Checking Oil Level

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by SRT-Tom, Dec 11, 2021.

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  1. Dec 11, 2021 at 10:08 AM #1
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Many owners of Challengers complain about the accuracy of the oil reading on their engine's oil dipstick. Specifically, it often reads up to 1/2 inch above the Fill line.

    A service tech at a dealership advised that the oil level should be checked by inserting the dipstick into the tube until some resistance is felt from the handle encountering it (i.e., do not insert the dipstick all the way to the point where the handle seats in the tube). This method should give an accurate reading.

    Has anyone else heard this?
     
  2. Dec 11, 2021 at 10:15 AM #2
    NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    After both my oil changes on my 2020 at the dealership, the level was showing over the full mark. I doubt they are putting in extra oil and it's just the nature of the beast.
     
  3. Dec 11, 2021 at 12:06 PM #3
    TRCM

    TRCM Full Access Member

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    that is BS, as it would not give consistent readings......

    My guess is they are putting in full qts.....my last one, 7.5 qts got it to full......and if you put in 8 so there's less mess & extra to keep around......yer 1/2 a qt high
     
  4. Dec 11, 2021 at 1:54 PM #4
    Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    My dipstick resistance begins way before it reaches any oil in the pan. The tech (who judging from his direction on this appears to resemble a dipstick in his own right) is saying the Challenger dipstick tubes are too short allowing the dipstick to travel further into the pan than it should (how ridiculous). Dealerships in my experience draw from bulk engine oil containers and it's not a case of wanting to use all of a quart container to avoid leftovers or waste.
     
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  5. Dec 11, 2021 at 2:51 PM #5
    TRCM

    TRCM Full Access Member

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    I said that cuz the last oil change they did, I provided the oil & filter since they were out of the SRT filters....yes, completely out....
    And previous times I have seen the oil containers from the oil change when the tech was showing me stuff under my car.
     
  6. Dec 11, 2021 at 3:59 PM #6
    NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    In my situation the oil was pumped in from those massive containers as well.
     
  7. Dec 11, 2021 at 6:36 PM #7
    Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    And some dealerships (including the Honda dealership where my daughter purchased a Toyota) don't carry every viscosity so will replace with something close. I've known auto Service Tech's who know very little mechanically.
     
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  8. Dec 12, 2021 at 8:45 AM #8
    NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    ^^^ So true! I've worried both times taking my Challenger in and hope for the best.
    I do watch them closely (I'm sure they appreciate this as I ignore all the signs to stay out of the area :buttkick:).

    As soon as my warranty is over I'll be changing my own oil like I always have done. Maybe I'll quit sooner if they give me any reason to be concerned. So far they have given me the right oil and correct quantity (looks like they dial it in on their pump). They did install my Shaker hood incorrectly after my first visit but it was easy to correct.
     
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  9. Dec 13, 2021 at 9:08 AM #9
    Brian colpitts

    Brian colpitts Member

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    Ive run into this problem with other cars other than my SRT,whenever a crankcase takes 6.5 litres or anything more than a full quart they will put in 7 and charge you for that,they dont put anything less than a full quart when i go in for an oil change i ask them to put in 6.5 quarts and leave a half quart in my car,so i can adjust
     
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  10. Dec 15, 2021 at 12:53 PM #10
    Dave 2020

    Dave 2020 Member

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    Yes that is what you do all the time when checking oil in all vehicles.
     
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