This past spring I purchased a 2012 TCH. Prior to my ownership it went through the inspection check list to be a Certified Used vehicle. It had 47k miles at the time of purchase. I questioned the Tech Rep. at the dealership concerning the oil level. The oil level on the dip stick is about 3/8" above the FULL mark and his comment was not to be concerned. Of all the cars that I've owned I always did my own oil and filter changes and NEVER did I fill beyond the FULL mark. After 6 months I've added 2.5k miles and it's still 3/8" above the FULL mark.
I should be happy because it's not using any oil but at the same time is it OK to leave it at that level? I have an oil extractor and could easily siphon it down to the FULL mark? Thank....

Tarheel73 :|

Take a look at this thread. Even though it is not a hybrid being discussed, it is the same principal and same ICE engine. This thread is also very recent.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/3...om/forum/310-7th-generation-2012/1194930-toyota-service-overfilled-car-oil.html

 

I've noticed this, too. The explanation I was given is that the hybrid engine takes less oil than the standard I4, but the oil change stations do not have a position for auto-metering the correct amount of oil for it, so the mechanic selects the standard 4 and the TCH engine gets over-filled.

Of course, if the overfill is severe enough, it can cause serious trouble, but apparently the 1/2 qt or so of overfill isn't enough to present a problem. My 2012 TCH almost always comes back overfilled and so far it just keeps on truckin.

 

Thanks for your rapid reply......after looking at other posts it sounds reasonable that in order to get every drop of oil out of the upper part of the engine it would be necessary let it drain over night.

 

I should be happy because it's not using any oil
Tarheel73 :|

Be happy. There are many more complaints on those engine actually USING TOO MUCH oil. Personally, I am envious. Imagine this - Toyota says that it is NORMAL to lose a qrt of oil for 600 miles. That's ten, yes, only ten days of my regular commute.
SO be happy. I would.
Oh, and I had engines slightly overfilled with oil many times. So what?

 

So how many quarts does your '12 take? My '09 TCH takes 4.5 quarts so maybe they are just adding a 5 quart jug and calling it done.
When I do an oil change I always take 2 cups oil out of the jug then add the remaining and it comes up to the full line. Then I have the extra half quart in case I need to add some later, and recently after about 2,500 miles or so I have needed to do just that so it works out great for me.

 

4 qrts is drain and refill.
4.5 qrt is drain + oil filter capacity. Unless you let it drip for an hour and then crank engine for one turn, there will always be oil left in the engine.
From mark to mark on dipstick is 1 qrt.

 

Not sure what year you have but I have a 2014.5 Camry hybrid and the owners manual states 1.6 qts. between low and full marks. (page 431)

It was the same for my previous 2012 non hybrid Camry.

 

I do remember well back in my drag racing days that if you overfilled your racing engine the oil lots of times would foam up due to the crank spinning down in the oil supply. The oil pump would not pick up the foam and the engine would then lock up. Later this was remedied by adding various additives over the years.

I have also seen where the dealer overfilled my oil to show about 1/4" or 3/8" above the max fill line. Days later I ask the tech that did the change and he said it's ok won't cause any problem.

The other thing about filling the oil if it continually reaches the spinning crank is that the rods spray a mist of oil up into the cylinders to help lubricate the rings. I say this as the older V8's used this method. Today's engines should also spray oil into the cylinders, also up under the pistons to help them cool between each firing.

I take my car and pre-bought 0W-20 Mobile One oil to the toyota dealer and have them change my oil and filter. I let the oil change man get the oil filter from parts department as it's similar priced as the aftermarket ones from the auto stores. I think they charge me like $15 labor plus the filter price to do the change. Be sure to ask the service dept about pricing if you plan on having the dealer change your oil and filter.

 

I stay corrected. it's 4.3 qrt without filter

Engine Oil capacity (drain and refill)qt., Imp. qt.)
With filter: 4.3 (4.5, 3.8)
Without filter: 4.1 (4.3, 3.6)