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Low oil warning - sensor issue?

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Old 06-21-2020, 10:40 AM
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Bob in NY
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Default Low oil warning - sensor issue?

Hi!
The low oil light comes on intermittently on my 997. When I check the oil and of course it's full, the light goes out. I suspect some type of sensor issue. Anyone else have this issue or know how to fix this issue?
Thanks for any feedback!
Old 06-21-2020, 01:54 PM
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Hella-Buggin'
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Is it possible it's on the threshold, with condensation, that it's alerting to overfill and not low?
Old 06-21-2020, 02:11 PM
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Bob in NY
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Originally Posted by Hella-Buggin'
Is it possible it's on the threshold, with condensation, that it's alerting to overfill and not low?
Hmm, good point. The gage shows all bars full but last year it was the same measurement and it only lit up once. Some days it won't do it and others it could light up a few times. The car doesn't use any oil so I doubt the oil level will drop. I'll keep an eye on it and next oil change I'll make sure it's not overfilled. Thanks for the feedback.
Old 06-21-2020, 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob in NY
Hmm, good point. The gage shows all bars full but last year it was the same measurement and it only lit up once. Some days it won't do it and others it could light up a few times. The car doesn't use any oil so I doubt the oil level will drop. I'll keep an eye on it and next oil change I'll make sure it's not overfilled. Thanks for the feedback.
@Bob in NY
I know it may seem like an obvious question, but nevertheless worth asking as you didn't mention in the first post.
What surface you are checking on for your reference? Are you sure it is level? The sensor readings are very sensitive to even minor changes in the angle of the vehicle.
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Old 06-21-2020, 11:30 PM
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Bob in NY
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Yup, level ground but the check oil light comes on only when I'm driving. I pull over to a flat surface and it always shows full, then the light goes off.
Old 06-22-2020, 07:48 AM
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Miamirice
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I would watch your oil pressure. Is it behaving normally? I am thinking the sending unit might be bad. Mine was bad and it had the opposite affect, always high pressure. It a cheap and easy fix. Took 30 minutes.
Old 06-22-2020, 08:57 AM
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Send us a pictore of the dash oil level when you check it. Are you sure the warning you're seeing is low oil level and not a high oil level warning? You're going to need to measure the amount that comes out at your next oil change just to know. The senders do go bad though. If you turn the key to check the level, what pressure does your oil pressure gauge show without the car running?
Old 06-22-2020, 10:43 AM
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Bruce In Philly
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2009 C2S 157K miles

Hella may be right....

I checked my owner's manual (see below)... you may be seeing the OVERFILL warning.

Peace
Bruce in Philly



Old 06-22-2020, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Bruce In Philly
2009 C2S 157K miles

Hella may be right....

I checked my owner's manual (see below)... you may be seeing the OVERFILL warning.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Yes, that was my same point in my message below since he says it always shows full when he checks it.

Overfull, is a good way to foul plugs and damage the AOS.
Old 06-23-2020, 10:47 PM
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Bob in NY
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All great points. Next time it goes on I'll take a picture and post it. My gage shows one bar above the example on the left. It could very well be slightly overfilled. Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback. I'll report back on my findings soon since I have a 100 mile plus trip planned for tomorrow.
Old 06-24-2020, 12:08 AM
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I would drain some oil first..... Your one of the few who actually got a light from overfill....

You can't get a hose down the oil filler or the filter housing... I tried.

Peace
Bruce in Philly
Old 06-24-2020, 08:47 AM
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cwheeler
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Low oil is better than overfilled oil.
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Old 06-24-2020, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob in NY
Hi!
The low oil light comes on intermittently on my 997. When I check the oil and of course it's full, the light goes out. I suspect some type of sensor issue. Anyone else have this issue or know how to fix this issue?
Thanks for any feedback!
Same here. I have a 2009 997.2 S with 23000 miles. Occasionally the check oil light comes on. I just reset it and get it measured again then all is good. I gave up to worry about it.
Old 06-24-2020, 09:48 PM
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Bob in NY
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Originally Posted by Bob in NY
All great points. Next time it goes on I'll take a picture and post it. My gage shows one bar above the example on the left. It could very well be slightly overfilled. Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback. I'll report back on my findings soon since I have a 100 mile plus trip planned for tomorrow.
Here are the readings from today. Everything else is normal but I'm thinking of draining some oil.

Old 06-24-2020, 10:04 PM
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Your warning is an overfull one, not a low one.


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