So much for counting on an oil level sensor

[Quattro Pete]

I checked oil level in my g/f's '01 Jetta since she never does (which is another problem altogether). It had so little oil that the dipstick was completely dry. After I added 1 qt of oil, the oil level was still at the bottom mark of the dipstick. Since there's about 1 qt between the bottom and the top marks, then I assume the engine was about 2 quarts low on oil in total. Since this engine holds 4.5 quarts of oil in total, shouldn't being 2 quarts low cause an oil light to come on? Maybe it's broken...

 

[brianl703]

The oil level sensor in my 1988 Mustang GT has been broken since I got it. I'm thinking about replacing it since it drips a little out of the seal where it comes out of the oil pan.

 

[JHZR2]

the oil light is a pressure light. It needs to be having trouble maintaining pressure (likely because its not pulling enough oil through the pump) in order for the light to come on.

On a very old car a friend had, it would use/drip oil to thepoint that the light would come on sporadically. It would get refilled and then run for a while, repeat. No real issues besides the loss of oil...

Maybe some sensors are different, but it seems they are designed to come on at the first hint of loosing pressure. 2 quarts low may not be enough to cause this issue.... and the light for most cars isnt just related to bulk level.

 

[Quattro Pete]

So, can I assume no harm was done to the engine because the oil pressure wasn't low enough to warrant the oil light to come on?

 

[Dave Hess]

No harm done,

but if you really loved her.....you would of checked her oil a long time ago.

 

[StevieC]

Ask your Girlfriend if she would rather spend 2 or 2. $2,000 for Labour and parts for a new engine, or 2 seconds checking it every couple of days?

 

[GMBoy]

I think the poster was referring to the oil LEVEL sensor not a PRESSURE sensor. The level sensor is in the pan and alerts you to a low oil level..nothing to do with oil pressure.

 

[StevieC]

Sensors can fail, the dip-stick is a manual check that is always accurate

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
but if you really loved her.....you would of checked her oil a long time ago.

The fact that she lived 1000 miles away made it a bit difficult, but now that we live together I will certainly have it under my control.


Originally Posted By: StevieC
Ask your Girlfriend if she would rather spend 2 or 2. $2,000 for Labour and parts for a new engine, or 2 seconds checking it every couple of days?

I'm pretty sure a new engine and labor would be much more than 2 grand, but you know women... most of them just expect a car to work and don't think of checking anything on it.

 

[StevieC]

Yeah I know women... I wouldn't know, my dad is a Mechanic and my engines were always FREE

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
The oil level sensor in my 1988 Mustang GT has been broken since I got it. I'm thinking about replacing it since it drips a little out of the seal where it comes out of the oil pan.


Always loved that sensor. Lets you know when you are down 1 quart. All of my 302's have had it.

 

[The_Jeff]

For oil level sensors you can guesstimate by looking at the side of the pan where the gizmo enters and mentally calculating volume.

Very easily the light could be calibrated to come on when things are REALLY low... so it doesn't false trip parking on hills etc... then the unilluminated would fail to appreciate wacky lights always coming on for no reason.

Don't forget that per many owner's manuals, you are supposed to wait for the dipstick to be a quart low (to the ADD mark) before adding oil-- a holdback from the days when you opened a quart can and had to use the whole thing.

 

[H2GURU]

Large commercial engines have sensors with lights and shut-down capability if sensors aren't covered at start-up or any time during operation if owner prefers. Its an injustice and collusion on the manufacturers' part that this isn't offered as an option for buyers( elderly, female?)who don't do their own maintenance.

 

[mstrjon32]

My 1997 Monte Carlo and my 2006 Monte both have "low oil" sensors. Never seen it in either, the 2006 isn't using any oil at all and the 1997 only had a slow leak I eventually fixed. Perhaps one day before I refill it with oil I should just put the key in to see if it comes up with a low oil message.

 

[dhise]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: brianl703
The oil level sensor in my 1988 Mustang GT has been broken since I got it. I'm thinking about replacing it since it drips a little out of the seal where it comes out of the oil pan.


Always loved that sensor. Lets you know when you are down 1 quart. All of my 302's have had it.


I always thought I had a really good oil pressure gauge on the mustang I used to have! Light came on exactly when it was one quart low (typical ford 1qt/3000miles).

 

[OVERKILL]

Mine leaked (Mustang), but has since been fixed. Neither engine consumes. Main cause of consumption was the PCV screen problem.

 

[andyd]

the LOL in my 528es comes on 'zactly at the 1 qt low line. It is so accurate that I rarely use the stick, just top off.

 

[The Critic]

I don't think the MKIV Jettas had an oil level sensor. The one that I serviced (was an 03) only had a low oil pressure light.

Perhaps using the correct 502.00 approved oil would reduce the oil consumption that you are experiencing.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks all. I wasn't really sure if this car had an oil level sensor. It looks like it doesn't.

I'm going to start using Shell Rotella T 5w-40 in this engine and will monitor the oil level more frequently.

 

[Audi Junkie]

When an engine hit s<50% capacity, I suggest dumping the remaining oil and refilling fresh since the old oil does suffer some damage.