oil level,, need your advise

So I have been checking my oil level since I've had my 2020 Runner.

The level has always been full (second mark on the dip stick).

After our 4 day trip to Utah 2 weeks ago, I just checked my oil level this morning and I see it only on the 3/4 full (between 1st and 2nd mark). I checked underneath and I see no oil leak anywhere.

Is this normal, or do I need to be concerned? Do I top it off?

Thanks

 

Mileage?

 

Any chance there could be a difference in the conditions when you checked? Such as... was it on a level surface? Was there any difference between checking when engine was warm vs checking when it was cold?

 

Likely normal for your trip length and the sustained speeds involved. Go back to your old routine now that you're home and see if it stabilizes. As far as adding oil? I wouldn't unless it continues consuming it. As long as that doesn't happen. Bring it back to the full mark next oil change.

 

Assuming it did eat some oil, why not add some?

 

Whatever makes a person happy. As I said, I wouldn't. But hey, that's me. Knowing full well we all have our own quirks.
Always do what makes you happy

 

To answer your question/s...
I have always checked inside my garage in the morning.. so it was left overnight.
It was snowing in Utah when we went there, but it's been almost 2 weeks now since we're back in Az.

I also remove the dipstick the night before, or an hour or two before I do my measurement.

Mileage is 8,600 miles

 

Between the marks is still ok. The lower mark is usually a quart low.

I can't say whether it's normal for it to consume oil, but I would keep an eye on it. If it continues to consume oil, take it to the dealer.

 

I have not done an oil change yet. When I brought it for 5k service, they said they will change the oil at 10k. It only has 8,600 miles and am waiting to reach 10K then I will bring it to the dealer because it comes with 1 or 2 year free service.

 

I'm not seeing any issue here.

 

True, but I am a little scared as I have never done any oil change myself. My neighbor a few years ago had a first gen Runner and when he brought it to the dealership for an oil change, they stripped the thread on the oil pan (that's what he told me angrily).
======

edit:
I have a new Kia Soul that I will practice on before I touch the Runner... LOL

 

Is there a step-by-step 5th gen oil change thread that anyone knows about?

I’ll admit, I’ve always had the dealer change my oil. But I’d love to start doing it myself.

 

I'm gonna bet it wasn't actually the top mark on the first check. Just residual while sticking it in a removing.

I'd just monitor it if you are that worried.

 

I didnt read any posts. Your fine.

 

From the manual:




@taco_runner I wouldn't be concerned at all. You probably meet several of the criteria in which Toyota states consumption will be increased.

Here's a video:

https://youtu.be/9UtzAjag4hw

It's a few more steps than most older vehicles, but easy enough.

 

On T4R.org. Antman’s mega-thread on oil changes.

 

I dont think that oil usage is represents a problem. Especially since that includes the initial break in miles.

As far as changing the oil yourself...there are various benefits. Off the top of my head:
1. You can personally verify it was done correctly. You can enjoy the resulting satisfaction.
2. Vehicle bonding. I cant tell you how many times Ive just hung out longer than I needed to under the car, just lookin around (safely of course)
3. That bonding time is what lets you get a sense of what is going on under the car, anticipate other problems when they come up or before they get worse. Your familiarity with the mechanics of the car may make you less likely to get taken advantage of if it ever needs to be taken to a shop.
4. Physical fitness litmus. As I get older, and as life demands less physical exertion, Ive found myself getting plump. If my muscles and back hurt for one day after the oil change, It tells me i gotta start watching myself a bit more. If I hurt for three days after, the sense of abiding shame that sets in for letting myself go, usually will motivate me to actually get more active lol

However, if you are new to changing oil yourself, or turning wrenches in general, you are wise to approach things with a little well placed fear. Things can go wrong, but they are unlikely to go wrong if you anticipate them as potential problems. Some things to think about:

1. You can die. Anytime you’re under a car, you can get rolled over. If the car is elevated, you can get crushed, then rolled over. Learn the dangers, get proper ramps/chocks/stands, and know when/how to use them. And even then, be ready to get out quick. Never relax under a car. Don’t be in a rush and compromise safety.

2. If you are not experienced, you might make mistakes. Common ones might be cross threading a bolt, stripping/overtightening bolts, driving your car over the end of the ramps, having your hood open while driving up ramps and crashing hood into overhead stuff, using a torque wrench for the first time and not knowing the soft click means stop. The list is endless really

In summary, you can clearly see Ive only listed 2 cons to 4 pros.

 

You have a very clean level showing in the pic. When I check my oil on one side of the dipstick I see oil going up like 1/3 of the way and if I look at the other it gives me a better indication of where it's at although still not a "clean" oil lever like your showing. Does anybody else experience this it can't just be me.

 

I don’t mean to be an asshole, but everyone supporting that someone who’s never changed his oil claiming he has oil consumption is jumping the gun.

 

Aside from that, losing what looks like less than half a quart in 8600 miles is nothing to be concerned about. The manual states that some consumption is normal, especially with a new engine.

 

Mods, can we ban this guy STAT??????

LOL

 

LOL

I call it 1Runner

 

Pimpin

 

With Soul

 

EXACTLY

This is not a scary amount of oil consumption after 8600 miles.

Lots of people change their oil at 5000 miles. If you'd changed it then you would have seen even less consumption.

Lots of high speed driving, driving with heavy loads, and many other conditions call for a 5000-mile oil change interval. This is in the owners manual.

It will almost certainly consume less after your oil change.

Just keep an eye on it.

No harm in adding a quarter quart or so before your next change. Also no need to do so.

Finally, as it seems you already do, check it in a consistent manner. My personal preference for this vehicle is to check it dead cold (and of course on a level surface). Yes, the standard advice is to check when the engine is warm. But the 4Runner dispstick/tube design results in lots of oil adhering to the sides of the tube and thus getting picked up by the dipstick, making measurement difficult and inconsistent. If you check it dead cold, the oil that was adhering to the sides of the tube will have had time to seep down into the oil pan. That way you get an accurate measure of how much oil is actually in the pan. And that's the thing the dipstick is designed to measure.

 

This is why I remove the dipstick, and leave it 1 or 2 hours or overnight to get a consistent result.
I went to costco this morning to see if they still had the Kirkland 0W-20 for $21... it's all gone.. all they have is Mobil 5W-35 or 15W-45 or something like that.

 

It's not a problem and you do not need to top it off since at your current (estimated) rate of consumption it won't even be 1/2 quart below full when you have it changed.

I'm not familiar with Kirkland oil but for gosh sakes don't put cheap fluids (gas, oil) in your 4-Runner. Mine gets Mobil 1 synthetic (0-20 in the engine and 75-90 in the differentials). Some say the Toyota engine oil may be better and some folks have favorite high end oils for the diffs and engine. Do some research and put in top quality fluids.

 

I can't stand this it drives me frigin crazy!

 

^ I've noticed that with many cars.. I think it's just unavoidable with the tubes and method we use for checking. Could also be a nod to the fact that absolute precision probably isn't necessary...