Back to the list

ENGINE OIL LEVEL: general information

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

It is normal for an engine to use oil for lubrication and cooling of moving parts and it is normal to top up the level between oil changes.

However, contact an approved Dealer if more than 0.5 litres is being consumed every 600 miles (1,000 km) after the running in period.

Oil change frequency: check the oil level from time to time and certainly before any long journey to avoid the risk of damaging your engine.

Reading the oil level

The oil level should be read with the vehicle on level ground, after the engine has been switched off for some time.

The dipstick must be used to read the exact oil level and make sure that the maximum level has not been exceeded (risk of engine damage). Refer to the following pages.

The instrument panel display only alerts the driver when the oil level is at its minimum.

Minimum oil level display A

If the level is above the minimum level

The “OIL LEVEL” message appears on the display, accompanied by squares indicating the level. These squares disappear as the level drops and they are replaced by dashes.

To advance to trip computer reading, press button 1 or 2 again.

If the level is at the minimum

The “TOP-UP OIL LEVEL” message and warning light © are displayed on the instrument panel.

It is vital to top up the oil as soon as possible.

The display only warns the driver if the oil level is at the minimum level. It does not inform the driver that the oil level has exceeded the maximum level as this can only be measured using a dipstick.

Reading the level using the dipstick

Engine switched off:

- remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth;

- push the dipstick in as far as it will go;

- take out the dipstick again;

- read the level: it should never fall below the “mini” mark A and never exceed the “maxi” B mark.

Once the level has been read, push the dipstick in as far as it will go.

Before performing any action in the engine compartment, the ignition must be switched off (please see the information on “Starting, stopping the engine” in Section 2).

Exceeding the maximum engine oil level

Under no circumstances should maximum filling level B be exceeded: this could damage the engine and the anti-pollution system.

If the oil level exceeds the maximum level, do not start your vehicle and contact an approved Dealer.

Adding engine oil

Use a funnel or protect the filling neck area to avoid engine oil escaping onto a hot part of the engine compartment or a sensitive part (e.g. electrical components).

Fire hazard.

Consult your approved Dealer at once if you notice an abnormal or repeated drop in any of the fluid levels.

Please note when working close to the engine that it may be hot. In addition, the engine cooling fan may start at any moment. The warning light in the engine compartment reminds you of this.

Risk of injury.