Too much isn't good, but if it's been reading inconsistently, how do you really know it's high now (other than it's current reading)? Have you allowed at least 10 minutes of cool down time for it to level out? Something you could do is once the new filter is installed, pour 4 quarts of oil, start it to check for leaks and so forth, then shut it down. About 10-15 minutes later, check the level and see where it is. It should be a tad low, in which case I would add another .25 quart of oil (I use 4.25 quarts, or 4 litres of oil in mine). Yours may require a little more or little less.

 

I always check the level cold, and your right, i wouldnt know, thinking of taking to dealer, will try the filter method and will let you know, in the mean time will drain about .5 quart and see. this is weird and frustrating.

 

+1. It takes a while for the oil to wander its way back down to the sump where the dipstick reads it. Also, are you sure that the car is on a level surface every time you're checking it? With that small of a sump (abou 4quarts) just a >little< out of level will cause a pretty good change.

If it's way over, I'd pull the filter, dump it out and put it back on. That *might* get you back where you need to be. If it's way over, you'll have blown seals and stuff.

YMMV

AJ

 

After filling the vehicle with oil you need to run the vehicle for a few minutes to let the oil circulate or you WILL NOT get an accurate reading.

Just think about it a second, where the end of the dipstick is, and were you are filling it. All of the oil does not instantly dump into the oil pan.

Also before you change the oil you should get the vehicle up to temp to drain the most out, Be careful though it will be hot.

 

Could you have checked the oil level after the oil and filter change, but before running the engine? If so you would have noticed a sharp drop in level after the filter filled up. Also, a big problem with excessive oil isn't blown seals, but oil mist caused by crank splash being ingested by the engine and ruining the converter. And be sure to have the dipstick seated properly before checking oil level.