Dip Stick Question
#2
#3
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Yes, that’s the case for the most cars.
#4
Driver School Candidate
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50 years ago, I would have answered one dot (or one line) showing on the dipstick means one-quart (32 ounces) low, and today, agree that when a dot shows on the dipstick, the engine oil level is below full. Since the engine parts are produced in a metric using country, I am inclined to say the dot represents liters.
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
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50 years ago, I would have answered one dot (or one line) showing on the dipstick means one-quart (32 ounces) low, and today, agree that when a dot shows on the dipstick, the engine oil level is below full. Since the engine parts are produced in a metric using country, I am inclined to say the dot represents liters.
#6
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Geesh. The things one learns reading the Owner's Manual; specifically page 312 of the 2024 LEXUS ES250, ES350 OWNER'S MANUAL USA AND CANADA ONLY version where there's a better illustration explicitly labeling the two oil dip stick dots:
and more specific, clarifying wording on the oil quantity table:
🄰 Low level mark
🄱 Refill upper limit mark
🄱 Refill upper limit mark
• Oil quantity (Low level mark Refill upper limit mark)
2GR-FKS engine:
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp.qt.)
A25A-FKS engine:
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
2GR-FKS engine:
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp.qt.)
A25A-FKS engine:
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
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So you’re saying the distance between the two dots (full and add) is NOT 1 quart but rather nearly 2 quarts? Just want to be sure I’m not misunderstanding you. I’m not well versed in all this. Big difference there. I never heard that before but if the manual says it, obviously it’s correct. Just want to be sure I’m not misunderstanding your writing.
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#9
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So you’re saying the distance between the two dots (full and add) is NOT 1 quart but rather nearly 2 quarts? Just want to be sure I’m not misunderstanding you. I’m not well versed in all this. Big difference there. I never heard that before but if the manual says it, obviously it’s correct. Just want to be sure I’m not misunderstanding your writing.
The slight change in presentation in the 2024 manual version makes it really clear - dot to dot is 1.9 quarts for the 2GR-FKS engine.
Don't feel like you're the lone stranger in assuming the quantity between the dots was 1 quart/1 liter. I, myself, was assuming that until I dug into the manual to try and find something definitive to settle the quart versus liter quibble.
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
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So if the oil level is halfway between the two dots, then it’s a full quart down. But no NEED to add, according to manual, unless it’s very close to bottom dot “add” mark, which is nearly 2 quarts down! Driving with oil level down say 1 and 3/4 quarts down seems dangerous to me. But manual says no need at that point to add until level is near bottom “add” line, a full 2 quarts down. Could that that actually be correct? Sounds like poor advice from the owner’s manual to me.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
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So if the oil level is halfway between the two dots, then it’s a full quart down. But no NEED to add, according to manual, unless it’s very close to bottom dot “add” mark, which is nearly 2 quarts down! Driving with oil level down say 1 and 3/4 quarts down seems dangerous to me. But manual says no need at that point to add until level is near bottom “add” line, a full 2 quarts down. Could that that actually be correct? Sounds like poor advice from the owner’s manual to me.
#12
Lead Lap
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Two Lexus cars, never added a spoonful of oil between yearly changes in either car. Keep oil level right in the middle...
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#13
Racer
Thread Starter
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It’s a serious matter because of the dipstick reading is down, say, just 1/4 inch and the space between the two dots is an inch (may be wrong there), then I/4 of the distance from full to add is 1/4 of 2 quarts, being a half of a quart down. To me, that’s of concern, despite the fact that manual says need to add only if close to two quarts down! I dunno….
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
#15
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I would not sweat being 1/4" (1/2 quart) below the top dot although I have nothing to to back that up with.
What surprises me is how if I add the recommended quantity 5.7 qts after draining filter and pan, it's still at least 1/4" below the top dot. I added a full 6 quarts and was still at least 1/8" low. The manual does say the 5.7 qts is for "reference only" which is very odd to me. Why is it not like every other car I've owned, you add what they say and it exactly hits the top dot?
Again, I'm not losing sleep over this, I think from now on I will just add 6 qts and be done.
What surprises me is how if I add the recommended quantity 5.7 qts after draining filter and pan, it's still at least 1/4" below the top dot. I added a full 6 quarts and was still at least 1/8" low. The manual does say the 5.7 qts is for "reference only" which is very odd to me. Why is it not like every other car I've owned, you add what they say and it exactly hits the top dot?
Again, I'm not losing sleep over this, I think from now on I will just add 6 qts and be done.
Last edited by hotwings; 03-07-24 at 09:09 AM.
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