My engine oil indicator says I'm one notch away from full when the motor's hot. When cold, I get the oil low warning.

Which one do I believe?

 

Add a small amount of oil when the engine is fully warmed up, say half way to the remaining mark, and see if that makes a difference when the engine is cold.

 

What does your owners manual say?

 

I read it (twice!) and swore it didn't say anything.. so of course I looked again based on your post and it does say operating temperature.

Thanks. This exhibit is closed..

 

these oil checking methods are nuts eh?
when I had my targa I had to have the engine off
to check oil, NOW with a TT I have to have the engine on hehe....

I'm guessing there was no warning from the car itself? computer
or anything?
not much help from me but good luck

 

My 07 S would measure the oil on all startups, cold or hot. My new 2011 indicates the engine has to be warmed up.....I guess to take a proper measurement.

 

Book says hot 5 minutes after shut down. I check mine cold prior to startup and hot and get different readings also. Problem is readings tend not to be consistent unless conditions are identical each time you check which is why I check it cold. When it shows low cold I check it hot and then add if necessary 1/3 qt at a time. Check it again and if it is still low add 1/3 Qt. warm it up, wait 5 min and check it again. As long as you don't let it get below the bottom line or above the top
line you're fine. You'll get a warning lmessage if it's too low but I have never seen it. Would prefer a dip stick but it is what it is. New Jags have similar system but it is not nearly as sensitive.

 

I thinks those instructions are for a 997.1. Not sure what the OP has.