Dayton Daily News

Wheels: Randall writes, “I have a 1998 Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7-liter engine. When I check the oil with the dipstick, I get a different reading every time, no matter how many times I check it. I called the dealer. He said to start the car and run the engine for a couple of minutes. Then, shut it off and let sit a couple minutes, and check the oil level. It’s still the same. Do you have a suggestion?”

Halderman: For most engines, the oil level should be checked before starting the engine and after it has been sitting overnight. I have read that some engines will not display an accurate oil level unless the engine has been off for five hours or longer. It takes a long time for the oil to travel from passages and locations, such as the cylinder head and overhead camshafts, and back into the oil pan.

Also, be sure that the vehicle is on a level location to avoid an error in reading the oil level. Therefore, for best results, park somewhere level and check the oil in the morning before starting the engine.

Remove the dipstick and using a shop cloth, wipe the oil off and reinstall. Be sure that the dipstick is fully depressed to get an accurate measurement. Remove the dipstick a second time and observe the oil level. The oil level should be between full and add. Do not overfill. The add mark indicates that 1 quart of oil is needed.

Wheels: An e-mail from Wally says, “I have a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup. The problem I experienced is that the electronic heater control display went black. At first I unplugged the wires from the back and there was power, then it quit altogether. I spent $200 for a heater control and it is still black. What is the problem? The fuse is good. Help!”

Halderman: I checked the files at the international automotive technicians network (www.iatn.net) and I found one reference to a problem exactly as you described. It turned out to be a loose ground connection at a connector under the dash behind the ash tray. I suggest that you check that out and see if that takes care of your problem.

Wheels: Roger asked, “I am looking for a used car. I found a 2005 model that has 41 miles on the odometer. It has been sitting in a garage since December 2004. Nothing was done to prepare the car for storage. It was not driven during this “storage” period. Are there any concerns I should have about a car like this?”

Halderman: I think the gasoline will be your biggest concern. The life of gasoline is about 90 days unless it has been treated, which I doubt was done. What to do? I suggest that you fill the tank using gas cans with fresh gasoline and then start the vehicle and let it run for several hours to get it up to operating temperature to get as much of the old fuel as possible through the system.