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Engine oil

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Engine oil

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.
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 level exceeds the "MAXI" level do not start your vehicle and contact an approved dealer.

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).
Depending on the vehicle, the instrument panel display only alerts the driver when the oil level is at its minimum.
WARNING
Before carrying out any action in the engine compartment, you must switch off the ignition STARTING, STOPPING THE ENGINE.

Minimum oil level warning

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

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;
  • remove the dipstick again;
  • read the level: it should never fall below the "MINI" level B or exceed the "MAXI" level 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.
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 label in the engine compartment reminds you of this.
Risk of injury.

Topping up, filling

The vehicle must be parked on level ground and the engine should be stopped and cold (for instance, before the engine is started up for the first time in the day).
  • Loosen the cap 1;
  • top up the level (as a guide, the capacity between the "MINI" and the "MAXI" mark on the dipstick 2 is between 0.33 and 0.44 gallons (1.5 and 2 litres) depending on the engine);
  • wait approximately 10 minutes to allow the oil to flow into the engine;
  • check the level using the dipstick 2 (as described previously).
Once the level has been read, insert the dipstick 2 as far as it will go and, depending on the vehicle, turn it a quarter of a turn to lock it. Fully tighten the cap 1.
Tip
Do not exceed the "MAXI" level and remember to refit the cap 1 and the dipstick 2.

Engine oil grade

Refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle.

Oil change

Service interval: refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle.

Oil change capacity

Please refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle, or contact an authorised dealer.
Always check the engine oil level using the dipstick, as explained previously (it should never fall below the "MINI" mark nor exceed the "MAXI" mark on the dipstick).

Warning

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
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 oil level exceeds the maximum level, 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
Engine oil change: if you are changing the oil when the engine is hot, be careful not to scald yourself as the oil drains.
Tip
If there is an abnormal or repeated drop in the fluid level, consult an approved dealer.
WARNING
Never run the engine in an enclosed space as exhaust gases are poisonous.
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 label in the engine compartment reminds you of this.
Risk of injury.
WARNING
Filling and/or checking the oil level: when topping up or checking the oil level, ensure that no oil leaks onto the engine components.
Do not forget to properly close the cap and refit the dipstick to prevent any oil spatter on hot engine components.
Fire hazard.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, ensure that the windscreen wiper stalk is in the park position.
Risk of injury.