As I understand it, our electronic dipstick requires that the oil has been adequately warmed up (10-15 minutes of driving) followed by a 10 minute time period for the oil to settle back into the pan. I would imagine that the answer to my question is ambient temperature dependent, but I'll ask anyway.

What is the approximate window during which time the oil level can be checked? 10 minutes after the car has been turned off up until when?

 

The Owner Handbook has a section on checking the oil level, but it doesn't say anything about any "window" after the 10 minute interval.
All it says is:

"Prior to checking the oil level, make sure that
the vehicle is on level ground.
• The engine oil has reached working
temperature (oil is hot).
• The engine has been switched off for 10
minutes, as the system will not give an
accurate reading until the oil level has
stabilised."

and a bit later:

"Note: If it is necessary to check the oil level
when the engine is hot, switch off the engine
and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to
drain into the sump. Do not start the engine."

Also you may be able to check the oil level without the waiting 10 minutes malarkey, just pop the hood/bonnet and hey presto it works. Well at least for me it works, even with a stone cold engine left overnight, YMMV.

 

Yesterday I pulled into the garage, popped the hood.

Shut it down then immediately went ignition on, spam OK to close the warnings, go to check oil... and pressed cruise cancel twice.

I watched the oil level rising in real time after the shutdown.

.

 

Okay, what's the deal with popping the hood? What does that accomplish?

 

They're switching to an instantaneous mode, rather than it giving an average reading. That mode is useful when changing the oil.

 

Resurrecting an old thread since the question wasn't originally answered. Minimum 10 minutes (with hood closed), any ideas on Maximum time interval? If it is too long will you not get a reading at all? I appreciate the assistance.

 

Just for grins I checked mine after being parked in my garage for just over an hour and the oil level checked fine.

 

fujicoupe, thanks for checking. I wonder if there is a time maximum, where the number is unreliable.

 

AIUI there's no maximum tme limit - you can check the level anytime after the 10 minutes, weeks even, if you don't use the car.
Just like using a dipstick, no valid reading straight after running as the oil hasn't drained down but perfectly okay anytime afterwards.

 

I check mine from cold most mornings before driving

 

When I've checked mine (using the standard method) when the engine is cold I get no reading at all.

 

Maybe there's been a recent change in procedure - any clues in your manual?

 

Strange. could be the sensors gone or a fuse

 

CORRECTION. I do get a reading when it is cold. Not sure why I thought no reading was possible when cold. Could be early onset stupidity. I do get a reading when it is cold, but it varies from the reading approximately 10 minutes after shutdown. Using the 10 minute rule the reading is 2 ticks below the mid point. When cold it is 3 ticks higher which does not make sense to me. If the 2 ticks below the midway point is the number to use, would you add oil or leave it alone. I don't want to fix a problem I don't have. Also, concerned with overfilling which sounds like a real problem. Thanks.

 

Measuring capacity in/out on my last oil change, I realized that the middle of the "OK" range is a full quart low. The bottom line of the "OK" range is 2 quarts low. So you want to be 75% or higher.

 

Thanks.

 

As a silly aside. I decided to add a bit of oil this morning and called my dealer's parts department to confirm what I needed and then pick it up. I was told they don't offer engine oil for resale. I have to bring the car in for them to do it. Am I missing something? I also understand from reading this forum that if I don't use a very specific Jaguar encoded oil for my car I run the risk of a potential problem.

 

It has to meet the required spec, but any oil meeting that will suffice. Sounds like your dealer is just looking for profits, although in fairness the typical Jaguar driver (present company excepted, obviously!) probably wouldn't touch the oil themselves anyway so little demand to carry small quantities in stock.

 

This is absurd. The Jaguar-specification fluids are Jaguar parts (and have Jaguar parts numbers) and they can be and are sold by dealers over the counter. I have bought transmission fluid, AWD fluid and oil from my dealer's parts counter with no issues or questions.

 

Checked mine approx. 24 hrs. after car was last driven and it did give a reading, albeit 3 marks below full (one mark above mid point).