How to check oil level??

35071 Views 13 Replies 11 Participants Last post by YerBuddysPony, Jul 18, 2011

calchan

Discussion Starter · Jul 18, 2011

With many people reported oil low before first oil change, I went to check my oil level today after 1000 miles. All i get is confusion. I think i am a little low on oil but not sure. How do you check your oil level? I look at my dip stick, there are 2 small circles. Is the circle suppose to fill with oils? Mine oil looks like it's just below the bottom circle which is low. I do see traces of oils between the 2 circles which means i am fine. So which is which? Are there suppose to be "lots" of oils between the 2 circles? I wonder in this day and ages, why cant we have a oil meter like our gas meter? I wanted to add a qt of oil but i am not sure if i am really low. Someone help me pleaseeeeeeee. BTW, my car is a 12 GT

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2011GrabberGT

· #2 · Jul 18, 2011

It is simple. Park the car on level ground for at least 20 minutes. Pull the stick out, wipe it down, and reinsert it. Pull it back out and recheck the level. No sexual innuendos intended. It should be fairly obvious, if not, repeat the above steps. If the oil level is clearly between the dots, do NOT add oil. If not, only add enough to get in that range. Overfilling can also cause engine damage.

That nifty thing called an Owners Manual also demonstrates how to do this, among many other things.

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LJ9753

· #3 · Jul 18, 2011

Same here .... Feel your pain .... Specially if you have the strut bar in the way ... Which reslts in a oilstick smeared with oil everywhere .. !!!!

My solution was to keep adding 1/4 at a time, next morning check again ...
For me the trick was to check the bottom part of the stick (the other side behind the two circles) ...
Oh and ended adding 3/4 in total at 1300 miles...
Good Luck ....

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2011GrabberGT

· #4 · Jul 18, 2011

Sounds like a personal problem. (I had to say it!) It is a flexible blade, grab and manipulate the end as needed to guide it straight in the hole. That'll ensure an accurate reading too. I also have the STB, but I've never really had an issue.

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calchan

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 18, 2011

The problem is i do see traces of oil between the 2 circles. I dont know if that's the oil level or it's just oils picked up when i insert the dipstick. There's oil below the low circle, that i can tell is full of oil. I wiped clean the dipstick and i can still see traces of oil between the 2 circles after i pull it out.. Is that my oil level?

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jimmbbo

· #6 · Jul 18, 2011

calchan said:
The problem is i do see traces of oil between the 2 circles. I dont know if that's the oil level or it's just oils picked up when i insert the dipstick.

I make it a habit to check the oil after the car has been sitting overnight in the garage. Same place, same time, consistent readings, and all the oil will have drained back into the pan, eliminating any spurious readings.

The dipstick is designed with a cross hatch pattern cut into the "normal range". This is done to capture oil for viewing. If the oil is new and fairly clear, rotate the dipstick to catch different lighting angles to read the oil level.. it will be apparent where the oil level is... moreso if the engine and oil are cold.

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cgash11

· #7 · Jul 18, 2011

the information on how to properly check your oil can easily be found in your owners manual. like others have said if the oil is between the two dots you do not need to put any more in, but if it is below the last dot then you definitely need to. make sure you wipe the dip stick with a clean rag too, as in not having any kind of dirt or anything like that on it which would contaminate your oil.

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5.0 Skillz

· #8 · Jul 18, 2011

Every time I check my oil there is oil all up and down the dip stick. There's a spot 2 inches above the "full" dot and then some down the side but none down the middle or down the right side. It's not easy to tell where the level is. I wipe it clean each time and still not a clear reading. I only have 1,800 miles but it looks like it's at the "low" end but it's hard to tell.

I also have a STB which makes it difficult because the dip stick won't come out straight. It has to bend, which I think is causing it to rub as it comes out.

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calchan

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 18, 2011

5.0 Skillz said:
Every time I check my oil there is oil all up and down the dip stick. There's a spot 2 inches above the "full" dot and then some down the side but none down the middle or down the right side. It's not easy to tell where the level is. I wipe it clean each time and still not a clear reading. I only have 1,800 miles but it looks like it's at the "low" end but it's hard to tell.

I also have a STB which makes it difficult because the dip stick won't come out straight. It has to bend, which I think is causing it to rub as it comes out.

That's exactly my problem. It's very hard to get a clear reading. I have oils on the sides up and down the 2 holes. I will try again tomorrow.

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RONINv8

· #10 · Jul 18, 2011

I had the same problem. I learned to use the other side of the dipstick as a ballpark reading, this side is usually gives a tiny bit lower reading.Then when you flip it to the correct side you can see where the real oil level is and not that mess of oil on this useless dipstick.

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allinmyhead

· #11 · Jul 18, 2011

With the strut bar, one side gets oil smeared on it when you bend it to get it out ... real simple, flip the stick over and look at the other side. No smear, true reading.

2000 miles, I was 1-1/2 quart low.

My last Audi 4.2 burned through about 4 qt between 0 - 5000 miles (but fill was 9.5qt). After that, not a drop.

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P51 Nick

· #12 · Jul 18, 2011

When holding the stick turn it back and forth in the light till you see where the oil was level . For me the side of the stick that is smooth is easier to see the oil line than the side with the cross hatch marks .

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BadSector

· #13 · Jul 18, 2011

Run the engine, shut it off, let it sit for a minute, dip it and pull it as straight out as you can keeping the stick faced down (so you don't mess up the reading).

I fill to the top of the scribed level/dot on the stick, anywhere middle to top is fine.

Letting it sit for an hour or a day is not giving you a running oil level, just the level when the oil in passageways and the top of the motor has had a chance to drain back into the pan.

You can distinctly see where the line of oil is on this dipstick even with all the mess it makes if your not careful pulling it out. :hihi:

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YerBuddysPony

· #14 · Jul 18, 2011

The STB does make it somewhat more difficult, but it's not anything that can't be overcome. The first thing I learned, as a kid, was to check oil. It was one of those things my Dad instilled in me with all vehicles and machinery. Same with changing oil. Another thing he made sure I knew and understood was the owner's manual.

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick. Locate the engine oil dipstick by reaching between the strut tower brace (if equipped) and the hood hinge area.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.

• If the oil level is between the lower and upper holes, the oil level is acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
• If the oil level is below the lower hole, add enough oil to raise the level within the lower and upper holes.
• Oil levels above the upper hole may cause engine damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine oil in this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

I spent most of my adult life as a helicopter pilot; oil/hydraulics and fluids where our life blood. If it wasn't within tolerances you made it so before flight.

I recommend, if you are having trouble checking oil, then take it to someone (Ford Service or a true mechanic) and have them show you. It'll only take a minute.

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