Back to the list

Engine oil level : general information, use

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Engine oil level : general information, use

WARNING
Exceeding the maximum engine oil level
Under no circumstances should the maximum filling level be exceeded: this could damage the engine and the emission control system.
If the " MAXI " level is exceeded do not start your vehicle and contact an approved dealer.
WARNING
Before carrying out any action in the engine compartment, you must switch off the ignition STARTING, STOPPING THE ENGINE.
WARNING
The instrument panel display only gives a warning when the minimum oil level has been reached; to check that the maximum level has not been exceeded, the dipstick must be used.

General information

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 0.11 gal (0.5 litre) is being consumed every 620 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.
Depending on the vehicle, the instrument panel display only alerts the driver when the oil level is at its minimum.

Minimum oil level warning

The "Adjust oil level" message and the warning light are illuminated on the instrument panel.
It is vital to top up the oil as soon as possible.

Reading the level using the dipstick

WARNING
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.
WARNING
Please note when working close to the engine that it may be hot. The engine cooling fan may also start at any moment. The warning light in the engine compartment reminds you of this.
Risk of injury.
Engine switched off:
  • remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth;
  • push the dipstick in as far as it will go;
  • remove the dipstick again;
  • read the level: it should never fall below the " MINI " mark B nor exceed the " MAXI " mark A.
Once the level has been read, push the dipstick in as far as it will go.
Depending on the vehicle, the oil dipstick must be locked:
  • push the dipstick in as far as it will go (movement C);
  • rotate to lock (movement D).
Tip
Consult your approved Dealer at once if you notice an abnormal or repeated drop in any of the fluid levels.