happyclam

They changed my oil (or is it "errrrr-il") and today, the digital indicator showed a little low.

I pulled into a gas station. The dipstick showed it to the full mark (but not overfilled)

Car was warmed up at this point.

I did the digital readout again, and this time it showed slightly above the bottom range but not even at the middle.

What gives? Who's right? Who shot JR? Did we really land on the moon?

LexVan

1) Marty shot Jake. But then Marty took his toys home, and climbed back under his rock. All is good in the galaxy again.

2) Yes. We landed on the moon. I was there with Neil. Good times.

DBJoe996

The correct level can only be checked this way - 24 hour stone cold engine, check with dipstick. Now, even overnight will do since that is what most of us do, well, those who work and DD. The digital readout is always read at startup and after fueling. Since you drive to the gas station and the oil is dispersed throughout the engine, the reading is always going to be a tad low over what is actually in there. The digital readout is best thought of as yeah...there is oil in there, or no there isn't oil in there. Mine always gives some goofy reading after refueling. I know what is in there. I just check it in the morning with the dipstick to make sure. And, not every day, more like every 2 weeks.

RngTrtl

Be thankful you have a dipstick. That is the one thing that I dont care for on mine, no damn dip stick.

Slakker

alpine003

I think this may be in reference to the "Dallas" show from the 80's for those that never watched it before and not Jake Raby.

5CHN3LL

OP, the readout can vary depending on how long the car has been sitting since it was last driven because the oil has not drained back into the sump.

I don't trust the digital gauge unless the car has been cooling off for at least an hour - even though this is not necessarily consistent with the owner's manual:

Oil return time
Before the oil level is measured, the engine oil has to have flowed back into the oil pan.
The time taken for the engine oil to flow back depends on the engine temperature and how
long the engine has been stopped. This waiting time is counted down in the on-board
computer display when the ignition is switched on. The oil level display segments start
to "cycle".

It is best to measure the engine oil level with the engine at operating temperature.
Correct measurements and short waiting times are achieved in this way.

I prefer to leave the car sitting for at least half an hour, even though the manual indicates you only need to wait for the countdown time to expire.

happyclam

thank you! I searched and read some other threads, but this was particularly helpful.

wyovino

Also, the readings should be taken with the car as level as possible. I've noticed that even slight changes in angle can effect the readings.

Gonzo911

What's a dipstick?

LexVan

aka, Marty.

Sneaky Pete

Well I can a few

TonyTwoBags

I think the oil level is measured on the right side of the engine. I don't bother checking oil level if it's not a reliably flat surface.

Cuda911

I'm supposed to check my oil level???

fmmoto

Indeed. When I stay at my friend's house who has around a 5 degree angle, depending on whether I back in or nose first the digital reading will either read one bar or all full.