What's the approximante window for checking oil level
#1
What's the approximate window for checking oil level
As I understand it, our electronic dipstick requires that the oil has been adequately warmed up (10-15 minutes of driving) followed by a 10 minute time period for the oil to settle back into the pan. I would imagine that the answer to my question is ambient temperature dependent, but I'll ask anyway.
What is the approximate window during which time the oil level can be checked? 10 minutes after the car has been turned off up until when?
What is the approximate window during which time the oil level can be checked? 10 minutes after the car has been turned off up until when?
Last edited by woodturner; 12-05-2017 at 04:58 PM.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 8,463
Received 3,226 Likes
on
2,380 Posts
The Owner Handbook has a section on checking the oil level, but it doesn't say anything about any "window" after the 10 minute interval.
All it says is:
"Prior to checking the oil level, make sure that
the vehicle is on level ground.
• The engine oil has reached working
temperature (oil is hot).
• The engine has been switched off for 10
minutes, as the system will not give an
accurate reading until the oil level has
stabilised."
and a bit later:
"Note: If it is necessary to check the oil level
when the engine is hot, switch off the engine
and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to
drain into the sump. Do not start the engine."
Also you may be able to check the oil level without the waiting 10 minutes malarkey, just pop the hood/bonnet and hey presto it works. Well at least for me it works, even with a stone cold engine left overnight, YMMV.
All it says is:
"Prior to checking the oil level, make sure that
the vehicle is on level ground.
• The engine oil has reached working
temperature (oil is hot).
• The engine has been switched off for 10
minutes, as the system will not give an
accurate reading until the oil level has
stabilised."
and a bit later:
"Note: If it is necessary to check the oil level
when the engine is hot, switch off the engine
and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to
drain into the sump. Do not start the engine."
Also you may be able to check the oil level without the waiting 10 minutes malarkey, just pop the hood/bonnet and hey presto it works. Well at least for me it works, even with a stone cold engine left overnight, YMMV.
#5
#6
#7
Just for grins I checked mine after being parked in my garage for just over an hour and the oil level checked fine.
Trending Topics
#9
Just like using a dipstick, no valid reading straight after running as the oil hasn't drained down but perfectly okay anytime afterwards.
Last edited by scm; 12-27-2019 at 03:41 PM.
#10
#12
#13
#14
CORRECTION. I do get a reading when it is cold. Not sure why I thought no reading was possible when cold. Could be early onset stupidity. I do get a reading when it is cold, but it varies from the reading approximately 10 minutes after shutdown. Using the 10 minute rule the reading is 2 ticks below the mid point. When cold it is 3 ticks higher which does not make sense to me. If the 2 ticks below the midway point is the number to use, would you add oil or leave it alone. I don't want to fix a problem I don't have. Also, concerned with overfilling which sounds like a real problem. Thanks.
#15
#17
As a silly aside. I decided to add a bit of oil this morning and called my dealer's parts department to confirm what I needed and then pick it up. I was told they don't offer engine oil for resale. I have to bring the car in for them to do it. Am I missing something? I also understand from reading this forum that if I don't use a very specific Jaguar encoded oil for my car I run the risk of a potential problem.
#18
It has to meet the required spec, but any oil meeting that will suffice. Sounds like your dealer is just looking for profits, although in fairness the typical Jaguar driver (present company excepted, obviously!) probably wouldn't touch the oil themselves anyway so little demand to carry small quantities in stock.
#19
As a silly aside. I decided to add a bit of oil this morning and called my dealer's parts department to confirm what I needed and then pick it up. I was told they don't offer engine oil for resale. I have to bring the car in for them to do it. Am I missing something? I also understand from reading this forum that if I don't use a very specific Jaguar encoded oil for my car I run the risk of a potential problem.
The following users liked this post:
Arne (12-28-2019)
#20
CORRECTION. I do get a reading when it is cold. Not sure why I thought no reading was possible when cold. Could be early onset stupidity. I do get a reading when it is cold, but it varies from the reading approximately 10 minutes after shutdown. Using the 10 minute rule the reading is 2 ticks below the mid point. When cold it is 3 ticks higher which does not make sense to me. If the 2 ticks below the midway point is the number to use, would you add oil or leave it alone. I don't want to fix a problem I don't have. Also, concerned with overfilling which sounds like a real problem. Thanks.