Advice needed on topping up engine oil

[JON76]

Hi guys

I have a 1997 1.6 FSI A3.

The low oil level warning light came up on my DIS, so I've topped it up a little. The problem is that I'm finding it impossible to read the dipstick (I think this issue has been discussed on here before but I can't find the thread)

I've put 0.5L of oil in and the warning light has now gone out. Is this sufficient or do I need to be putting any more in?

It's not had an oil change for about 12k miles now so I guess the level could have been well down

[Mike Foster]

Hi guys

I have a 1997 1.6 FSI A3.

The low oil level warning light came up on my DIS, so I've topped it up a little. The problem is that I'm finding it impossible to read the dipstick (I think this issue has been discussed on here before but I can't find the thread)

I've put 0.5L of oil in and the warning light has now gone out. Is this sufficient or do I need to be putting any more in?

It's not had an oil change for about 12k miles now so I guess the level could have been well down

1997 ?? - sorry mate but I don't think you should be posting in the 8P forum !

[Crasher]

1997 FSI, I don't think so...

[JON76]

Sorry. I meant 2007!
Did A3's exist in 1997? Maybe the old one did

[Crasher]

Yes the old shape 8L came out in 97. Have you checked the oil level on the dip stick?

[Mike Foster]

I would say that if the warning light has gone out then you have cured the problem (for now ! )

If it comes on again soon then you may need to worry but not yet !!

[Mike Foster]

Yes the old shape 8L came out in 97. Have you checked the oil level on the dip stick?

Yeah Crasher - he said he had tried but couldn't tell ! Maybe the extra half litre still doesn't bring the level up to record on the dipstick ?

[JON76]

Yes the old shape 8L came out in 97. Have you checked the oil level on the dip stick?


Thanks Crasher, I've checked the dipstick but I'm finding it quite hard to get a clear, consistent reading as the oil doesn't show up too well on it, tried it straight after topping up and I couldn't make out any oil on it at all, just looked again now and I can definitely see oil on it this time and it appears to be covering up to the max mark. I'm guessing this means I've got enough in there.

Also if I've overfilled is this likely to cause much damage - I've put in half a litre at the most?

[Crasher]

It’s not just me that can’t read these modern dip sticks then. From what you say you should be fine.

[alankru]

Also if I've overfilled is this likely to cause much damage - I've put in half a litre at the most?
I was in the same situation a little while back (although it hadn't got to the stage of the light coming on). When I spoke to my dealer, they told me that 0.5l from the min level to the max level is all that should be required...and they were quite right.

[JON76]

Thank you all for your replies.

Car is running great and warning light is now off, mind is at rest so I think I'm sorted :D