Oil level sensor

[Maxheadroom]

How reliable is the oil level sensor ? I haven’t done too many miles since I bought the car last year ( sept I think ) infact only 2000 Miles, I check oil level quite often when being used but it always shows full ( 100% , all bars etc ) . I was initially expecting to top up occasionally after reading several oil usage related posts and comments on this forum. 

[barryb]

Hi

 

I had the same thoughts as you, the level indicator was always full. After I had the car for a few months I did an oil change and when the oil was drained I checked the oil level, it was showing zero so at least I knew it was moving. The drained oil filled the empty oil containers so I felt there was enough oil that came out. I have since done 3 more changes and am quite happy that the engine is not using oil. I hope like me you have a good engine that uses no oil.

 

Barry

 

[Maxheadroom]

12 hours ago, barryb said:

Hi

 

I had the same thoughts as you, the level indicator was always full. After I had the car for a few months I did an oil change and when the oil was drained I checked the oil level, it was showing zero so at least I knew it was moving. The drained oil filled the empty oil containers so I felt there was enough oil that came out. I have since done 3 more changes and am quite happy that the engine is not using oil. I hope like me you have a good engine that uses no oil.

 

Barry

 

Thanks Barry, will be having car serviced within a couple of months anyway so will see how things go from there. In the mean time will just have to keep an eye on it.

cheers 

[Bushman]

only do an oil level check on flat and level ground, preferably on a cold engine before you start it to get consistency, and a sump full of oil. I reckon that one graduated section of the 4 or 5 sections on the indicator, equates to about 250ml. this is really quite sensitive when you think about it and would be about the same as 5-6mm on a conventional dipstick of a large wet sump engine where the hi-lo marks might be 30 to 40mm apart.

[Maxheadroom]

21 hours ago, Bushman said:

only do an oil level check on flat and level ground, preferably on a cold engine before you start it to get consistency, and a sump full of oil. I reckon that one graduated section of the 4 or 5 sections on the indicator, equates to about 250ml. this is really quite sensitive when you think about it and would be about the same as 5-6mm on a conventional dipstick of a large wet sump engine where the hi-lo marks might be 30 to 40mm apart.

 

Oil level always checked in garage which I know is level, interesting info Bushman thanks, but I find the “belt and braces” old fashioned dip stick method gives me more piece of mind......... if you know what I mean.

 

Anyone know or ever had an oil sensor fail  ? 

 

[crafty1]

I have had an oil sensor fail when my driveshaft made a bid for freedom it damaged some wiring.

 

It comes up on the dash as 'Oil level sensor fail'. A new one is being fitted this Saturday.