flash40 Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 2015 Legacy Limited Break in oil change done at 3k, and regular changes every 6k - always. Using mobil 0-20. Always do OEM filter at oil change. Spirited driver. Only recent driving habit change is I'm using AC more (in NY). 52k miles on engine. At 4k of my 6k change interval. Any thoughts? No obvious leaks. Dipstick showed oil level 1/4 above bottom hole. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cseagle08 Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 Hopefully it is ok after adding oil. Usually the low oil light is the kiss of death on the EJ motors. Even without leaks you should check your oil more often than 4-6k miles. I'd say more like every 2k is a good idea. I probably check mine once every few weeks, or more often if I'm thinking about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdog81 Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 Reprogramming File Availability for Extended Engine Cranking (Delayed Starting) and Engine Oil Level Detection Improvement This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to address customer concerns of extended cranking time before the engine starts. These files also optimize the ECM for improved engine oil level detection. Replacement of the oil level switch is also required to complement the new logic. Information contained in any technical document found on the STIS web site should only be used as reference material for highly trained automotive technicians. Only automotive technicians have the training and the special tools/equipment to repair Subaru vehicles. 11-162-16 11-162-16R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronemus Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 I've used higher viscosity oil as the miles piled up. I use Castrol GTX 20W-50 in "seasoned" engines to limit the burnoff to less than 1 quart in 5k miles. On older Legacies 20W-50 was listed for extreme duty situations, but my '17 OB only lists 0W-20. The FSM listed 10W-30 IIRC, but I had to dig to find it. I plan to stick with 0W-20 through the life of the powertrain warranty and then go up as needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisvegas Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 2015 Legacy Limited Break in oil change done at 3k, and regular changes every 6k - always. Using mobil 0-20. Always do OEM filter at oil change. Spirited driver. Only recent driving habit change is I'm using AC more (in NY). 52k miles on engine. At 4k of my 6k change interval. Any thoughts? No obvious leaks. Dipstick showed oil level 1/4 above bottom hole.Thanks I'm not sure how relevant these articles are to your post, and I apologize if they have been discussed before on the forum, but I just happen to come across them now ... http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/06/excessive-oil-consumption/index.htm https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-settles-oil-consumption-lawsuit http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2016/subaru-oil-consumption-class-action-lawsuit.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash40 Posted June 21, 2017 Author Share Posted June 21, 2017 Thanks all. The light actually went off half way thru my commute. I added a 1\4 qt of oil when I got home. And it's been fine today. Possibly just a little low and some burning off led to a lower level. I'll check more often, and thinking of switching from Mobil1 to Castrol as some reviews say Castrol Edge helps with oil consumption. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisvegas Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 Thanks all. The light actually went off half way thru my commute. I added a 1\4 qt of oil when I got home. And it's been fine today. Possibly just a little low and some burning off led to a lower level. I'll check more often, and thinking of switching from Mobil1 to Castrol as some reviews say Castrol Edge helps with oil consumption. Glad it seems OK. Here is a video that might interest you. As usual I apologize in advance for the crude presenter .... but I think he is sufficiently qualified to raise some points about oil usage. I also think it needs to be noted that "the loudmouth" makes a clear and valid distinction between what he regards as "normal" oil consumption, and oil consumption that increases over time and then becomes "abnormal." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 Hopefully it is ok after adding oil. Usually the low oil light is the kiss of death on the EJ motors. It's the red oil pressure light that's a killer. The yellow low level light shall normally coincide with the low mark on the stick. If it don't and come on earlier then it's probably just the sensor that's acting up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jsmith Posted June 22, 2017 Share Posted June 22, 2017 Thanks all. The light actually went off half way thru my commute. I added a 1\4 qt of oil when I got home. And it's been fine today. Possibly just a little low and some burning off led to a lower level. I'll check more often, and thinking of switching from Mobil1 to Castrol as some reviews say Castrol Edge helps with oil consumption. My 2010 2.5 ate Mobil1. I started having the oil consumption issue right around where you are now...55-57K miles in 2012...165K now, still eats oil, but I use 10-40 or 20-50 depending on the time of year and she keeps on going and going. Its the only issue I've encountered. I just created a habit of checking the oil each time I filled up and I avoid the low oil light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opie Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 A low oil light is just that, an indicator that the oil is low. After 4k not something I'd be real worried about, maybe the oil didn't get filled all the way on the last change, maybe it consumed a little more than normal (high RPM, heavy load). I would top it off and keep an eye on it. I also wouldn't use Mobil 1, for whatever reason it always seems to disappear from Subaru engines... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Considering that - I'm due for service and I recently checked the oil and it's in the middle between top and bottom mark and no oil has been filled during that time. So acceptable oil consumption for the NA service interval of 15000 km. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisvegas Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 maybe the oil didn't get filled all the way on the last change, I think that is good point. For those who do their own oil changes then it would not be a problem, but for others who need to take it a dealer, then I think it's a good habit to get into to check the fluid levels when you get home, just to make sure everything is as it should be. ( I also check the wheels nuts and once found they had not been fully tightened ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin3.6R Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 I think that is good point. For those who do their own oil changes then it would not be a problem, but for others who need to take it a dealer, then I think it's a good habit to get into to check the fluid levels when you get home, just to make sure everything is as it should be. ( I also check the wheels nuts and once found they had not been fully tightened ) Agreed. I only have 1K on the car but an oil check (at full temp after 5 min rest) showed 1/2 way between low and full. I will check again today. I have never had a car that needed oil between changes. That includes a 1999 and 2002 vette. I would hope this new car can make it 5K... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda_One Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 It is not uncommon to burn a little oil during initial break-in. Also oil consumption increases during spirited driving or extreme stop and go traffic. I haven't so far needed to add oil between changes but I would not be concern if I had to add little since I do use synthetic and 6000 miles/6 month intervals. Laughing at Oneself and with others is Good for the Soul Laughing at Oneself and with Other is good for the Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 I think that is good point. For those who do their own oil changes then it would not be a problem, but for others who need to take it a dealer, then I think it's a good habit to get into to check the fluid levels when you get home, just to make sure everything is as it should be. ( I also check the wheels nuts and once found they had not been fully tightened ) Also note that the stick shall be checked when the car has been resting for 5 minutes to make sure that all oil has ended up in the oil pan. I think that's stated in the manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerbomark Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 A low oil light is just that, an indicator that the oil is low. After 4k not something I'd be real worried about, maybe the oil didn't get filled all the way on the last change, maybe it consumed a little more than normal (high RPM, heavy load). I would top it off and keep an eye on it. I also wouldn't use Mobil 1, for whatever reason it always seems to disappear from Subaru engines... I agree with the fact that maybe it wasn t filled enough during the last oil change... but I have used Mobil 1 on all four Subi s of mine without issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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