Oil dipstick, 2009 2.4L won't hold 4.5 qts, what is the problem?

[hiker147]

Hello all, after my last post hopefully this one has greater value for the group. I have changed my oil 4 times since I purchased the car and I am finding that I cannot get 4.5 QTS of oil in the car, with a filter change, without the dipstick indicating excessive overfill of the engine. I find I can only get 4 Qts in and the dipstick reads a 1/4" over full after running the engine with a new filter and waiting several minutes to check the level.Anyone have a similar problem, or are people just adding 4.5 Qts and ignoring the dipstick?Here is what I know and have tried:1. Oil filter is GM/Toyota orginal equipment.2. Dip stick has no part number, a yellow pull handle with a dab of purple paint across the top (I assume this is typical). I have made sure it is fully seated and the car is on level ground when checked.3. On removing oil from the engine(slightly warm to get most of the oil out) I find I have about 3.75 Qts and the small amount in the filter making 4 QTS the same amount I put in. 4. This has happened everytime I have changed the oil.Any ideas out there, I hate not having enough oil, but too much is just as bad?

[ParknVibe]

The engine may well have 4.5 qts. of oil in there. However, you will never get a full 4.5 qts out. There will always be at least a half of quart all over in the valve area and a film coating everywhere else inside. You may only get 4 quarts drained with this engine including the filter.My dealer just overfilled my first oil change (same 2.4L) by a 1/2 inch over the top dot. I got him to adjusted it. Then it became 1/4 inch below the top dot on the stick. I then added a 1/2 qt to bring it back to the dot.So just to be safe, just replace no more then you removed. Put the old oil in a gallan container, you will never over fill it. It will tell you what the volume was. Then add the new oil into the engine. Adjust the amount later.

[vibedrivermatt]

yeah this is strange I had the same problem with my 2.4. At 4.5 quarts the dipstick shows way over filled. Im using OEM spec filters and have the purple dot on my dipstick as well. I mistakenly put 3.7 because I read the wrong spot in the manual. That's automatic transmission oil that's supposed to be 3.7 quarts not engine oil. It still looked right on the dipstick that day I did the first change so I didn't worry about it. Then one day I was looking at the manual and realized it was supposed to take 4.5 not 3.7. So I got all worried for a second, ran outside and checked the oil with the engine completely cold. It was just a bit low. I decided to put in another 0.8 quart to get the 4.5. Then it was way over filled. Turned out I really only need a few more ounces. I had to take the plug out and let about 3/4 quart back out. Its right on the spot now. Think the way to go is 3.7 then wait several hours to get a reading and then fill just enough to get it to read over the second dot. Just add a little at a time and let it sit. It'll probably end up being around 4.0 as you've already figured out. The manual saying 4.5 even appears to be causing a lot of people to get over filled at the dealer, which is ridiculous because the manual says any damage caused by being overfilled isn't covered by warranty..

[ParknVibe]

Just to add about what I first wrote above your comment,.....I believe that 4.5 quarts for the 2.4L engine, is for an engine that is new and "bone dry inside". As you know, you should run the motor until it is hot...turn it off ...then drain it. A lot of oil will be stuck in the head and will take a long time to drain down. However, these newer oils are now very thin.I always put in one less quart in, check the level after five minutes then add what I feel it will take it to the full mark. I then check it the next day after I first ran the car.BTW: I had my 09 vibe for almost a year and only have 2000 plus miles on it. I check the oil level often and the level stayed at the top dot on the stick. (cold engine). Just saying that that is what the level was when I first got the car.

[j42.snyder]

Mine was filled right to the top dot on the dipstick from the factory as well. When I changed the oil, it needed about 4 quarts to get to this level again. It seems strange for them to document that with there being such a discrepancy in the "real world". I could see it being off my .1 or .2 quarts - but not a full half! At least everyone seems to agree that this is "normal" for this car.

[Jyik40]

I also overfilled my 2.4l by following the owners manual. Now I make sure I only fill up with 3.5 quarts and then adjust the level after a day or so. I think the vvt controllers hold a certain amount of oil in the car when it is not running and does not drain out completely when you drain the oil.