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Overfilled in first oil change?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by CrimsonKing, Sep 29, 2024 at 11:52 AM.

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  1. CrimsonKing

    CrimsonKing New Member

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    Changed my own oil for the first time and I'm having trouble figuring out if I overfilled it.
    I know the go by the lower level, but the lower level is a little streaky near the full dot, and then fuller about an inch below that. I just want to make sure that I filled it properly.

    I waited until the dropping slowed, but it was dripping slightly, like one drop every few seconds.

    I filled it exactly 4.4 Qts and now it seems too high, the streaks are only near where the second dot is, but it seems like it gets fuller about 3/4 Inch down the stick. Should I drain a little? PXL_20240929_153356593.jpg
     
    #1 CrimsonKing, Sep 29, 2024 at 11:52 AM
  2. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

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    Check it in a day or two, since you put in the right amount?
     
    #2 Mr.Vanvandenburg, Sep 29, 2024 at 8:42 PM
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    As long as you drained completely and used a new filter/cartridge, 4.4 Qt will not be too much. I always fill with 4.0 Qt. This puts be in the middle of the Low/High marks.

    The Prius dipstick/tube combined with the thin oil makes it hard to get a good fill mark on the dipstick. It will spread quite a bit upon pulling it out.
     
    #3 FuelMiser, Sep 30, 2024 at 8:39 AM
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah as said above, if you got a good drain, changed the oil filter, and put in 4.4 measured quarts, you’re good. When checking the oil level on the dipstick:

    1. Ensure the car's on level ground.
    2. Remove and wipe dipstick.
    3. Wait at least 5 minutes. (the dipstick has a propensity to draw oil up the tube when pulled; the wait gives that oil time to drain back down.
    4. Reinsert dipstick fully, pull it out, and check level. Check both sides; I've found on our gen 3 the side facing front of car is cleaner.

    As also mentioned above, give it a few days. When I do oil changes, I use oil pre-measured in a graduated pitcher, and don't even think about checking the level for a few days.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 30, 2024 at 12:12 PM
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2024 at 5:19 PM
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