m a x i m u s

This has had me miffed for years, and it sounds like a seriously stupid question, but I can't figure it out. Whenever I get the "check oil level at next fill up" notice, I check my oil. It's at the lower of the two red tabs. So, I add some, no change. Add some more, no change. I added 3 quarts just now, waited for 10 mins, no change. Started it and shut it down and waited, still no change. Wtf is going on? My oil level is still at the lower red tab and hasn't moved a mm after three quarts added!

QWKSNKE

So, you added 3 qts and the level didn't change on the dipstick?
Usually when I get the oil level notice, I have to add 2 qts minimum.
Does your dipstick read correctly when you do oil changes?

Merc63

You should notice adding just one bottle for sure. You pouring it into the right hole lol.

BLKROKT

Seriously. The distance from on the lower red tab to the upper red tab is just over a quart if I remember correctly.

Mort

You definitely will notice a quart or liter on the dipstick. I just added a liter yesterday and you can see it on the dipstick just not as much as you might expect it to go up. The right hole tho ....lol



I think it is close to 1.5 quarts or liters from past experience.

TurboRush

+1 - I think this is pretty universal (give or take a bit) - adding 1 quart should move you from lower mark to full mark.

Jasonoff

Does your washer fluid reservoir have 3qt of 0W40 now?

Merc63

Lol something does

m a x i m u s

Lol, yeah, I used my windshield washers today and noticed the fluid was really oily! JK. I drove the car last night, waited 30 mins and then rechecked, and it's all good. Dunno why the added oil never registers sooner, though. It's weird. For some reason my dipstick readings are really wonky. I'll have to ask my tech next time I see him.

m a x i m u s

And I believe the manual says 1.7 quarts between the min and max marks.

Merc63

Mine reads different every time i check it. I check 3 times and take the average.

m a x i m u s

I hear you. My problem is the added oil didn't even register on the dipstick until I drove it for a while. Probably not the best way to be checking low oil levels ...

kukimonsta

When the message comes up, I've had to add 2 quarts to go from bottom of dipstick to top of red plastic mark for full.

You sure you have it all the way in?
Are you check when it's hot or cold?

m a x i m u s

Yes, it's all the way in, and I check it either stone cold or 30 minutes after running. Same dip stick weirdness.

jmueller

If your car was not completely level when you were checking the dip stick, I could see you having that problem. In my experience, the dip stick on this car is only helpful if the car is level.

Jasonoff

Regardless if the car is level or not. If you're not moving it between adding oil and checking, the level will still rise.

It will be an incorrect level indication if on a slope, but will still move higher up the dipstick if you're adding fluid in the right hole lol.

Gerry_M

I had this problem before and this is what I do now to get a consistent level all the time.

-Park on a leveled surface.
-Pull the dip stick out and wait 1 minute.
-Place the dipstick back in and wait 1 minute
-Pull the dipstick out and read the proper oil level.

wasp01amg

Better check and make sure you did not overfill the crankcase. If you did, correct it before you damage the engine.

m a x i m u s

Thanks, guys. And thanks, Wasp, I'm aware of that danger, oil level is good.

shamrode

When the car is stone cold take the dipstick out and read it without wiping it off.