We all know how unreliable the in-car oil level gauge is, but is it typical for the needle to move when turning on and off the lights? When I turn the lights on the needle jumps and stays at a different level! Typical? Another reason to ignore it entirely?

 

That sounds unusual! I ignore it most of the time; just see what it says when I put the car away and it is nice and warm.

 

I wouldn't necessarily call it "unreliable"...you just need to understand the relationship between the gauge needle position and the dipstick level. Once you have established that, the gauge is very useful...as in when it drops out of range on the lower end...it's time to add oil.

Needle jumping when you turn the lights on....hmmm....sounds like an electrical issue of some sort. As if the current supplying the needle movement is being altered when the electrical system is loaded down by the current draw of the headlights. I have never checked/noticed if mine does the same thing.

 

My guess is that it is an electrical gauge, the ground is shared with the other gauges which share their ground with the gauge lights. When the lights come on there is a draw on the circuit and, more than likely, all of the gaiges move a touch. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

How many cars have you owned in the past had a oil level gauge? None?

I don't even look at mine I have such disdain for it uselessness

 

disdain for the gauge. Love it

I do use it to eyeball level and often check the level as compared to the stick. It sits mid level when the stick is about 1/4" from the top. As new owner of this particular car since april, have noted that it uses about 3/4 of a quart per 3000 miles. Not shabby according to searches here.