appropriate vendor literature.
Volvo transmissions are fully synchronized and need
correct lubrication for the synchronizers to work properly.
CAUTION
Use only the specified type of single-weight engine
oils. Do not use multi-viscosity oil or EP gear oils (for
example axle lube such as GL-5 gear oils) as they may
damage components. Gear oil API GL-5 will severely
lessen the synchronizer braking effect, leading to
unsynchronized gear engagement that damages the
engagement rings.
Note: Synthetic lubricants generally have lower friction.
Thus the sychromesh is damaged by not matching
gear speeds. Synthetic lubrication may also cause
seal degradation, therefore, synthetic lubricants are not
recommended.
The transmission should not be operated consistently
at temperatures above 110 C (230 F). If the oil
temperature reaches 140 C (285 F), stop the vehicle
to let the oil temperature decrease.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 7(14)
With lengthy or continuous driving at altitudes of more
than 2000 m (6000 ft) above sea level, the change interval
should be cut in half.
Oil Heat Exchanger (Cooler) Requirements:
If any of the following conditions apply, in any combination,
an oil heat exchanger (cooler) is required:
1 If usually operating at low speed and/or in hilly terrain.
2 If the ambient temperature exceeds 32 C (90 F)
during more than 1 month per year and/or if operating
temperature of the oil exceeds 110 C (230 F).
3 If there is restricted air flow around the transmission
(i.e. full air fairing; also see points 1 and 2).
4 If using engines with power of 297 kW (399 hp) or
more and/or a GCW over 45,000 kg (100,000 lb).
5 If there is extensive PTO operation over 15 minutes or
continuous output (e.g. bulk load operation) over
55 kW (75 hp).
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. cannot guarantee the performance of filters that are not made or sold by
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. The performance guarantee of any commercially available filters is the
responsibility of the filter manufacturer.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 8(14)
Oil Change Intervals
Old Transmission
• SR1900 (VT1414)
First oil and filter change After 1 month or 10,000
km (6000 miles)
Normal change interval, Every 12 months or
oil and filter 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
• S5–35 and S6–36
Normal change interval, Every 12 months or
oil and filter 90,000 km (60,000 miles)
• R5 (All)
• R6, SR6 (All)
• R7, SR7 (All)
• R1000 (VT809)
• R1700 & 1700A (VT1209 & 1309), SR1700 (VT1214)
Normal change interval, Every 12 months or
oil and filter 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. cannot guarantee the performance of filters that are not made or sold by
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. The performance guarantee of any commercially available filters is the
responsibility of the filter manufacturer.
Oil Viscosity
Use only single weight engine oil. With operation in hot
climates, an oil heat exchanger must be installed. The
Volvo transmission oil heat exchanger works together
with the engine coolant system. It acts as a cooler in the
summer and as a heater in the winter.
W4000877
1) With ambient temperatures of 32 C (90 F) or
above during more than one month per year, an
oil heat exchanger (cooler) must be installed.
The same viscosity of oil can then be used
for the higher temperatures.
2) With ambient temperatures of -25 C (-15 F)
or below, a heat exchanger is recommended.
With the heat exchanger, the oil warm-up
times are faster.
3) Multigrade engine oils must not be used.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 9(14)
Oil Type
Volvo transmissions are fully synchronized and need
correct lubrication for the synchronizers to work properly.
CAUTION
Use only the specified type of single weight engine
oils. Do not use multi-viscosity oil or EP gear oils (for
example axle lube such as GL-5 gear oils) as they may
damage components. Gear oil API GL-5 will severely
lessen the synchronizer braking effect, leading to
unsynchronized gear engagement that damages the
engagement rings.
Note: Synthetic lubricants generally have lower friction.
Thus the sychromesh is damaged by not matching
gear speeds. Synthetic lubrication may also cause
seal degradation, therefore, synthetic lubricants are not
recommended.
