It probably means you turned the key to the start position but got distracted and did not engage the starter. Turning the key all the way without starting will bring up the oil measurement.

If it is a 997.1 you take the measurement with the car off. I like to do it a few times on a level floor to make sure I get a good read. I believe with the 997.2 you do it with the engine on, but I don't have a 997.2, so don't have an owners manual to verify.

 

I am a new owner of a 997 and was wondering, is it common for the 997.1 to burn a bit of oil. If so, how much is normal?

In my '11 S63 every few 1000 km's the computers tell me to add some oil.

 

Yes, it's normal. How much? Very different from car to car. My previous Porsche, a 997.1, burned oil like crazy -- 1 quart per 1000 miles. My current 997.2 burns very little. It has 3500 miles since the last oil change and the oil level hasn't moved. Probably has to do with it being newer and the 9A1 engine is a different design compared to the 997.1.

 

Thanks marlon 997, that is good to know.

Do many owner carry an extra quart in their cars? Would it be safe to store in the hood?

 

I have a 997.1 and usually add about half a quart between 5000 mile change intervals.
I have a little zipper pouch, from suncoast parts, that holds one quart in the trunk.

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product//PKM1OB.html

I guess there is some degradation to the oil from sitting in a warm trunk but it's better than running low on oil. It's only used for topping off so the ratio is pretty low and considering the frequency of oil changes it's nothing I'm worried about.

 

Thanks for the link..

 

When is a good time to measure? Engine cold or warm? I thought it's the latter.

 

I believe you start it up for a few seconds then shut it off and check then.

 

As previously posted, turning the key to the start position but not engaging the starter will bring up the check oil function. When the engine is warm (200F +) the process takes about 5 minutes to get a reading. If the oil is cold it can take upwards of 20 minutes. About once a month, after filling up with gas, I get a reminder on the dash to check the oil. This is all described in the owner's manual.

If the indicator is below the lower hash mark, you should add oil. Between the min and max readings you are ok (although I do prefer to be at the max).

I have 103,000+ miles on my car. Up until I crossed the 100,000 mile mark I never burned oil. Now I go through about a third of a quart every 1,000 - 1,250 miles (or once a month). To be expected.

Hope this helps.

 

I do it while the engine is warm, 200f +. I wait 5-10 mins after shutting off the engine to let oil settle down to the bottom of the engine.

 

you're fine like to keep mine a bar down so I know I didn't overfill it

 

Sorry, gotta do it: Apparently this car lacks both dipstick and manual. Would a winkie make it less cruel?