Checking and Monitoring the Oil Level

Checking the Oil Level - Ops - #3359

Check the oil level as follows:

Warning: PERSONAL INJURY

To avoid injury from slipping and falling, immediately clean up any spilled liquids.

Notice: Do not add oil if the oil reading is in the crosshatch area on the dipstick. There are approximately 4.0 L (4.2 qt) from the fill mark to the full mark. Overfilling the oil pan can cause engine damage.
Note: If the engine operating temperature is below 60°C (140°F), the engine must be on a level surface and then shut down for 60 minutes for an accurate oil level reading. Otherwise, the engine must be brought up to an operating temperature of 60°C (140°F), parked on a level surface and then shut down for 20 minutes for an accurate oil level reading.

  1. Check the oil level daily with the engine stopped and on a level surface. If the engine has just been stopped and is warm, wait approximately 20 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking.
  2. Add oil to maintain the correct level on the dipstick. Use only the heavy-duty oils recommended in the "How to Replace the Lubricating Oil and Oil Filter" section in this manual.
    3. Note: If the dipstick has a positive locking device such as a lever or twist-lock design, this must be disengaged before pulling the dipstick out of the guide tube.
  3. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube. Use a shop rag to wipe off the end of the dipstick.
  4. Wait 15 seconds to allow any crankcase pressure to dissipate through the guide tube and let the oil level settle in the oil pan.
  5. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is fully inserted into the guide tube.
  6. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level dipstick.
  7. The figure shows a comparison between the bends on the dipstick and a crosshatch pattern on a conventional dipstick. Note the exact area noted on the bends. For example, the 'maximum' oil level will be at the BOTTOM of bend (1). For the 'minimum' oil level, it is noted at the TOP of bend (2). If the oil level is below the 'minimum' bend, add oil to bring it up the 'maximum' level. Do NOT fill beyond the maximum fill level on the dipstick, since overfilling may result in high oil consumption and possible severe engine damage.
Note:
Parent topic: System Checks
Document Number: 0000035878
Manual Publication Date: 2024-01-05
Topic Publication Date: 2023-03-28