Oil type
Engine oil API-CE or CF
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. can not guarantee the performance of filters that are not made or sold by
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. The performance guarantee of any commercially available filters is the
responsibility of the filter manufacturer.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 10(14)
Oil Capacity
Old Transmissions
Vehicle Transmission Approximate
capacity in
liters (quarts)
VN, WCA, SR1900 (VT1414) 13.0 (14.0)
WIA, WG,
ACL
Vehicle Transmission Approximate
capacity in liters
(quarts)
F6 S5-35 3.5 (3.7)
S6-65 9.5 (10.0)
FE6 S5-35 3.5 (3.7)
S6-65 9.5 (10.0)
F86 R51 9.0 (9.5)
F7 R52 8.8 (9.3)
FE7 R52 8.8 (9.3)
R1000 (VT809) 9.5 (10.0)
FE, WX, R1000 (VT809) 9.5 (10.0)
WG
N10 R63 13.1 (13.8)
SR62 14.7 (15.5)
N12 R70 10.0 (10.5)
SR70 10.0 (10.5)
VN, AC, R1700, R1700A 12.0 (13.0)
WCA,WIA, (VT1209, 1309)
WG
WCA, AC SR1700 (VT1214) 13.0 (14.0)
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 11(14)
Rear Axle, Lubrication
For further lubrication information refer to the “Approved
Oil Lists, Volvo Components” Service Bulletin and any
other related information in function group 1. For further
information on the Rear Axle refer to function group 4 and
appropriate vendor literature.
Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface when
checking the oil level. Fill or add oil to the lower edge of
the level hole in the carrier housing. If the hubs were
empty, tilt axle for one minute to each side.
CAUTION
Do not use synthetic lubricants in the rear axle.
Synthetic lubrication may cause seal degradation,
therefore, synthetic lubricants are not recommended.
Oil Change Intervals
Current Rear Axles
Tandem Axles First oil and filter change After 1 month or 10,000
km (6000 miles)
• CT EV 87 (VBT4018, VBT4618, VBT4818 & VBT5218)
Normal change interval, Every 12 months or
oil and filter 120,000 km
(75,000 miles)
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 12(14)
Oil Viscosity
High viscosity single grade oil, SAE 140, should only
be used in warm climates where no cold weather is
encountered. Low viscosity single grade oil, such as SAE
75, should only be used in cold climates where no warm
weather is encountered.
CAUTION
Do not use synthetic lubricants in the rear axle.
Synthetic lubrication may cause seal degradation.
W4000880
For very hard operation or continuous operation
above an altitude of 2000 m (6000 ft) above sea
level, a viscosity of SAE 140, SAE 80W/140
or SAE 85W/140 is recommended for use
instead of SAE 90.
Oil Type
Mineral oil . . . . . . . API-GL-5, MIL-PRF-2105E
CAUTION
Do not use synthetic lubricants in the rear axle.
Synthetic lubrication may cause seal degradation.
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 13(14)
Oil Capacity
Current Rear Axles
Vehicle Tandem Axle Approxi-
mate capac-
ity in liters
(quarts)
VN, VHD CT EV 87 (VBT4018, 20.0 (21.0)
VBT4618, VBT4818 or 9.0 (9.5)
VBT5218)
Front tandem EV 87
Rear tandem EV 80
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. Date Group No. Page
Service Bulletin 6.2003 175 60 14(14)
Power Steering, Lubrication
Power Steering Reservoir
For further lubrication information refer to the “Approved
Oil Lists, Volvo Components” Service Bulletin and any
other related information in function group 1. For further
information on Steering refer to function group 6 and
appropriate vendor literature.
Power Steering ReservoirThe power steering fluid
reservoir is filled with Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Dexron® III for the power steering system. Change fluid
every 240,000 km
(150,000 miles). Change filter every year or more often
if necessary.
W6001428
If the fluid has darkened, it indicates that the power
steering system is running hotter than normal and the
fluid is overheating. Take the vehicle to a Volvo Truck
dealer for troubleshooting the overheating and to have
the fluid changed.
The Power Steering Reservoir fluid is maintenance free
and should only be changed in the event of required
maintenance as a result of mechanical failure.
