Back to the oil change

[ParknVibe]

2009 Vibe with the 2.4L engine....A year ago, I had the dealer do an oil change. When I got it back home, I found that oil level was about 1/2" above the top dot on the dipstick. I then on my own removed the "extra" oil through the dipstick tube with a home made siphon pump. From then on the oil level was at the top dot point. I took out about 1-1/2 quarts to bring it down to the top dot.This week I did my own oil change and used Mobil One I 0W20 with a PureOne filter. I drained out only 3.5 qts. of the old oil. At first I added 3.5 qts. of new oil in. The new oil level was about 1/8" below the dot. The next day I checked and it was the same. I then started to add the last of remaining 1/2 quart. I was going to only add 1/4 of the quart but with so little remainng I just put the remaining in. Now I know I have 4 quarts of new oil in the engine with a new filter. As a result of this, the final level of oil on the dipstick is 1/4" of an inch above the top dot. This proves to me that the dipstick is NOT correct. Question:...Does Pontiac and or Toyota know about this? I know other Toyota cars and trucks have incorrect dipsticks...but I never heard of any recall or SB about this. I know GenVibe forums talked about this problem at the beginning of this year.FYI: I used a NEW plastic oil filter socket made by Penzoil to remove the ACdelco filter however it would slip and not grab the filter. I fixed this by putting a few layers of paper towels into the socket. This gave it less play and a soft grip.

[Zimm]

i have a 2010 with the 1.8L and have had a horrible time getting a read on my dipstick. it shows oil at least a good 2 inches above the full line, even though when i changed my oil a couple of weeks ago, i put in the recommended 4.3 quarts (drained about 4.1.) it's frustrating as hell not knowing the actual oil level, because i'm sure there's some consumption with the 5w-20 that i am not used to seeing on my previous vehicles.

[Entelodont]

With a 2.4L '09, the dipstick will read exactly at the top full mark. These various filters have been used, and the reading has always been the same. This is using 4 quarts, not a drop more or less and changing the filter. The manual calls for 4.5 quarts. Wix 51394Super Tech 4511Fram XG 4386Mobil M1-103

[TONY TAT2]

I noticed 1 thing,i'm usen a Puralator classic filter with Dino GTX.I do my own oil changes,just did my 3rd this Am when i got home from work,oil nice & hot.The 2nd time I changed the filter it was sort of compacted,crushed,like it was too long.when I pulled the filter today it was fine,not crushed.Mines the 1.8 & i just dump in 4.5 qts usen the 1/2 mark on the side of the plastic bottle.Oil on the stick is right on the money.

[star_deceiver]

Can be a bit difficult to see when you first change the oil. I read somewhere to rotate the dipstick around 180*... it actually worked!!! It's usually a little over the top dot. I change the oil when it's nice and hot, and get about 4L out.I've used both 5-20 and 0-20 (in summer) and have seen no oil consumption.

[DrummerBoy]

I have a 2009 2.4l as well, I have had my oil changed 3 times by the car dealer. Each time the oil level was approx. 1 inch over the top dot on the dipstick. I brought back the car to have them check the oil level and each time they have assured me that it is fine and not to worry about the level showing on the dipstick. I don't see any frothing or air bubbles when I check the oil, but I worry about damage to the gaskets and seals etc. I was at the dealer again last week due to the latest recall and the volume knob broke on my radio, so while I was there I had them check the oil level again, and 2 very experienced mechanics both said that the oil level is fine. I don't quite understand it, but it still reads very high when I check it.

[cptnsolo77]

Quick but dumb question. When do you check your oil? I always check my oil first thing in the morning....this way all of the oil has settled to the bottom of the pan making it easier to read & get the most accurate reading. I have always found it difficult to get a good reading right after my car has been driven.

[DrummerBoy]

I've checked the oil at various times, generally 15min after useing the car and other times after thae car has not been used all day. The level is always about 1 inch above the top dot.

[ParknVibe]

