Do your Subaru engine overheating, there’s an oil-burning smell, and the oil pressure warning light illuminates? Learn how to fix the problem by checking the engine oil level and adding engine oil to your Subaru.

What you will need

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  • Clean cloth
  • Synthetic Engine Oil
    • If the level is low
    • The recommended grade is printed on the oil cap and owner’s manual.
oil light warning on dashboard

Procedure

  1. Pull the hood release under the dashboard of your Subaru and open the hood.
  2. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.subaru oil dipstick location
  3. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.check subaru oil level
  4. Before reinserting the dipstick, note the Max and Minimum levels. SUBARU OIL LEVEL MAX MIN
  5. Insert the dipstick back into the engine for 5 seconds. Make sure the dipstick is fully inserted.remove dipstick
  6. Pull out the dipstick and note the level. The level should be between the Min and Max marks. SUBARU DISTICK NOTCH If the level is below the Min mark, follow the instructions in the next section to add oil.
  7. Locate the engine oil cap and remove it by turning it counterclockwise. Subaru engine oil cap location used to add engine oil
  8. Add 1 quart ( or about 1 liter) and wait 5 minutes.
  9. Recheck the engine oil level using the instructions above. Add engine oil to bring the level between the Min and Max mark.check engine oil level on subaru outback forester impreza wrx crosstrek legacy

Do not allow the level to go above the MAX mark.

Possible risk of burning due to engine components being hot.

If your Subaru engine oil level is below the MIN mark, add engine oil immediately. Do NOT drive or keep the engine running if your Subaru oil light or oil pressure light is on. These instructions will help you check the oil level on a Subaru Impreza, Outback, Forester, WRX, Legacy, or Crosstrek.

Only continue driving if the oil light is off.

We hope you find the Subaru Check & Add Engine Oil guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Subaru.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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