Engine oil manufacturer Smith & Allan has paused sales of its Momentum C3 SWTL 5W-30 engine oil following a VLS investigation regarding claims against the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification, developed for wet belt engines.
The move comes after the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) announced a market-wide investigation into engine oils making claims against the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification, in 2025.
This specification, in 5W-30 form, is mandated for a a broad range of modern Stellantis vehicles, particularly those with DV5R, DW10F and DW12RU diesel engines, as well as 1.2L PureTech (EB2) petrol engines. With the automtive group containing many different marques, the lubricant applies to many Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Vauxhall, Opel, and Jeep passenger and light commercial vehicle models.
Wet belt concerns
The specification is designed specifically for engines with wet belts, with the aim of preventing wear, degredation and the formation of debris that can clog oil strainers. This alone can lead to an ‘engine oil warning’ light with low pressure detected.
Stellantis introduced FPW 9.55535/03 in 2023/2024 as a mandatory requirement for many vehicles to address reliability issues with wet timing belt systems and with engines fitted with external dry belts. Problems can arise if service intervals are not adhered to.
If the wrong specification oil is used in a wet belt system, it can lead to increased degradation. Should this happen, chunks of the wet belt can detatch, leading to a reduced lifespan, and expensive repair bills for drivers. As oil plays a crucial part in the wet belt system, the correct specifications must be adhered to.
No approval available
Case VLS010244 concerned the allegation that the Stellantis specification FPW9.55535/03 was being claimed for Smith & Allan Momentum C3 SWTL 5W-30, despite no widely available approved market general technology being available to support this specification claim.
VLS accepted the case and wrote to Smith & Allan, asking for the technical evidence on which the claim was based. In response, Smith & Allan stated that the claim was made on a ‘Suitable for use’ basis and no formal approval was claimed. The company agreed to pause sales of the product and withdraw it from their catalogue pending the formal approval of the market general package against the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification.
Based on their response, VLS was content to close the investigation, subject to a six-month review, in line with its stated process.
Positive action
“We thank Smith & Allan for their cooperation in this case and for taking positive, proactive action to pause product sales until general market technology becomes available,” stated Darren Frogson, VLS Chairman.
“As part of our market-wide investigation into engine oils claiming to meet this Stellantis specification, we have found that the majority of claims are valid. However, in some cases, claims have been removed, or products have been withdrawn.
“With the lubricants sector navigating rapid change, we must have a robust, anonymous process that holds lubricant producers and marketers to account and protects end users. Workshops must have confidence that the products they select are suitable for use in the application and can deliver what they claim.”
You can keep up to date with VLS investigations at their website: https://ukla-vls.org.uk/.
If you have any concerns about a lubricant, you can report them to VLS by calling 01442 875922 or emailing admin@ukla-vls.org.uk.