Quote, originally posted by DrummerBoy »I've checked the oil at various times, generally 15min after useing the car and other times after thae car has not been used all day. The level is always about 1 inch above the top dot.Little DrummerBoy, you and I have the two same problems....a broken radio knob and now the oil level dipstick issue. I had the radio replaced for free. I just fear about it breaking again after the warranty. To play safe, I will never push them on and off, just turn down the volume.As for the oil level, I am certain that before I had my first "dealer performed oil change" (witch was free), the original oil level was at the top dot level from the factory. Now with doing my first DIY oil change, I know how much came out and I know how much oil I put in. I always did my oil change on my old car. Add 3 to 3 1/2 quarts at first then adjust the remainer after you check it. I feel, for the moment, that if you put exactly 4 quarts in you should be okay regardless of what the dipstick level reads. I will make a scratch mark on my dipstick at the 4 quart level.As I mentioned in my original post above, I took out about 1 1/2 quarts to bring the level down to the top dot. Now, I proved that I was driving it with only 3 1/2 quarts in it during the past year. It never went below the dot during the 1500 miles I drove it. Another thing I have to question is the size of the OIL FILTER can? The PureOne filter PL14477 was taller then the ACdelco PF1233 I replaced. So how does it size up with the Toyota oil filter can? (for the 2.4L engine.) What original filter was on this 2009 Vibe engine? These two filters I have are of different designs in the insides. Pureone has smaller diameter holes then the ACdelco for one thing. PS: In both cases that the dealer changed the oil, the new oil level was about 3/8" to 1/2" above my dipstick dot.

[DrummerBoy]

As for the radio knob, they ordered me a new radio and will notify me when it is in. I've only used the radio maybe 6-7 times, as my car only had 1200 miles on it when it broke. I think the replacement radio will be a refurbished unit, since the radio is no longer made. The dealer tech. told me that they have replaced the radio due to the botton on lots of Vibes. I asked him if the repalcement radios were designed any different, and he said he was not sure but the replacement units seem to be holding up better. I would guess that maybe they retrofit a sturdier post on the knob now. As for the oil, you are right. My original oil level was at the exact full level, but the last 2 dealer oil changes resulted in a level 1-1.25 inch over the full line.

[ParknVibe]

Quote, originally posted by DrummerBoy »As for the radio knob, they ordered me a new radio and will notify me when it is in. I've only used the radio maybe 6-7 times, as my car only had 1200 miles on it when it broke. I think the replacement radio will be a refurbished unit, since the radio is no longer made. The dealer tech. told me that they have replaced the radio due to the botton on lots of Vibes. I asked him if the repalcement radios were designed any different, and he said he was not sure but the replacement units seem to be holding up better. I would guess that maybe they retrofit a sturdier post on the knob now. As for the oil, you are right. My original oil level was at the exact full level, but the last 2 dealer oil changes resulted in a level 1-1.25 inch over the full line.When my Radio knob cracked (from within) I blamed the very hot day that it happen last June or begining of July. Being that you are in Florida, and you say a lot of other radios were replaced only proves my first thought. I thought that the metal control shaft and the plastic knob expanded at different rates in heat of the interior. In other words, the metal shaft cracked the plastic around it. I think it was near 95 degrees that day.Yes about the exact oil level. I checked the oil level before I brought the car to have the dealer do the first oil change. I then checked it again in the same location (and position) when I got home. within minutes, the level was above the top dot. I took it back the next day to make them adjust it. THEN when I got it home it was a half quart low. So I when out got a quart of Castrol GTX and added more to bring up to the dot. I paid them for the second oil change time only have the level much higher then the first. The unknown is that I don't knwn how much oil the service tech put in there. (I don't think even he knew how much.) However, the receipt record said 5 quarts. He either put in 4 1/2 qts. or 5 qts. in. Or they get it from an oil drum barrel and use a hose thing. I don't know?

[Houston]

So which is correct? The Owner's Manual? Dipstick? Anybody know for sure?

[djkeev]

Put in the recommended quantity of oil. That is correct. Make note of where it reads on your dipstick, even file a new slot on it to indicate the proper level. Don't go reducing the specified oil quantity to make it match an arbitrary slash on a metal stick!!The stick fits inside of a tube. The tube is pressed into the block. Press too far down upon assembly, oil level reads high, too much.Press to little, falling short of complete insertion, oil level reads low, too little oil.It's a stick, use it as such. Just make sure the proper quantity of oil is installed. The ONLY way to really know, is to do it yourself or stand and watch the oil change guy install the oil. To sit in the waiting room and trust those at the service counter or actually doing the work is a little iffy. Did you know, repair shops will actually lie at times? Dave

[Houston]

Thanks, djkeev. Because of earlier posts here, I had the dealer put in 3 5/8 quarts to bring it to the top line on my 2.4L. My oil light never comes on, but that's probably due to my driving so little and not burning enough oil to bring it below the amount required to bring on the light. I'll go back to the Owner's Manual recommendation.

[ParknVibe]

I would put in 4 quarts with the oil filter. I said this once before that I believe that 4.5 quarts with the oil filter is for a new clean dry engine. There is always going to be a good coating of oil all over the inside of the engine just before you drain it out.I would mark the dipstick with just the 4 quart level and making sure that the car is on a level surface as possible. I also think that the make of oil filter that one installs effects the level of oil. The ACDelco filter is a bit smaller then the PureOne I just installed. What is the size of a Toyota oil filter?