My car (TJ Sedan 3.5L) low oil warning light lit tonight. I can't find my user manual anywhere. Wondering what's the spec of the oil and how many litres are required? Thanks in advance.

G'day use 10w40 oil from memory about 4.3 litres will with filter

Use the whole 5 litres. 4.3 litres does not register on the full mark on the dipstick.

10w-40 is fine.

low oil warning light? The TJ has a low oil warning light? You mean the oil pressure light? This light should never go on while the engine is running, it is not a "warning" light, it is more a "turn the engine off quickly and check the oil level before you ruin the engine!" type of light.

I just came back from Kmart with your advice but I can't find any 10w-40. There are 5w-40, 15w-40, 15w-50 and 20w-50 (link) (http://www.shell.com.au/home/content/aus/products_services/on_the_road/oils_lubricants/helix/product_range/). (what do they mean?) Which one is suitable (to top up)?

low oil warning light? The TJ has a low oil warning light? You mean the oil pressure light? This light should never go on while the engine is running, it is not a "warning" light, it is more a "turn the engine off quickly and check the oil level before you ruin the engine!" type of light.

It's a red oil lamp light on the right side to the speed alarm. I checked the oil stick.... it's dry.

Keep in mind the dipstick mark from empty to full is only about a litre so add in the oil progressively (E.g. only a bit at a time) and check it.

15w-40 is fine though I'm currently using 15w-50 (Penrite HPR15)

It's a red oil lamp light on the right side to the speed alarm. I checked the oil stick.... it's dry.

WHAT!....

I would not be driving the car, you could seriously be damaging your engine....

Keep in mind the dipstick mark from empty to full is only about a litre so add in the oil progressively (E.g. only a bit at a time) and check it.

15w-40 is fine though I'm currently using 15w-50 (Penrite HPR15)

Does the standard 15w-40 do, or do I need the "G" (formulated for gas/dual fuel)? (my car is lpg dual fuel)

The dip stick would be dry if the oil light comes on. Sump holds 4.3 litres of oil normally, light goes on when you only have about 1 litre left in the sump! Any oil will do, and don't drive the car! Start walking!

New engines aren't cheap, but its your car! lol

depends on how many km's ure cars done.... the more km's or older ure car is the thicker the oil u should use....

5w-40, 15w-40, 15w-50 and 20w-50


5w-40 is for newer cars with low km's the first number is the oil's viscosity at low temp and the second is it's viscosity at high temp....
u need a thick oil as ure car gets more km's on it as things start to wear and require a thicker oil to take up the difference in clearance.... so a car with say 200,000 should be using say a 20w-50

http://www.autoeducation.com/autoshop101/oil-change.htm

Thanks guys. Ended up getting the 5L Shell Helix HX5 15w-40 and about 2.5L went in before half full on the dip stick. There's no evidence of any oil leak. Wonder how the oil is consumed?

just monitor it frequently for now mate, check it every day to see if it drops. I know its a pain but degreasing the engine bay and underneath until its clean is the best way to see if you have a leak.

where abouts in NSW are you?

Go higher on the dipstick, up to 1 cm above the full mark, then check the level weekly until you get a feel for the oil consumption.
Magnas get to an age where they suddenly appear to start to use oil - if you checked the oil level weekly you would have noticed this much earlier. Check for leaks, if none, nothing short of a complete rebuild with new rings and valve stem seals will fix it. Pull a spark plug and see how much carbon buildup there is. Keeping revs down and not hammering the motor generally helps too. If it still consumes lots of oil try a thicker oil, like 20-50. Anything up to 1L per 2,000 or 3,000 is normal. (for a tired engine)

Allowing the oil level to drop off the dipstick is considered a no-no, rude, and socially unacceptable. mmmmmkay?


LEAKS: If you look under the engine and see lots of greasy dirt under there, you have a leak! Rear rocker cover and front crank seal are common problems.

where abouts in NSW are you?

I am in Sydney.


Madmax: Thanks for the tip. Didn't expect the oil to drop so sudden. I'll keep a closer eye on it from now on.