Oil Check difference, 5 sec, 60 sec, 60 min

[ohhh my]

When I put my key in the ignition, i notice the majority of the time it takes 5 seconds to do an oil level check, but sometimes if i turn off the car and come back and restart it right away, it may do a 60 sec or a 60 min countdown.

Is there a difference and why does that occur?

[Highlow]

Good question! I've wondered about that same thing.

[Burg Boxster]

basically to account for difference between cold start and warm start allowing time needed for the oil to drain back down to get a accurate reading...

[RandallNeighbour]

The only real way to know what your oil level is with the dashboard is to check it cold in the morning before you fire it up or drive the car to operating temp and then let it sit for a half hour with the motor off and put the key back in and wait for a reading.

I'm so glad I have a dipstick in my older boxster. I do not look forward to only having the digital one when and if I upgrade my boxster for a much newer 911 or a Cayman S.

[Overdrive]

I agree with Randall. I'd rather have a dipstick so I don't have to rely on a gauge that can fail.

Also keep in mind that if you're not on level ground when parked this can very easily throw off what the gauge reads.

There have been times where I end up starting the car and shutting off after only a short time. I figure the large amount of time that can result from that is as explained above. A bunch of oil just got splashed around and hasn't really gotten a full cycle. It's going to take a good long while for it all to drip back down for an accurate reading.

[thstone]

+1 for a dipstick and not an electronic gauge.