Help with Oil Level and Some Question

[J&D2003]

My wife and I just purchased our First Porsche ( YAHOO!!!) It is a 2003 996 4S. However I do have a couple of questions. The previous owner was very helpful and did all of required maitenence up until this point. He also just had the oil changed and a state inspection. Anyway, on to my question, I just noticed today that my electronic oil gauge is on the bottom bar and blinking, upon about 2hrs of browsing on here and reading the manuel I have come to the conclusion that it probably should get a 1/2 qt of oil. My slight concern is that the car just had an oil change not that long ago and the previous owner noted that the car did not use oil. It was a rather long drive ( 200 Miles ) to bring the car home and I thought maybe it did use some oil just because of the long highway drive and that was not typical of his driving. However, is it bad that the oil is that low? Will this hurt anything if I need to move the car? I also only have a small amount of oil on the dipstick on the lower end upon doing a cold check...car sat for 2 hrs. I also am going to follow up with his shop ( Gave me all the major service records ) to verify what weight oil they put in before adding any oil. Thanks so much...look forward to becoming a part of the Porsche Community!

[C2951]

Was the car on a level surface when you made the check? If not, you need to get it on a level surface before making any oil level checks. If the oil is low when checking on a level surface you can safely move the car but you should add oil before moving at highway speeds or using high revs.

[jhbrennan]

My wife and I just purchased our First Porsche ( YAHOO!!!) It is a 2003 996 4S. However I do have a couple of questions. The previous owner was very helpful and did all of required maitenence up until this point. He also just had the oil changed and a state inspection. Anyway, on to my question, I just noticed today that my electronic oil gauge is on the bottom bar and blinking, upon about 2hrs of browsing on here and reading the manuel I have come to the conclusion that it probably should get a 1/2 qt of oil. My slight concern is that the car just had an oil change not that long ago and the previous owner noted that the car did not use oil. It was a rather long drive ( 200 Miles ) to bring the car home and I thought maybe it did use some oil just because of the long highway drive and that was not typical of his driving. However, is it bad that the oil is that low? Will this hurt anything if I need to move the car? I also only have a small amount of oil on the dipstick on the lower end upon doing a cold check...car sat for 2 hrs. I also am going to follow up with his shop ( Gave me all the major service records ) to verify what weight oil they put in before adding any oil. Thanks so much...look forward to becoming a part of the Porsche Community!

Assuming measurement was on level ground, try adding only small amounts at a time (200 to 400ml) until you get desired level on stick and on electronic gauge - don't dump in 1/2 quart all at once.

[J&D2003]

My wife and I just purchased our First Porsche ( YAHOO!!!) It is a 2003 996 4S. However I do have a couple of questions. The previous owner was very helpful and did all of required maitenence up until this point. He also just had the oil changed and a state inspection. Anyway, on to my question, I just noticed today that my electronic oil gauge is on the bottom bar and blinking, upon about 2hrs of browsing on here and reading the manuel I have come to the conclusion that it probably should get a 1/2 qt of oil. My slight concern is that the car just had an oil change not that long ago and the previous owner noted that the car did not use oil. It was a rather long drive ( 200 Miles ) to bring the car home and I thought maybe it did use some oil just because of the long highway drive and that was not typical of his driving. However, is it bad that the oil is that low? Will this hurt anything if I need to move the car? I also only have a small amount of oil on the dipstick on the lower end upon doing a cold check...car sat for 2 hrs. I also am going to follow up with his shop ( Gave me all the major service records ) to verify what weight oil they put in before adding any oil. Thanks so much...look forward to becoming a part of the Porsche Community!

Assuming measurement was on level ground, try adding only small amounts at a time (200 to 400ml) until you get desired level on stick and on electronic gauge - don't dump in 1/2 quart all at once.

Car was on level ground...In my garage. I will add small amounts. Thanks...any other thoughts?

[lenobleb]

Hey,

This is very simple - your car is low on oil.

Most likely, the shop didn't add enough oil after the oil change.

Since your check with the dipstick confirms the gauge reading, you need to add at least 1/2 a quart of oil, and more than likely will need to add a full quart.

There is no magic in a porsche engine, it needs oil just like every other engine.

It would be good if you could add the same type and weight oil as already in the car, but any synthetic oil will do. Add the oil, drive the car, check in a 100 miles or so and make sure it's not using too much oil.

Good luck,

Barry

I also only have a small amount of oil on the dipstick on the lower end upon doing a cold check...car sat for 2 hrs. I also

[J&D2003]

Great...Talking to the shop today to verify Oi Type and weight. Thanks for the quick responses.

[perucho]

Congrats on the car! Best looking 996 (but I'm very heavily biased )

[rrspikemarty]

Congrats on the car! Best looking 996 (but I'm very heavily biased )

+1

[CosmosC4S]

I'm thinking this has something to do with the oil leak you posted in another thread.

That loose bolt you were describing is most likely the drain plug, and you left a trail of Porsche juice Wee Wee Wee all the way home..... :unsure:

[J&D2003]

THanks for the props on the car...Just an update got everything at suitable levels and drove the car 200+ miles with no leaks or oil consumption. I had a fresh oil change done and the mystery leak was handled by tightening the bolt. I love it here on Renn Tech....Everyone is so helpful!