overfilling oil

[mbsf1970]

So this is NOT mustang related but i thought I'd come here to ask...

I have changed my own oil for a couple if years now in my 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i.Never had a problem.....until today.

After changing oil, I dumped the usual jug of synthetic in (4.4 litres)
After getting car down off of ramps and idling, the engine oil light came on and has stayed on.....It appears as thought there is a touch more oil in than should be (according to dipstick). Manual says 4.2 litres fills it. so apparently there may be 200ml more than suggested.
drain or drive?? Should I drive it a couple days and let things settle or unscrew plug and drain some off until level falls off a touch?? Opinions are quite mixed on internet...

Stephen

 

[rvrtrash]

I have no idea how much 200ml is , and no nothing about Subaru's, but find it hard to believe that would make the oil light come on, although some cars are pretty picky about oil level. If you did want to drain a little oil though, probably the easiest way to do it would be to remove the oil filter and drain a little out of it. If you pull the drain pan plug, a lot typically comes out.

Steve

 

[Mosesatm]

6.7 ounces

 

[mbsf1970]

humour me on this one......if I loosen the plug a little, isn't that easier than loosening the filter? wouldn't both seep before gushing? or is it because filter is higher up that less oil would leak out???

 

[franklinair]

Call me a stickler. Drain ALL the oil, and refill with the correct quantity. Then you'll KNOW its right.
If the Oil light still comes on, that's a different problem.

Neil

 

[mbsf1970]

I just changed it! are you saying drain it and use same oil to pour back in or pour yet another jug of fresh oil in.....if its the latter, seems like a waste....

Stephen

 

[Mosesatm]

I'd use new oil and a new filter but that's just me.

 

[mbsf1970]

UPDATE: so I drained a little oil....light still on!! I changed the new filter....light still on!!!

I read on internet several differing opinions and solutions regarding issue, I called Dealership her and in the end all i had to do was run engine until it reached normal operating temp and VOILÀ, engine light off!!

Turns out, the reason for the light was NOT the overfilling but rather because i had key in ignition set in "ON" position during oil change so I could listen to radio at same time...OBSCURE but true!!

thanks everyone for your guidance and suggestions!

Stephen

 

[Midnight Special]

...Also, <check engine> lights come on for a myriad of reasons, mostly minor (to include a loose gas cap and even engine cleaning). They typically don't go off right away after correcting the problem, though long as you suspect what it was, a 10-20-mile drive usually clears it

 

[BigJim]

You did the correct thing draining the over fill. Too much oil can do serious damage to an engine.