Checking engine oil, When to add engine oil – Cadillac 2011 DTS User Manual

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Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview on
page 6‑14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.

Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential:

1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the

engine and allow several minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. Checking the oil level
too soon after engine shutoff will not provide an
accurate oil level reading.

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel

or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of
the dipstick, add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil and
then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil
to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on page 6‑111.

Notice: Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above or
below the acceptable operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine. If you find that
you have an oil level above the operating range, i.e.,
the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could be damaged. You
should drain out the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle and seek a service professional to remove
the excess amount of oil.

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6‑14 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.

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