To get an accurate oil level reading should you check when the car is cold or after running for a while.

Engine oil should always be checked with the engine off, and the car sitting on level ground. Waiting a bit for the oil to drain back down into the oil pan will give you a more accurate reading.

Are you pulling the dip stick out with the engine running to check the oil level? You are only suppose the check the level when the engine is off. Oil level is high and in accurate while engine is running due to the oil pump pumping oil around the engine. :p

I agree. The most accurate reading is when the car has been sitting
level for at least an hour'

Ron

Check the oil level. Also can try a lower viscosity oil for cold weather especially. 5W30. You can also replace 1 quart of oil with a quart of Lucas Oil when changing your oil. That "pinking", I suspect, is your engine running dryer than it should for that second as the oil circulates. First make sure the level is filled up to the full line on the dipstick. Check when the car is off to get and accurate reading. The Lucas oil will stick to your cylinder walls far greater than standard oil preventing a "dry start." Good luck.

hi well i have always checked my levels when the engine is cold, the reason for this is the oil filter empties back into the engine anyway and normally as all the oil is in one place this will give you a better reading than if the oil has been displaced around the engine and will not have time after a few minutes to seep back into the sump, but i dare say some people will say, you have to run the engine to fill the oil filter so it is full and then check, not so as that is the reason for the level on the dip stick to check the level , i do how ever contradict myself by saying, if you have changed the oil and filter on the vehicle, then you do run the engine for a bit then check the level, but let it go cold to check level again...hope this helps

If your car with 5 speed automatic transmission there are special dipstick for it, it only have with dealers workshop, drive there and ask them need to check trans oil, if u found right dipstick you can check it your self, trans mission dipstick tube locate at back side the engine at right of middle, dipstick tube have covered by black cap with read lock, first you have to brake read lock and push remain read plastic lock inside the cap by small flat screw driver, and open cap, then keep engine running and check oil level if your car trans oil cold it should be the cold level on dipstick for check trans oil you must have better knowledge for that it mean oil level be deference and deference temperature better ask mechanic to check it, if your car have the 7speed trans mission you can't check oil level because it's need to plug diagnostics computer in to the your car and get trans oil in to 45 degree temperature, The oil temperature can check only diagnose CPU and also after rich the 45 degree temp need to open drain plug screw and check level for do this must need to get experience technicians service, is this information helped you?

doesnt matter ,last question this because CSI is on the TV

To check engine oil level engine needs to be off, if check while engine running, oil will splash inside oil pan and all over your dip stick giving you bad reading, Check oil level with engine off and add to full mark on oil dip stick. Running engine with low oil will cause major damage to your engine. To check transmission level engine needs to be running at normal engine temp.

All dipsticks have an upper and lower mark ..the top mark is the full mark and the lower mark is the add oil mark. Check it with the engine off on level ground.  Also after the motor running at take a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan to get an accurate reading.  
Do not overfill.

There is service bulletin for this. Dodge has released a different oil sender with a different plug-in.