Engine Oil: Inspection

Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Remove the oil level gauge and wipe it clean.
Reinsert the level gauge all the way. Be sure that the level gauge is correctly inserted and in the proper orientation.
Remove the level gauge again and record the oil level. If the engine oil level is below the "L" line, add oil to bring the level up to the "F" line.
- 2.5 L model
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Engine Oil Level (2.5 L Model)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- 3.0 L model
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Engine Oil Level (3.0 L Model)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Start and warm-up the engine.
After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level.
NOTE: Just after driving or while the engine is warm, engine oil level may show in the range between the "F" line and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of engine oil. (2.5L model)
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add oil above the "F" line when the engine is cold.
CAUTION: If the engine oil is spilt over exhaust pipe or the under cover, wipe it off with cloth to avoid emitting smoke or causing a fire.

NOTE: Upper level and lower level are set when the engine is cold because the oil level gauge is used for daily maintenance.