Infuriating Oil Change (Reduce oil level Workshop)

jfh777

Member
I've a 2021 T6.1 (only 20,000 miles), had a a few months before it's oil service became due...
I did the oil service myself, as I've previously serviced our Passat and had no problems.

Now, I know I made a mistake early on - I didn't do enough research and blindly followed YouTube vids claiming that it takes 7.4 litres of oil.

As I'm sure some here will already know, and I've now found out, the correct amount of oil depends on the emissions code, mine being 4BH (CXHA engine code).

In this case, I should have only given it 6.4 litres. I probably should have done a hot reading on the dipstick, but I didn't...

Fortunately, the van alerted me to the error on the first drive "Reduce Oil - Workshop".
This caused me to go and do some research and realise my mistake.

I fully drained the oil out and meticulously measured back in 6.38 litres of oil.
Thought that was the end of it, but to my surprise I continued to get "Reduce Oil - Workshop" over a number of trips, presumably as the oil warmed up.

I thought ok, I'll drain out an additional 300ml (leaving 6.1 litres), that will surely be enough to stop the complaints...

For a week or so, it did indeed appear happy, but now I'm again getting "Reduce Oil - Workshop".

So today, I've removed another 100ml (leaving 6 litres), but I'm struggling to reconcile my conscience against the mandated 6.4 litres. It just seems odd that such a variance should exist between what VW say and reality.

I'm confident I've caused this, as the van was perfect before I changed the oil. It just seems super finickety about it.
I've found various threads talking about the thermal expansion of the oil etc, and it does seem to be acknowlwedged that it's sensitive, but seriously...

I've attached a pic of my dipstick measured HOT, and after getting the warning. Even hot I'm below the upper limit (about the point indicated in the handbook).

Be interested to know if people still think this is on the high side and if I should keep removing if the most recent 100ml doesn't fix it.



PXL_20260514_162528177.webp
 
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The 6.4 litres required includes the oil filter. Did you drain the oil filter as well befor added the 6.4 litres?
What is the dipstick reading when engine has been standing for 1/2 an hour or so ? (oil all drained back into sump)
 
That looks a touch on the high side. I run mine about 40% from the lower mark, as checked stone cold, and that cured the problem.
 
I have read that it can take a while for the fault to clear after you have reduced the oil level, so it it looks ok on the dipstick, I would just drive it and see if the fault clears.
 
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