The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.

Fig. 144 Engine oil dipstick.

Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings in “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.

– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump.
– Raise the bonnet.
– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level  fig. 144.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.

The position of the dipstick is shown in the corresponding engine compartment diagram.

If the oil level is in area  fig. 144 A, do not top up with oil.

If the oil level is in area B, you may top up with oil (approx. 0.5 l).

If the oil level is in area C, you must top up with oil (approx. 1.0 l).

It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.

When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area A and not above this.

WARNING

Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be carried out cautiously.

• When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warnings.

Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised Service Centre.