How to Check the Oil Level in a 1999 Toyota Camry
by Dustin Thornton
Oil lubricates hot engine components while the car is in motion and is essential for any automobile engine to function. According to the 1999 Toyota Camry Owner's Manual, you should check your oil level each time you refuel the car. Continuously driving the vehicle with low oil can damage the motor beyond repair. Fortunately, checking the oil level in a Camry is identical to checking the engine on any engine and takes only a few minutes to perform.
Step 1
Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and switch the engine off. Wait about five minutes for the engine oil to drip back into the engine oil pan, so you get an accurate reading when you check the engine oil.
Step 2
Pull the hood-lock release lever on the driver's side of the vehicle. The lever is located to the left of the steering wheel, below the dash.
Step 3
Unlatch the auxiliary catch lever and lift the hood up. The auxiliary catch lever is located between the hood and grill. Press the latch upward to release it.
Step 4
Lock the hood in place by lifting up on the support rod along the front of the engine bay and inserting the tip into the support rod slot on the bottom of the hood.
Step 5
Locate the engine oil-level dipstick. The dipstick is located on the top of the engine block, slightly to the left. The top of the dipstick is a circular yellow ring.
Step 6
Grip the ring of the dipstick in one hand and pull the dipstick out slowly. Support the bottom of the dipstick with the other hand. Handle the bottom of the dipstick with the paper towel or rag to prevent getting oil on your hands.
Step 7
Clean the end of the dipstick with the paper towel or rag and reinsert it into the dipstick hole. Pull the dipstick down into the hole completely.
Step 8
Pull the dipstick back out and examine the end of it. The 1999 Toyota Camry has two types of dipsticks, one with two holes in the end and the other with an "L" and "F" marked on the end. Ensure that the oil level is between the "L" and "F" or between the two holes. If the oil level is below the "L" or bottom hole, add oil to the engine.
Step 9
Replace the dipstick and add extra oil if necessary. Lower the hood.
References
Things You'll Need
- Paper towel or rag
Writer Bio
Dustin Thornton has been writing since 2003. He has served as a newspaper columnist for the "Troy Tropolitan" and a contributor to various websites. Thornton received a partial scholarship for an outstanding essay in 2003. He has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Troy University.
