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Engine Oil Leaks

NOTE: If an overnight drive is done, the fan air or road air blast can cause erroneous readings.
NOTE: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source and location of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair.

Prior to carrying out this procedure, clean the cylinder block, cylinder heads, valve covers, oil pan and flywheel/flexplate with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.

Hybrid Engine Running Diagnostic Mode 

The engine running diagnostic mode is a hybrid powertrain control module strategy which is separate from the normal operating strategy. The specifics described here are applicable only to the power-split hybrid variants. When in this mode, the engine is running and does not turn off, as it does during normal operation. The engine RPM may be increased to the desired speed as the vehicle is in the pedal follower mode. To activate the engine running diagnostic mode the gear selector must be in PARK, and the ignition cycled to START. The engine is allowed to idle as long as the powertrain and hybrid electric systems operate within the calibrated limits. This mode is helpful whenever the engine must stay running for diagnostics and repairs that require the engine to be idling for extended time. Carry out the following sequence to activate this mode.

NOTE: To increase success, make sure the vehicle is completely powered down before beginning the procedure.
  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Make sure the gear selector is in PARK and the ignition is off.
    NOTE: Do not start the engine.
  3. Switch the ignition on, leaving the engine off.
  4. Within 5 seconds of switching the ignition on, fully apply the accelerator pedal and hold for 10 seconds.
  5. Release the accelerator pedal and, within 5 seconds, apply the brake, shift the vehicle to Drive (D), release the brake and immediately apply the accelerator pedal for 10 seconds.
  6. Release the accelerator pedal and shift the gear selector to PARK within 5 seconds (it is not necessary to apply the brake when shifting to Park [P]).
NOTE: If this procedure is unsuccessful, switch the ignition off and allow the vehicle to fully power down for 10-15 seconds. Once this time frame has passed, attempt this procedure again starting with step 1.

If the sequence is correctly executed the powertrain malfunction indicator (wrench lamp) flashes once per second when the gear selector is shifted to PARK. The engine may be started by cycling the ignition to START. The hybrid powertrain control module exits the engine running mode when the gear selector is shifted to any gear other than PARK, when the ignition is turned to the OFF or ACC position, or the powertrain or hybrid electric system exceeds calibrated limits.

Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method 

NOTE: If the factory fill engine oil with dye is present, change the engine oil and the oil filter prior to using the Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601).
NOTE: Oil leaks form drops of oil and while seepage does not. Oil seepage is considered normal.

Use the UV Long-Wave W/12-foot Cord and Alligator Clips (164-R3748) or Leak Tracker UV-LED Leak Detection Flashlight (164-TP8695) to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.

  1. Add 29.6 ml (1 oz) of Dye-Lite® Oil-Based Fluid Dye (164-TP33200601) to a minimum of 0.47L (1/2 qt) and a maximum of 0.95L (1 qt) engine oil. Thoroughly premix the oil based fluid dye or it will not have enough time to reach the crankcase, oil galleries and seal surfaces during this particular 15 minute test. The additive must be added through the oil fill. Check the level on the oil level indicator to determine what amount of oil to premix. If it is in the middle of the crosshatch area or below the full mark, use 0.95L (1 qt). If it is at the full mark, use 0.47L (1/2 qt).
  2. NOTE: For best results allow the customer to drive the vehicle for a day.

    Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using the UV Leak Detector Kit. A fluoresces white area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours may be required for the leak to appear.

  3. At the end of test, make sure the oil level is within the upper and lower oil indicator marks. Remove oil as necessary if it registers above the full mark.

Leakage Points - Underhood 

Examine the following areas for oil leakage:

Leakage Points - Under Engine, With Vehicle on Hoist 

Examine the following areas for oil leakage:

Leakage Points - With Transmission and Flywheel/Flexplate Removed 

Examine the following areas for oil leakage:

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