Engine Oil: Service and Repair

Checking the engine oil level:




The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.

To get a true reading, the vehicle must be on level ground.

^ After turning oft the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.

^ Pull out dipstick (arrow) and wipe it clean with a rag.

^ Reinsert dipstick; push it all the way in.

^ Pull dipstick out again and read the level:

a - You must not add oil.

b - You can add oil. The oil level may go into the a range, but not above the a range.

C - You must add oil.

After filling in oil, make sure that the oil level is somewhere within the b range.

^ After checking the oil level, please make sure that the dipstick is pushed back in all the way.

Adding engine oil:

^ Turn off the engine.

^ Unscrew the oil cap tram the cylinder head cover.

^ Add oil by a half quart (half liter) at a time.

^ Check the oil level with the dipstick.

The oil level must never be above the "a" range.

Otherwise oil could be drawn into the crankcase breather and get into the atmosphere through the exhaust system. The oil would burn then in the catalytic converter and cause damage.

WARNING! Spilled oil is a fire hazard. The oil filler cap must be secure to avoid an oil spill.

^ Carefully screw the oil cap back on and insert the oil dipstick all the way. Otherwise oil could leak out when the engine is running.

Changing the engine oil:

The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your Maintenance booklet.

This is very important because the lubricating properties of oil diminish gradually during normal vehicle use.

Under some circumstances the engine oil should be changed more frequently. Change oil more often if you drive mostly short distances, operate the vehicle in dusty areas or under predominantly stop-and-go traffic conditions, or have your vehicle where temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods.

Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running for a short time. This is normal and is not a reason to change the oil more often than recommended.