1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Overfilled in first oil change?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by CrimsonKing, Sep 29, 2024.

  1. CrimsonKing

    CrimsonKing New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2024
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Smyrna
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    Changed my own oil for the first time and I'm having trouble figuring out if I overfilled it.
    I know the go by the lower level, but the lower level is a little streaky near the full dot, and then fuller about an inch below that. I just want to make sure that I filled it properly.

    I waited until the dropping slowed, but it was dripping slightly, like one drop every few seconds.

    I filled it exactly 4.4 Qts and now it seems too high, the streaks are only near where the second dot is, but it seems like it gets fuller about 3/4 Inch down the stick. Should I drain a little? PXL_20240929_153356593.jpg
     
  2. Mr.Vanvandenburg

    Mr.Vanvandenburg Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2007
    1,232
    462
    0
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Check it in a day or two, since you put in the right amount?
     
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    1,310
    893
    0
    Location:
    Monument, CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    As long as you drained completely and used a new filter/cartridge, 4.4 Qt will not be too much. I always fill with 4.0 Qt. This puts be in the middle of the Low/High marks.

    The Prius dipstick/tube combined with the thin oil makes it hard to get a good fill mark on the dipstick. It will spread quite a bit upon pulling it out.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,693
    39,238
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Yeah as said above, if you got a good drain, changed the oil filter, and put in 4.4 measured quarts, you’re good. When checking the oil level on the dipstick:

    1. Ensure the car's on level ground.
    2. Remove and wipe dipstick.
    3. Wait at least 5 minutes. (the dipstick has a propensity to draw oil up the tube when pulled; the wait gives that oil time to drain back down.
    4. Reinsert dipstick fully, pull it out, and check level. Check both sides; I've found on our gen 3 the side facing front of car is cleaner.

    As also mentioned above, give it a few days. When I do oil changes, I use oil pre-measured in a graduated pitcher, and don't even think about checking the level for a few days.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 30, 2024
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2024
  5. johnHRP

    johnHRP Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2014
    425
    136
    0
    Location:
    tally, fl
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    4.4 q is a bit overfill but no worry. I also did the same mistake adding 4.4q and gives no issues. if it is more than 5q then definitely you need to drain a bit because it can cause foaming from the crankshaft tumbling the oil sump too much.

    Check if you see some bubbles on the dip sticks if you overfill excessively. But 4.4q should be fine.

    I usually just add exactly 4q which is at the middle of the L and H marks. But sometimes I added 4.2 Q for longer oil change intervals, 7k miles instead of 5k.
     
  6. CrimsonKing

    CrimsonKing New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2024
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Smyrna
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    I appreciate the extra information!