3 replies to this topic

[len79]

so this is really foolish and one of those live and learn lessons, but over the course of say 16-18 months for a newer 2009 vehicle four oil changes were done and you were just simply trusting the service shop to do your oil changes, look up and verify the specs, etc.( this was not done at the actual dealer service shop because they charge 3-4 times more for a simple oil change.)

then it turns out, you find out that your vehicle actually requires nearly 7 liters of oil, but the service shop had only been putting in 5 liters of oil. at no point in time, did a low oil pressure alert pop up on the vehicle. the oil changes were done all pretty much within a few days of the oil change alert going off on the dashboard.

but wondering what kinds of problems this could cause. recently experiencing some sputter type problems with the engine when you first start it up. any input appreciated.

Edited by len79, 09 January 2012 - 03:16 PM.

[Chris V.]

Can you check the oil level yourself to see if it's low? Just because the message hasn't gone off doesn't mean it's not low, as the sensor won't usually notice until it's down a couple. If the level is fine then I'd say that the shop never let all the oil out (and unless you suck it out with a special vacuum, you're not going to get all of it anyhow) or possibly never changed the filter (which woud leave a liter or more of oil in the engine). If the level actually is low, just top it off and make a note to not use that shop again.

As far as if there's any damage, the issues would be in higher than normal wear internally and possibly a bit of overheating as teh friction level woudl have gone up. if the temps have remained the same and there are no grinding noises while operating it, then the low oil level (if it IS low) won't have damaged it. Your sputtering on startup should not be related to it in any wy, and merely be coincidental. As to what is actually happening, it could be a number of things, from dirty injectors, to a dirty fuel filter, to a fuel pump going bad. Or it could be spark related. it may need new plugs, as teh old ones could have too much resistnace or be dirty and only work well as they warm up. Hard to tell over the internet.

[len79]

Thanks for your input Chris. The car is driven daily, but not by me. I will check the levels tonight. Fuel filter is an interesting guess over the internet. I know for sure the air filter is passed due and dirty. The car is driven 90 miles daily, 5 times per week.

Hey about this; what if the car requires and its stated specifically in the handbook, it takes gas 93, but for a period of 4-6 months you were putting in 87. What kind of carnage if any could that cause or could that be a problem for the fuel filter or fuel pump?

Also, does it matter where you get your fuel fitler changed? Is that an intricate job that you should go do the actual dealer service place? Thanks again for your time. Much appreciated. Brian

[Elite_Deforce]

I will say a few things

1) Try changing your oil yourself. It is one of the simplest procedures and only requires ramps or jack stands.
2) Oil filter needs to be replaced every oil change so that is definitely a possibility. Check if the filter looks clean or at least newish on the outside.
3) Change your garage, those guys sound wonky.
4) Oil pressure light won't go off until you are close to having a problem.
5) If you run 87 in a 93 required car (I think you meant 91, 93 isn't required on anything) the car is more prone to knock so running 87 is a BIG no-no. I suppose sludge in the oil could result.
6) Change your air filter
7) That is quite the commute you have there. I would take greater steps to make sure your car is running good on your own.