Oil Level false reading
07-10-2017, 11:34 AM
#1
Oil Level false reading
I've got an issue with my 2011 3.0 TDI (958)
I get an error on the dash about oil level being at minimum regardless of how much oil is there. We actually did an oil change recently so the oil level is for sure proper, but it still shows the error. I've also replaced the oil level sensor today with an OEM one (same part number) and it still shows the issue.
It comes up even when the car is cold, never says anything about oil level not being available etc.
Any ideas? Any way to reset the oil level state?
I get an error on the dash about oil level being at minimum regardless of how much oil is there. We actually did an oil change recently so the oil level is for sure proper, but it still shows the error. I've also replaced the oil level sensor today with an OEM one (same part number) and it still shows the issue.
It comes up even when the car is cold, never says anything about oil level not being available etc.
Any ideas? Any way to reset the oil level state?
07-10-2017, 11:43 AM
#2
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Not that I know of... iCarScan is capable of seeing what the ECU thinks the oil level sensor is telling it, but it's not clear to me how much use that would be to you.
07-10-2017, 12:00 PM
#3
07-10-2017, 02:49 PM
#5
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Are you referring to this app?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...iCarScan&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...iCarScan&hl=en
Search the forum (this and the one above, and probably 6speedonline - for "icarscan" you'll get to learn all about it.
06-29-2019, 11:53 AM
#6
I just wanted to update on this. I *finally* figured it out. Probably won't help anyone BUT...
My car was in an accident in the past. The latch for the hood was replaced. There seems to be more then one version of the latch. The replacement did not have some plug on it, therefor it was not detected that the hood was lifted and thus it would never reset the oil status.
My car was in an accident in the past. The latch for the hood was replaced. There seems to be more then one version of the latch. The replacement did not have some plug on it, therefor it was not detected that the hood was lifted and thus it would never reset the oil status.
06-29-2019, 12:44 PM
#7
This happened to me recently after having an Indy do my oil change. I actually turned back around and called them to let them know. They freaked thinking someone left the drain plug loose or something. Poor guy was out there as I rolled up. As soon as I put car in park, oil level shot up to max.
The actual mechanic told me that the oil gauge isn’t much of a gauge. It’s either full or it’s not. A faulty sensor can cause what happened. He recommended having the dealer check it since it’s under warranty still.
The actual mechanic told me that the oil gauge isn’t much of a gauge. It’s either full or it’s not. A faulty sensor can cause what happened. He recommended having the dealer check it since it’s under warranty still.
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06-29-2019, 01:22 PM
#8
Instructor
Originally Posted by Mrg02D
This happened to me recently after having an Indy do my oil change. I actually turned back around and called them to let them know. They freaked thinking someone left the drain plug loose or something. Poor guy was out there as I rolled up. As soon as I put car in park, oil level shot up to max.
The actual mechanic told me that the oil gauge isn’t much of a gauge. It’s either full or it’s not. A faulty sensor can cause what happened. He recommended having the dealer check it since it’s under warranty still.
The actual mechanic told me that the oil gauge isn’t much of a gauge. It’s either full or it’s not. A faulty sensor can cause what happened. He recommended having the dealer check it since it’s under warranty still.
Also of note should be that the oil level reading on the instrument cluster is set up in increments. On the V8 models, the engine takes about 9.5 quarts of oil with a full drain and filter change. If you're one increment below the normal level, that's the equivalent of 1/4 quart. If you're two increments low, that's about half a quart of oil necessary to bring you back to the normal range.
06-29-2019, 02:36 PM
#9
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Also of note should be that the oil level reading on the instrument cluster is set up in increments. On the V8 models, the engine takes about 9.5 quarts of oil with a full drain and filter change. If you're one increment below the normal level, that's the equivalent of 1/4 quart. If you're two increments low, that's about half a quart of oil necessary to bring you back to the normal range.
12-21-2021, 04:18 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
The oil sensor is one of the most frustrating things on the 958. If you open the hood, it takes like 30 miles of driving to reset the oil level reading. My Indy somehow bypasses this by manually clicking the hood latch with a screwdriver before inserting the key while the hood is open so the system doesn't reset the sensor. He explained it once but honestly I can't remember the details and I always seem to forget to try whenever I mess around under there.
Also of note should be that the oil level reading on the instrument cluster is set up in increments. On the V8 models, the engine takes about 9.5 quarts of oil with a full drain and filter change. If you're one increment below the normal level, that's the equivalent of 1/4 quart. If you're two increments low, that's about half a quart of oil necessary to bring you back to the normal range.
Also of note should be that the oil level reading on the instrument cluster is set up in increments. On the V8 models, the engine takes about 9.5 quarts of oil with a full drain and filter change. If you're one increment below the normal level, that's the equivalent of 1/4 quart. If you're two increments low, that's about half a quart of oil necessary to bring you back to the normal range.
12-21-2021, 06:42 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Also of note should be that the oil level reading on the instrument cluster is set up in increments. On the V8 models, the engine takes about 9.5 quarts of oil with a full drain and filter change. If you're one increment below the normal level, that's the equivalent of 1/4 quart. If you're two increments low, that's about half a quart of oil necessary to bring you back to the normal range.