95
MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil
Oil Level Check
The oil level in the oil bottle may drain below the level of the dipstick if
the engine has not run for more than a week. If you're not sure if there is
oil in the system, you must first check to make sure oil is in the system
before checking the oil level. Perform the “Oil in System Check” proce-
dure on page 97 before performing the oil level check.
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. If the engine is cold, start the engine and allow it to idle until the
engine coolant temperature reaches the specified range. Proceed to
step 4.
3. If the engine has been running, stop the engine and verify that cool-
ant temperature is within the specified range for performing the oil
check. Allow the engine to cool if necessary. When the coolant is
within the specified range, restart the engine and allow it to idle for
no more than 20 seconds to circulate the oil back into the tank.
4. Turn the engine off.
Tip:
Check the oil level within three
minutes, before the coolant tem-
perature (and oil level) begin to
drop.
5. Remove the dipstick from the
oil tank.
6. Clean the dipstick with a
clean shop towel and reinstall
it, screwing it in completely.
7. Remove the dipstick and
view the oil level.
Tip:
The oil level reading will be accurate for only one to three minutes after
turning off the engine. If the oil check isn't completed within three minutes,
reinstall the dipstick. Restart the engine and allow it to idle for no more than
20 seconds to circulate the oil back into the tank.
Dipstick