1. Park vehicle on level ground.
2. Check oil level with oil level gauge.
NOTE: Never check the oil level when the engine is running or immediately after the engine is shut down; the reading will be inaccurate. Allow 15 minute drain down time, before checking oil level.
NOTE: If the oil level is too low, the fuel injectors will not work correctly. If the oil level is above the operating range, the engine has been incorrectly serviced, fuel is in the oil, or coolant is in the oil.
• Engine oil level will vary depending on temperature of engine
• If oil level is low, fill to the correct level and retest.
• If oil level is at the correct level and not contaminated, do step 4.
3. Inspect oil for thickening and odor.
NOTE: When the crankcase lube oil is contaminated with coolant, the oil will have a dark-gray or black sludgy appearance. The crankcase may also be overfilled.
• If oil is contaminated, go to “Fuel in Lube Oil” (page 124) or “Coolant in Lube Oil” (page 109) test procedures located in this section.
• If oil level is at the correct level and not contaminated, do step 4.
4. Measure pressure at low and high idle. The engine must be at operating temperature.
• If oil pressure does not read within the specification listed in Appendix A in this Manual, go to “Oil Pressure Regulator Inspection” (page 129) in this section.
• If oil pressure reads within specification listed in Appendix A in this Manual, compare mechanical gauge readings with instrument panel gauge and Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) value on the Electronic Service Tool (EST).
• If mechanical gauge and EST read values with a difference greater than +/- 14 kPa (+/-2 psi), perform Electronic Control Systems Diagnostics for the EOP circuit as described in Section 7 in this Manual.
• If instrument panel engine oil pressure gauge reads a different value than the EST and mechanical gauge refer to the Electrical System Troubleshooting Guide for the model and year of vehicle.
