Lexus Check Engine Oil Level

To check the engine oil level on a Lexus, the engine must be at operating temperature. Turn off the engine and wait at least five minutes for the oil to return into the oil pan. Check the oil level using the dipstick with a yellow handle. To get an accurate reading, make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

For more help, follow the step-by-step instructions below. 

What you will need

• A dry clean cloth
• Synthetic Engine Oil
  • Recommended grade listed in the owner's manual or oil cap. 
  • 5W-30 is recommended, needed only if the oil level is low. 

Procedure

1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Set the parking brakes and turn off the engine. 
2. Wait for at least five minutes to allow the engine to cool down. This allows the oil to return to the oil pan. 
3. Open the hood by pulling the release lever located under the left side of the dashboard, the driver’s side.

    

4. Depress the safety lever under the hood to open the hood.
5. Locate the engine oil dipstick on the engine block. Oil dipstick typically has a yellow handle. 

    

6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a dry clean cloth. 

    

7. Note the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. 

   In this next picture, the MAX and MIN levels are marked by two dots. 

   
8. Fully reinsert the dipstick and remove it once again.
9. Check the oil level on the dipstick.
   • If the level is between the MIN and MAX marks, the level is correct.  
   • If the oil level is below the minimum mark, then your oil level is too low, and you need to add oil. Continue to the next step. 
10. Remove the oil cap on top of the engine by turning it counter-clockwise. If the cap has not been removed in a long time, it may be difficult to remove and may require force. 

     

11. Add one quart of recommended engine oil that meets the requirements listed in your owner’s manual.  
12. Wait for five minutes and recheck the engine oil level again using the dipstick. 
13. Continue your journey only if the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks. Do not continue to drive if the oil level is low or the oil light on the dashboard stays on. 

Do not overfill the engine with oil. The oil level should not be over the MAX mark. If the oil level is above the maximum mark, then you need to remove oil to bring the level between the MIN and MAX marks.

Ideally, the oil level should fall within the minimum and maximum markings of your dipstick but closer to the maximum marking.