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Engine oil

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Engine oil

General information

It is normal for an engine to use oil for lubrication and cooling of moving parts and it is normal to top up the level between oil changes.
However, contact your approved Dealer if more than 0.11 gal (0.5 litre) is being consumed every 600 miles (1,000 km) after the running in period.
Oil change frequency: check the oil level from time to time and certainly before any long journey to avoid the risk of damaging your engine.
WARNING
Before performing any action in the engine compartment, the ignition must be switched off (please see the information on "Starting, stopping the engine" in Section 2).

Reading the oil level

The oil level should be read with the vehicle on level ground, after the engine has been switched off for some time.
The dipstick must be used to read the exact oil level and make sure that the maximum level has not been exceeded (risk of engine damage). Refer to the following pages.
WARNING
Adding engine oil
Use a funnel or protect the filling neck area to avoid engine oil escaping onto a hot part of the engine compartment or a sensitive part (e.g. electrical components).
Fire hazard.

Minimum oil level warning on the instrument panel

Depending on the vehicle, the instrument panel display only alerts the driver when the oil level is at its minimum.
If the "WARNING: Top Up Engine Oil" message is displayed on the instrument panel, check the oil level on the instrument panel or using the dipstick. Refer to the following page.
WARNING
The instrument panel display only gives a warning when the minimum oil level has been reached; to check that the maximum level has not been exceeded, the dipstick must be used.

Minimum oil level check on the instrument panel

With the vehicle positioned on level ground with the ignition off for approximately five minutes, press the engine Start/Stop button without pressing the brake: the "Vehicle Checks in Progress" message appears.
After a few seconds:
  • If the level is correct: the "OK" message is displayed on the instrument panel;
  • if the level is at the minimum: the "WARNING: Top Up Engine Oil" message appears on the instrument panel.
It is vital to top up the oil as soon as possible.

Reading the level using the dipstick

  • Remove the dipstick in the rear engine compartment and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth;
  • push the dipstick in as far as it will go;
  • remove the dipstick again;
  • read the level: it should never fall below the "MINI" level A nor exceed the "MAXI" level B.
Once the level has been read, push the dipstick in as far as it will go.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum engine oil level
Under no circumstances should the maximum filling level B be exceeded: this could damage the engine and the emission control system.
If the level exceeds the "MAXI" level, do not start your vehicle and contact an authorised dealer.

Topping up, filling, oil change

Topping up/filling

The vehicle must be parked on level ground and the engine should be stopped and cold (for instance, before the engine is started up for the first time in the day).
WARNING
Before performing any action in the engine compartment, the ignition must be switched off (please see the information on "Starting, stopping the engine" in Section 2).
  • Loosen the cap 1;
  • top up the oil (please note that the capacity between the "MINI" and "MAXI" marks on the dipstick 2 is approximately 0.22 gal (1 litre);
  • wait for approximately 10 minutes to allow the oil to flow;
  • check the level using the dipstick 2 (as described previously).
Once the operation has been completed, ensure that the dipstick is pushed in as far as it will go and that the cap is completely screwed in.
Tip
Do not exceed the "MAXI" level and remember to refit the cap 1 and the dipstick 2.
WARNING
Adding engine oil
Use a funnel or protect the filling neck area to avoid engine oil escaping onto a hot part of the engine compartment or a sensitive part (e.g. electrical components).
Fire hazard.

Oil change

Service interval: refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle.
Oil change capacity
Please refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle, or contact an authorised dealer.
Always check the engine oil level using the dipstick, as explained previously (it should never fall below the "MINI" mark nor exceed the "MAXI" mark on the dipstick).
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum engine oil level
Under no circumstances should the maximum filling level be exceeded: this could damage the engine and the emission control system.
If the oil level exceeds the maximum level, do not start your vehicle and contact an approved dealer.

Engine oil grade

Refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle.
WARNING
Filling and/or checking the oil level: when topping up or checking the oil level, ensure that no oil leaks onto the engine components.
Do not forget to properly close the cap and refit the dipstick to prevent any oil spatter on hot engine components.
Fire hazard.
Tip
If there is an abnormal or repeated drop in the fluid level, consult an approved dealer.
WARNING
Please note when working close to the engine that it may be hot. Also, the engine cooling fan may start at any moment. The label in the engine compartment reminds you of this.
Risk of injury.
WARNING
Never run the engine in an enclosed space as exhaust gases are poisonous.
WARNING
Engine oil change: if you are changing the oil when the engine is hot, be careful not to scald yourself as the oil drains.