Engine Oil: Testing and Inspection

Engine Oil: Inspection

Oil Level

- Before starting the engine make sure the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface, then check the oil level. If the engine is already running, turn it off and allow 10 minutes before checking.





- Pull out oil level gauge and wipe clean.
- Insert oil level gauge.
- Check that the oil level is within the low (L) and high (H) range as indicated on the dipstick.
- If the engine oil level is out of range, add oil as necessary. Refer to [Recommended Fluids and Lubricants [for USA and Canada] [1][2]Maintenance ] (United States and Canada) and [Recommended Fluids and Lubricants [for Mexico] ] (Mexico).

CAUTION:
Do not overfill the engine with oil.

NOTE:
It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the severity of the operating conditions.

Oil Appearance

- Check the engine oil for a white milky appearance or excessive contamination.
- If the engine oil is milky, it is highly probable that it is contaminated with engine coolant. Repair or replace damaged parts.

Oil Leakage

Check for oil leakage around the following areas:

- Oil pans (lower and upper)
- Oil pan drain plug
- Oil pressure switch
- Oil filter
- Oil cooler
- Water pump cover
- Chain tensioner cover
- Intake valve timing control cover and intake valve timing control solenoid valve
- Mating surface between cylinder block and cylinder head
- Mating surface between lower cylinder block and cylinder block
- Mating surface between cylinder head and rocker cover
- Mating surface between front timing chain case and rear timing chain case
- Mating surface between rear timing chain case and cylinder head
- Mating surface between rear timing chain case and cylinder block
- Mating surface between rear timing chain case and lower cylinder block
- Mating surface between rear timing chain case and oil pan (upper)
- Crankshaft oil seals (front and rear)
- Oil level gauge guide
- Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)

Oil Pressure Check

WARNING:

- Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine and engine oil may be hot.
- Put the A/T shift selector in the Park (P) position (A/T models) or Neutral position (M/T models), and apply parking brake securely.

1) Check engine oil level. Refer to [Engine Oil: Inspection].
2) Remove engine under cover. Refer to [Front Bumper: Removal and Installation] Service and Repair.
3) Disconnect the oil pressure switch (B) harness connector.





- A: Oil pan (upper)
- : Front
4) Remove the oil pressure switch (B).

CAUTION:
Do not drop or shock oil pressure switch.

5) Install Tools.











6) Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
7) Check the engine oil pressure with engine running under no-load. Refer to [Service Data and Specifications] [1][2]Engine Lubrication.

CAUTION:
If the difference between the test results and the specification is extreme, check the oil passages and oil pump for leaks and blockages.

8) After the inspections, install oil pressure switch as follows:
a) Remove old liquid gasket adhering to oil pressure switch and engine.
b) Apply liquid gasket and tighten oil pressure switch to the specification.
Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent. Refer to [Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants] Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.






c) After warming up engine, make sure there are no engine oil leaks.
9) Install engine under cover. Refer to [Front Bumper: Removal and Installation] Service and Repair.