Checking oil level.

[thom4782]

I'd provide a reference if I could remember where I read the following. The timer uses a 1 minute countdown when the engine is cold or after 10 minutes have passed after a warm engine is shut off. If the engine is warm and is less than 10 minutes after it's been shut off, the timer sets a much longer count down period to allow the oil to drain into the sump. In my car, the 'long' count down starts at 60 minutes if I turn the ignition back on right after shut down.

PS: my owner's manual provides conflicting information. It says the short (< 1 minute) count down takes place when the engine is cold OR when the engine is at operating temperature. This latter condition isn't one I've noticed, but I'll check tomorrow. The manual goes on to say that it will automatically check the oil level during refueling if the engine is at operating temperature, the ignition is off during refueling and the refueling takes less than 15 minutes.

[Meir]

Originally Posted by thom4782

I'd provide a reference if I could remember where I read the following. The timer uses a 1 minute countdown when the engine is cold or after 10 minutes have passed after a warm engine is shut off. If the engine is warm and is less than 10 minutes after it's been shut off, the timer sets a much longer count down period to allow the oil to drain into the sump. In my car, the 'long' count down starts at 60 minutes if I turn the ignition back on right after shut down.

that's exactly what i did.
as soon as i got home from work, i turned the ignition off, and then back on.
the temp was showing at 180, and the timer started at 40 seconds (more or less).
ill have a look at it again just to make sure.
thanks guys.

[tonycarreon]

Originally Posted by thom4782

I'd provide a reference if I could remember where I read the following. The timer uses a 1 minute countdown when the engine is cold or after 10 minutes have passed after a warm engine...

well that makes a lot more sense than my stupid "quick" and "longer" reading! now i get it. i'm slow

[thom4782]

Follow-up on my last note...


I checked more closely exactly how my dashboard oil level works. If the engine is cold, the countdown is 30 seconds. If the engine is up to operating temperature, the count down is 5 minutes when I turn the ignition back on immediately after engine shut off. If I wait several minutes after shut off and then turn the ignition on, the countdown is again 30 seconds.