The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one quart of
oil when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and Go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Engine Oil Dipstick
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Fabric Care........................... 305
Filler Location Fuel..................... 144
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 288
Engine Fuel......................... 288
Engine Oil.......................286,317
Flashers.............................. 266
Hazard Warning...................... 266
Turn Signal.......................... 312
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 271
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 209
Fluid, Brake........................... 318
Fluid Capacities........................ 316
Fluid Leaks............................ 63
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 301
Fluids ............................... 317
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 317
FogLights ......................104,149,311
Fog Lights, Rear........................ 152
Folding Rear Seat....................... 99
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan)................. 99
FreeingAStuckVehicle .................. 274Fuel..............................248,317
Adding............................. 252
Additives ........................... 250
Capacity............................ 316
CleanAir ........................... 249
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................144,252
Filler Door (Gas Cap).................. 144
Filter.............................. 288
Gasoline............................ 248
Gauge............................. 144
Hoses.............................. 298
Light .............................. 145
OctaneRating ........................ 248
Requirements........................ 248
System Hoses........................ 298
Tank Capacity........................ 316
Fuel System Caution.................... 254
Fueling .............................. 252
Fuses................................ 307
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 112
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...........252,253,280
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 249
350 INDEX
