Oil filler cap says,"To avoid damage to engine oil must not exceed MAX.". Manual, at 183, also says, CAUTION! Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

My oil level on the dipstick WHEN CHECKED WITH ENGINE COLD as suggested is about 1/4" ABOVE the pointy end of the MAX arrow, i.e, well outside the "NORMAL OPERATING RANGE" shown on p. 182.

Is this too much oil? do I need to drain a cup or so? Is it in fact damaging the engine (by impeding proper function of oil-pressure-based adjusters, or otherwise)? What damage is caused by overfilling?

Car came filled this high. I haven't added or changed oil. Has 400 mi. on it. Would appreciate any help here, about to take fairly long drive.