Fracture

Changed the oil last week with
a full 2+ hour drain
After consolidating all the oil, it measured 8 1/2 qts.

Perfectly clean drain plug and I drained and stored the filter
a Wix because I have the L & N spin on adapter

So after 8 full quarts, let the car idle to warm up and a few
hours later add another 1/2 qt. and another pint or so the next
day

The oil level sensor shows 3 bars when actuated, but the dipstick
reads dead center
Car runs perfectly, no smoke, no overfill
Pressure gauge operates as it did previously

I trust the dipstick and have been driving the car almost daily

anyone ever have this happen ? did it return to functioning normally ?

I read this and suppose the Oil Level Sensor could have gone bad as depicted here
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-replaced.html

DBJoe996

I do not understand but it seems about right with only 8.5 quarts that you would only get 3 bars. That's a bit low for normal DD. You said your dipstick reads dead center which means you are below the full mark. I don't get why you would run that level. Get the engine stone cold, like after sitting overnight, check engine oil level and bring it up to the full mark. Mine takes 10.25 quarts after an oil/oil filter change to hit the full mark, stock oil pan and spin-on adapter. Then, when it is run the oil level drops a little due to circulation of the oil in the engine.

Fracture

that was it, added 1 qt. for a total of 9 3/4 qts.
now the dash gauge reads properly

I'd forgotten that previous changes were in excess of 9 qts.

smh

TonyTwoBags

A smidge over 9 is what I run if memory serves me trufffully. Did the drain include the oil in the filter & filter drain?

Fracture

Yes Tony, oil from the filter too
and thanks Joe

I try to avoid overfill issues, so 8 qts., then run it and bring it up
by adding 1/2 its.

just a senior moment