Newb's 1st oil change...

[recycledsixtie]

Did my first complete oil change yesterday on my 2001 Box. Kept on adding oil up to the dash guage fill line. This morning before starting it showed one bar above full.Grrrr.... The dipstick showed full. Am I correct in saying that I should drain some oil out? After running for a short period this morning it shows on the fill line.Any comments would be appreciated!

[milliemax]

Recycle, I had my car serviced on Monday, 9 qts. Stopped for lunch on my way home and noticed the level gage going a little crazy ????? Got home and washed the car to give the oil time to level out and was 3/4 quart low. Added and now All is reading correct. This is my second oil change and once again weird readings until the oil leveled out with time ????? I know that I have not given you the answer but share your concerns. Max

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by milliemax

Recycle, I had my car serviced on Monday, 9 qts. Stopped for lunch on my way home and noticed the level gage going a little crazy ????? Got home and washed the car to give the oil time to level out and was 3/4 quart low. Added and now All is reading correct. This is my second oil change and once again weird readings until the oil leveled out with time ????? I know that I have not given you the answer but share your concerns. Max

Thanks Millimax. Yes I put almost 9 litres in so u could well be right -the dash guage maybe has to settle down first. If u put in 9 qts and I put in 9 litres(1 litre is slightly less than a quart), I might be okay. Will give it time to settle.

[srad34]

Personally I trust the actual dipstick, I use the sensor to keep track rather than as an accurate level gauge.

[san rensho]

If it is just up to full on the dipstick, you are fine. Remember, the manual says to check the oil after the car is fully warm, that means driving for 1/2 hour plus. Then, let the car sit for several minutes before checking the level.

You will get low levels if you start that car and shut it off before it is warm and then immediately check the oil level.

Similarly, if you let the car sit overnight after it was shut down while fully warmed up, when you check the oil in the morning it will show overfilled.

[milliemax]

Originally Posted by srad34

Personally I trust the actual dipstick, I use the sensor to keep track rather than as an accurate level gauge.

I trust the dipstick also. And I have had both reading the same together AFTER getting home and playing around with the level/ giving it some time to settle down after that "bad visit to the vet/ mechanic" The car seem to act just like my cat back from the vet. After a few hours home ,things go back to normal. ????????

[WhipE350]

Yup trust the dipstick. The sensor is good most of time but I always refer to the dipstick when changing on my 2000 'S'. If you only put in 9 liters then you are fine...you might even be a little low but not enough to hurt.