Menu toggle

On board computer oil check

THX911

THX911

PCGB Member
Member
Hiya,
Question about oil level. My Boxster S (2003) is showing very little oil with the automatic check before starting the engine this morning and yesterday evening. Both times the engine was completely cold i.e. not driven, but the dip stick shows the oil at full normal level.

The level has always shown to be full (normal) for the last 3 weeks (i.e. I only bought the car 3 weeks ago). What should I trust: the on-board computer check or the manual dip stick check? Is the automatic digital check giving wrong readings due to the really cold weather (yesterday evening was 2.5C and this morning it has be nearly 0C)?

Many thanks
 
To be fair... mine never seems to give the same reading twice..

I think it probably may have something to do with the incline of the ground you parked on etc. My 944 used to give me an oil warning light if I parked it on a slope of any sort.

Must dip mine for oil now that I think about it.. Of course, should I do it when its cold or warm ?
 
Read the manual![:D]

Read when warm. Must be on level ground.

Use the electronic one as a quick check. Dipstick to be sure.

Interestingly the 2005MY has no dipstick - only the electric indicator...[&:]
 

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

Read the manual![:D]

Read when warm. Must be on level ground.
Click to expand...

I mean read the oil level when the oil is warm. You can read the manual at almost any temperature[:D]
 
It should say in the user manual.
On the 996 C4S I had, I'm pretty sure you shoudl do it when warm. When cold the reading may be inaccurate.
I think you were supposed to check it just after a run, when it was warm, but with the engine off. You were supposed to allow it to drain back into the sump for a few mins first.
I think the best opportunity is normally when you stop for petrol, since the forecourts are flat. After you have filled up, check it before restarting.

I would imagine that the 986 should be the same.
 
Interesting this given my recent 'problem'


After about 4000 miles the electronic gauge was 2 bars short of the max level. Put less than 0.25litres of oil in, bringing both the gauge and the dipstick back to max.

Then at Xmas noticed it was one bar above (car now at 6500 miles) on the odd occassion. during Jan the incidence of overreading increased, and the dipstick confirmed this (2-3mm baove the max). Nothing in the coolant, not coolant in the oil before anyone asks.

Got OPC to check it 10 days ago - nothing wrong with it they said.

Ever since it reads either max or one bar below on the dashboard - suggests they took some oil out ?? Why then does it still show 2mm over on the dipstick [&:]

Conclusion - dash is indication only, dipstick should be your true weekly check.
 
The dip stick is the gospel. Electronic normally shows one bar from top if oil is on top dipstick mark. Electronic usually shows a couple of bars higher after overnight stand compared with say 5 minutes after a hot engine stop.
 
>>>Read when warm. Must be on level ground.

Thanks Mark,
I have alway been taught to read the oil after an overnight stand (i.e. for all cars) and on a flat ground is a given; the logic being that all the oil has settled where it should hence giving exactly how much there is in the car and after running the engine the value is alway low as a lot of the oil is in the system. I guess, I stand corrected.
 
I should have added, let the car stand a few minutes before measuring.

I agree it is easier when cold - how long do you let it stand when "warm"?[&:]
 
Only done 500 miles in new car so far - keep looking at the electronic oil gauge showing different readings at various road levels, hot or cold. Guess what the new boxster does not have a dip stick![:D][:D][:D]

Is this to keep costs down???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top