So, I'm looking to buy a Crossfire. I took a used '05 with 20k miles out for a test drive from a local dealer. After a 10 mile test drive without any serious hard driving (the salesman was in the car, after all) but several stretches of flooring it, a symbol came on in the instrument cluster, accompanied by a beep -- the oil can over fluid symbol, in the center of the cluster lcd display. It said "HI" next to it. Reading through the manual downloaded from Chrysler's site, I couldn't find what "HI" oil in the instrument panel means. The coolant temperature gauge was at typical levels, and I didn't notice the oil pressure light being on. I'm guessing it's not the lubrication system just being friendly with me.

Anyone know what the alert means?

 

It indicates that oil level is high in the motor, Happens often after oil changes.
Extra oil should be removed from the motor.

 

Thanks for the answer. Was hoping it was something that simple, just was concerned about driving off a lemon -- it's not normally a terribly good thing to see a warning light come on during the test drive...

I'm well aware that too little oil can have disastrous results, but can having too much actually damage the engine?

 

Yes, it's stated in the instruction manual.

 

Yes, extra oil increases the pressure on the seals unnecessrily and can cause leaks. The excess needs to be suctioned out. A bigger concern about these idiots is what kind of oil is used? Many ignore the little Mobil10W-40 decal on the engine frame and use dinosaur oil. I had to convince two different dealers (or the SRT6 and the 2007) that was the wrong oil and they needed to fix it as a condition of sale -- I also asked for a copy of the new oil change receipt each time.

 

Not sure how extra oil can increase pressure, but it can cause the crank shaft to whip air into the oil which can then be sucked up by the oil pump. Air in the oil system is not the best way to lubricate the engine.

 

FWIW, it should be 0W40, not 10W40...

 

I am not sure either how a high oil level will increase oil pressure causing seals to leak. As stated above, the high oil level will aerate from the crankshaft. That means you are starving your engine of oil because of air mixed in. Oil does not only lubricate the engine, it also removes heat and with air in the oil, it is not as effective.

James

 

Don't know how it will specifically impact the Crossfire. Just know that my parents lost their beloved Saab because a mechanic couldn't read and put in too much oil during an oil change.

Just changed my oil over the week-end (thanks Hubby!) It takes about 8.5 quarts, the mechanic may have tried to stuff all 9 in there. Drain some off and it should be ok.