I'm used to fords. he "min" & "max" levels on all the bits you have to play with under the bonnet are clearly marked and, broadly speaking, they are for the Panda.

However, when checking the oil for the first time yesterday, the levels don't appear to be marked on the stick. The stick itself has a flat end (a bit like an elongated screwdrive head). I'm assuming that if the level hits that head, then it's time for a top up.

Maybe I'm missing something? Maybe I'm over thinking the problem? Maybe there's no real problem at all? I've RTFM'd but I'm none the wiser. Any ideas?

The dipstick in mine has a cross-hatched flat bit a bit above the end of the dipstick - AFAIK, the level is supposed to stay within that area.

Dirk_Crisis said:

I'm used to fords. he "min" & "max" levels on all the bits you have to play with under the bonnet are clearly marked and, broadly speaking, they are for the Panda.

However, when checking the oil for the first time yesterday, the levels don't appear to be marked on the stick. The stick itself has a flat end (a bit like an elongated screwdrive head). I'm assuming that if the level hits that head, then it's time for a top up.

Maybe I'm missing something? Maybe I'm over thinking the problem? Maybe there's no real problem at all? I've RTFM'd but I'm none the wiser. Any ideas?

Click to expand...

Yep, keep the level within the flat area on the dipstick - use clean cloth to wipe the stick, stick in in, pull it out and check. Check with a cold engine.

Check your oil weekly, at least ,or daily if you can (but who does dat?)


On the Toyota forum I used to frequent there were a couple of people who claimed that their Toyotas were 'dealer serviced' at the recommended intervals of 12000, and that they'd be damned if they checked their oil more regularly than that. One went down with a broke engine at 18000 miles - engine out of oil - tried suing Toyota. Duh.

Panda owners are much more sensible.

I checked my oil today, added more for the first time since new in 2000 miles, car used less than a quarter of a litre.

While we're on the topic there seems to be a good case for changing your engine oil at about 6000 miles instead of Fiats recommended 12000 mile service interval, especially if you do a lot of short trips round town.

Anyone done this themselves yet?

2000 miles and 1/4 litre? Lucky git! Tipo would have chomped through about 2 litres by then! If you really love your car then its worth doing the oil change as often as finances allow.

As for the min/max levels.. Remember to keep it under max.. its a limit - not a target! Over filling can lead to blown seals etc.

Hellcat said:

2000 miles and 1/4 litre? Lucky git! Tipo would have chomped through about 2 litres by then! If you really love your car then its worth doing the oil change as often as finances allow.

As for the min/max levels.. Remember to keep it under max.. its a limit - not a target! Over filling can lead to blown seals etc.

Click to expand...

Good advice, there.

The last oil burner I had was an Avensis (new shape.) Nearly a litre every 1000 miles with just 12000 miles on the clock Doh.

Oops, this is the Fiat Forum...

I read someplace the the new Fiat engines were a pretty advanced design with good design specs and good materials used. One guy is quoting Fiat saying the Multijet is good for 150,000 miles..

Hmm, that's 30 years motoring for me.

Hellcat said:

2000 miles and 1/4 litre? Lucky git! Tipo would have chomped through about 2 litres by then! If you really love your car then its worth doing the oil change as often as finances allow.

As for the min/max levels.. Remember to keep it under max.. its a limit - not a target! Over filling can lead to blown seals etc.

Click to expand...

My multijet is still reading to the top of the dipstick after 3500m. It is however turning creamy white.
Just kidding. As I remember it the handbook suggests changing the oil at 30,000km,which is nearly 19,000m ! Although the UK service book is at 12000m. Honest John, who writes for the Telegraph is adamant that more frequent changes are beneficial. But with modern engines, such as the multijet, I guess no-one really knows whether it is likely to be beneficial at typical annual mileages or not. However, as with travel insurance, you cant be wrong if you recommend it, even if there is likely to be no point. I cant think of any reason why Fiat would recommend a longer oil change time than is sensible, unless a substantial proportion of their sales are to fleets who sell them on before the first change is due.

Our multijet is the same coming up for 3.000 miles and the oil level aint moved