Land Rover Defender: Checking the engine oil level

Check the engine oil frequently. If any significant or sudden drop in the oil level is noted, seek qualified assistance.

Never allow the engine oil level to fall below the lower mark on the dipstick or the oil level indicator. Top up, as required, using the correct oil specification for the engine.

If the instrument panel displays the message ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Allowing the engine to continue running with low oil pressure may cause the engine to seize. Seek qualified assistance immediately. Do not start the engine until the cause has been rectified.

Note: The graphic shown above is for illustrative purposes only.

The dipstick features minimum and maximum marks in order to help determine the oil level present in the engine. The marks can take the form of holes, lines or a hatched area.

The dipstick on 2.0L gasoline engines features a lug to aid correct fitment. Make sure the lug is correctly aligned with the groove in the dipstick tube. Failure to do this could result in the dipstick not fitting correctly and oil escaping from the engine.

Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:

• The vehicle is stationary and the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is applied.
• The vehicle is on level ground.
• The engine oil is cold.

Note: If it is necessary to check the oil level when the engine is hot, switch off the engine and let the vehicle stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the sump. Do not start the engine.

The oil level can then be checked as follows:

1. Withdraw the dipstick and wipe the blade clean with a lint-free cloth.

2. Fully re-insert the dipstick and withdraw again to check the oil level.

If the oil level is below half-way, add 0.5 U.S. quarts (0.5 liters) of oil. Recheck the level and add more oil, if necessary.

If the oil level is below the lower mark, add 1.1 U.S. quarts (1 liters) of oil. Recheck the level and add more oil, if necessary.

Once the oil has reached the correct level on the dipstick, wait 5 minutes and recheck.

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