XC60 Oil Pressure Warning and Engine Noise

I had similar symptoms with my old Opel: oil pressure warning lamp and strange mechanical noise. When the oil pressure is too low, the engine parts aren't lubricated enough, causing the noise. Check you have enough oil. Since you did that, check the oil viscosity. If the oil is too thin, it won't create the necessary pressure. In my case, it was a defect in the oil pump. I'm not saying you have the same issue, but the symptoms are similar. The oil pump circulates the engine oil, and if defective, the oil can't go where it needs to be.

Thanks, I appreciate you sharing your experience. You mentioned the oil viscosity. How might I check this? Can I assess it visually, or does it require specialized equipment? Does the intermittent problem suggest anything specific regarding the potential defect? I also wonder if an oil pressure sensor could cause wrong readings.

You can't really check the oil viscosity yourself; you need specialized equipment. I'm not sure about the oil pressure sensor, but as you describe the problem, I think the oil pump is defective. Intermittent issues can happen with defective components. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Given the symptoms, I wouldn't risk driving the car any further. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure could cause severe and irreparable engine damage. Take your Volvo to a workshop for a proper diagnosis.

I appreciate your guidance and will heed your advice. I transported the vehicle to a reputable workshop for inspection. The diagnosis confirmed a defect in the oil pump, as suspected. The repair cost was 755€. Replacing the oil pump resolved the issue; the oil pressure warning lamp is no longer illuminated, and the mechanical noises have ceased. Thanks again for your help!