Thread: Checking oil level on 3.0 D4

On my old 77 Lancia it had a dipstick but also a gauge that showed oil level - as long as the engine was off - just push a button and read off the gauge.

L/r outsmarting itself again

Originally Posted by Celtoid

Beware of scaring yourself as a few on this site have (including me) by reading when the oil is cold......you'll get an overfill warning!

Well, that's put paid to my idea of trying to remember to check the oil level before starting! I'll just have to continue with almost never remembering at an appropriate time to check. I think of it whenever it blows blue smoke on startup though. I regularly checked my old TD5 D2's oil level but probably only checked the D4 about 3 times in 50K.

Originally Posted by Celtoid

I'd say cause some time has passed.....

I was told 20 minutes after running but I guess it's in the 10 - 20 minute ballpark. I assume it is to prevent a false reading...so the system lets the warm oil settle before it will display the result.....since you can't wipe the non-existant dip-stick and get a fresh level reading.

Beware of scaring yourself as a few on this site have (including me) by reading when the oil is cold......you'll get an overfill warning!

Cheers,

Kev.

Weird thing is after driving 150kms the other day, it still said "reading not available", but today after 30kms it worked for the first time (albeit after the car was parked for about 20 mins). So maybe that is the key, you need to let the car rest for 10 -20 mins AFTER running...

Originally Posted by d3syd

Weird thing is after driving 150kms the other day, it still said "reading not available", but today after 30kms it worked for the first time (albeit after the car was parked for about 20 mins). So maybe that is the key, you need to let the car rest for 10 -20 mins AFTER running...

I'm guessing you're on the money!

Cheers,

Kev.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Well, that's put paid to my idea of trying to remember to check the oil level before starting! I'll just have to continue with almost never remembering at an appropriate time to check. I think of it whenever it blows blue smoke on startup though. I regularly checked my old TD5 D2's oil level but probably only checked the D4 about 3 times in 50K.

I probably should have said...."could get an overfill warning"....I guess it depends on how full the engine is. If it was a fraction low, you may not get the warning.....I freaked when the warning popped up on mine...then I did some research.

Yeah, I'm the same....rarely remember to check the oil, when it can be done but when I have (after settling) it's always been good....no useage at all. I also never get rough running or any smoke that is noticeable. I also have no evidence of leaks.

All of the above are apparently tell tale signs that you have a turbo problem.....so I was gob-smacked the other day when told after a service that I need a turbo replaced....

Apparently a tiny leak onto suspension parts....which caused a squeak....which caused them (LR) to look.....

Pain in the butt but I'm glad they found it. I have been re-assured that the replacemnt turbos are modified....and that they have had no issues....hope so!!!

Kev.

I have an Oct 2013 build TD 3.0 and in the owners manual it states these have a dipstick for checking the oil level. After spending a disconcerting amount of time trying to find the dipstick I discovered it has the electronic sensor for oil like the SDs. I must say I'm not used to seeing such inconsistencies in an owners manual (and you can immediately tell I am a bit of a pedant because I read them....)

Also, confirming the comments above, the 10 minute wait after turning off the engine is crucial to get a reading.