Engine oil level

Engine oil level

The oil level should be checked with the vehicle on a flat surface and the engine cold, or at least 10 minutes after the engine has been switched off.

The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. The distance between MIN and MAX corresponds to around 1 litre of oil.

If the level of the oil is close to or just below the MIN reference, add oil through the filler until it reaches the MAX reference.

The level of the oil should never exceed the MAX reference.
When topping up with oil, take great care to avoid engine oil accidentally going into the alternator ventilation slits which could cause serious damage and even present a fire hazard.
Do not add oil with different characterstics from the oil used in the engine. Only the use of semi-synthetic oil guarantees the intervals in the maintenance programme.

After having added oil, before checking the level, let the engine run for several seconds and wait several minutes after it is switched off.

21 CHECKING TIMING BELT CONDITIONS (1242 16v engine)

1. Position the vehicle on a lift, disconnect the negative battery lead, then undo the nuts fixing the injection control unit to the mounting bracket. Place the control unit at the side without disconnecting the supply connector to facilitate the subsequent operation of removing the upper belt shield.