Oil Level - How to get a more acccurate reading

[Applauso]

As we all know getting an accurate engine oil level reading on the CX 5 is hit and miss but I have found if I rotate the dipstick 90 degrees so the dipstick handle is running front to back of the car as oppose to side to side as it came installed it seems to produce a reading that is easier to read as oppose to a smear of oil all over the bottom of the dipstick. The dipstick seems to have more resistance going in but it does in my experience produce a better reading. Hope it works for you.

 

[MikeM.]

Thanks for the tip.

I have noticed the oil smeared on the dipstick but it seems it is only on one side so I just look at the side with the lowest oil level. It also helps if you check it after the car has been fully warmed up but has sat at least 10 minutes.

 

[prhac]

The following is an abridged version from Mazda's Technical Service Dept.
Mostly common sense but it was issued because some were getting false readings.

Reading errors occur if the dipstick is inserted and pulled out in the wrong direction.
Checking procedure:

Car on level ground
Engine at normal working temperature
Stop engine and wait at least 5 mins for the oil to return to the oil pan.
Stand in front of car, remove dipstick and wipe
Without moving from the front of the car, insert dipstick vertically with the X mark facing toward you (from the front of the car)
NB If dipstick is allowed to rotate while being inserted, it may pick up oil from tube
Remove dipstick vertically without rotating to see level
Only check the level on the calibration side (where X is)

[This was for the diesel, but I would think applies to all]

 

[q50_treiber]

No one aware of this service information ?? (Europe)

http://www.mazda-forum.info/attachments/mazda-cx-5-cx-7-und-cx-9/26715d1359573745-diesel-problem-der-zu-starken-olverduennung-how-check-sa-diesel-engine-oil-level.pdf

 

[prhac]

No one aware of this service information ?? (Europe)

http://www.mazda-forum.info/attachments/mazda-cx-5-cx-7-und-cx-9/26715d1359573745-diesel-problem-der-zu-starken-olverduennung-how-check-sa-diesel-engine-oil-level.pdf

Yep.
My post above is from that document.

 

[q50_treiber]

I know, but why not placing the original doc here ?

 

[GiddyGoanna]

Thanks for putting this out there Applauso, I was going mad having to check the oil level every 1000km (diesel).
Especially considering it took me about ten dips to get a confident read. Using your prescribed method, gives an obvious reading every time.
Much appreciated.

 

[WNJ]

No one aware of this service information ?? (Europe)

http://www.mazda-forum.info/attachments/mazda-cx-5-cx-7-und-cx-9/26715d1359573745-diesel-problem-der-zu-starken-olverduennung-how-check-sa-diesel-engine-oil-level.pdf

I was shown a copy of this today when I took my car in to garage and mentioned the oil level rising from my post-service level previously.