Hi everyone. First, I've read the split threads about the 2011-2014 oil consumption issue, settled in 2016. Second, I purchased my 2014 Forester in late summer of 2017 with 56,000 miles on it. At the time, the major issue I had was with the AC compressor not working. I remedied that by winter and thought all was right with the new-to-me vehicle. (There are no open recalls on my vehicle.) Over the past 2 years however, I've been dealing with high oil consumption (IMO). I get a fresh oil change with 0w-20 and 2400 miles later, the light is on. I've made a habit of carrying a spare qt in my trunk for this occasion. Just last week, it happened again and I immediately pulled over to add the qt. Now the light is on warning me to change the filter. I've got 80,200 on the vehicle and 2700 on this oil change. I've had it with this issue.
I've read that I should contact my local dealer (happens to not be where I purchased the car) and tell them I want an oil consumption test performed. I've also spoken to a coworker who had the same thing with a 2015 Subaru, and he noted that they over filled his tank on the initial test. My questions are:
Where is the oil supposed to -max out- on the dipstick? My dipstick has two tiny holes, about 1" apart. No writing or other markings of any kind. My owners manual doesn't state anything. I'm going to assume the top hole is "full". I've always been told to check the oil when the car has been "off" for 15+ mins (otherwise there's residual oil in the engine and not giving an accurate read.) My hesitation is that while it's at the dealer, they stand the chance of just over filling or having it running while I come over to check. And what am I checking for exactly? I just want them to fill to the top hole and not start the vehicle until I've approved it in front of the service manager, right? I know this sounds like basic auto care and maintenance, but if I felt confident in my dealership, I wouldn't be writing this post!
If my light is turning on at 2400 mi, what is the rate of consumption? It's more than a qt, for sure.
Has anyone had the same issue, but passed the oil test and had it retested at the same or different facility?
Have any of you had the repair done while OUT of warranty? Since I bought it used and without an extended warranty, am I SOL even though there was a class action lawsuit when I didn't yet own the vehicle?
Thanks for reading.
I've read that I should contact my local dealer (happens to not be where I purchased the car) and tell them I want an oil consumption test performed. I've also spoken to a coworker who had the same thing with a 2015 Subaru, and he noted that they over filled his tank on the initial test. My questions are:
Where is the oil supposed to -max out- on the dipstick? My dipstick has two tiny holes, about 1" apart. No writing or other markings of any kind. My owners manual doesn't state anything. I'm going to assume the top hole is "full". I've always been told to check the oil when the car has been "off" for 15+ mins (otherwise there's residual oil in the engine and not giving an accurate read.) My hesitation is that while it's at the dealer, they stand the chance of just over filling or having it running while I come over to check. And what am I checking for exactly? I just want them to fill to the top hole and not start the vehicle until I've approved it in front of the service manager, right? I know this sounds like basic auto care and maintenance, but if I felt confident in my dealership, I wouldn't be writing this post!
If my light is turning on at 2400 mi, what is the rate of consumption? It's more than a qt, for sure.
Has anyone had the same issue, but passed the oil test and had it retested at the same or different facility?
Have any of you had the repair done while OUT of warranty? Since I bought it used and without an extended warranty, am I SOL even though there was a class action lawsuit when I didn't yet own the vehicle?
Thanks for reading.