Forgive my ignorance, but I'm having trouble checking the oil level. I think I'm missing a manual, because there is no mention of how to do this. I can find the oil level display using the on board computer, but it simply displays a count down from approximately 28 minutes while animating the oil level graphic. Does it take that long for a reading? What am I doing wrong?

 

Check the oil on a level surface with the engine warm. It should take just a few secs (typically 4) to get a reading.

 

Best time is when you get gas.

The only problem is you have to remember not to just start the car up right away, which I always seem to forget >:|

 

If your car is cold its going to take 5-10 minutes to warm up depending on ambient temp.

 

I used to get a quick oil level reading automatically in the display every time I turned on the car (in the position before start) but it went away after I changed the battery and now I have to do the full 5-min ordeal to check the oil. Won't work any other way from what I've tried so far.

When I had this feature(?) I checked it a few times against the full procedure and it always showed the same level, so it would be great to get that back.

But here's a completely new idea: Why not attach a long thin piece of stainless steel to the oil filler cap that allows you to check the oil level? I know it's a goofy idea but that would be so cool.

 

left bottom lever push back, scroll up or down for oil, push back to check,cold 10-15 min,warm few seconds(idle only)

 

My 964 has a dipstick but I never use it anymore. The oil level gauge in the dash is very accurate and sensitive. I fill it up based on that gauge. I'm selling that car and buying a 997 and I'm interested in how it's going to work for me -

 

For a 997.2.... Not 28 minutes.. may be 28 seconds... but 28 minutes seems crazy... something wrong with the computation. (if its an earlier car, I cannot comment on those models)

Once the engine is warm (not hot, ie not a case of you just finished some spirited driving at high revs) come to a stop on a horizontal/level surface, and have the computer read it. It may take a few seconds as the system waits for the engine to be at idle long enough for the oil to drain and settle where it expects it to and stabilize.

As said, ideally, you check it after you fill up and restart the engine, before pulling away, or as you pull in before you shut the engine off to add the fuel.

 

I have a 997.1 and after getting engine and oil up to temp I park on a level surface and shut off the car. Then turn the key back to the power on position, w/o starting it, and the display will start counting down from 5 minutes. Good time to fill'er up.

I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that the reading you get when idling is the last reading the computer took.

 

Yeah, Im not understanding how people are checking their oil level while the car is idling. I thought the recommended protocol for checking the oil level is after the oil has come to temp, shut car off, turn key (not to start car), countdown begins from 5 min. mark to display oil level. Is this procedure different in the 997.2?

 

c'mon that technology doesn't even exist

 

drive car till engine is fully warm.... park on level surface and push the stalk and do it.

if you let car sit 5 mins and then restart and check you'll get a higher level reading always... id assume the first above way is most accurate.

 

Yes. In my old 987s it was with the engine off, ignition on. On the DFI engines, engine on and warm. Takes about 5 minutes idling to accept a read. It will ask from 4 seconds to 1 minute for a read. The full bar means 1 qt, I always add a little bit less than it asks given potential damage to cats.

 

- 997.1 is checked with engine off.

- 997.2 is checked w/ engine idle (different integrated dry sump).

BTW... do multiple readings on different days before adding oil...