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oil level life issues

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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:11 AM
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Default oil level life issues

Recently on my 00 coupe my oil level low message has come on...I checked the level its at 42% on the DIC and I popped the hood and actually checked it myself...does the message usually come on below 50% is this normal???
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:35 AM
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You are low on oil amount. The % is the life left. Add some oil to the full mark. When you checked it did you run the car for at least 30 seconds, turn it off, wipe the stick, re-insert, then check again (on flat ground)?

Last edited by NukeC5; Oct 31, 2012 at 11:37 AM.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
You are low on oil amount. The % is the life left. Add some oil to the full mark.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
You are low on oil amount. The % is the life left. Add some oil to the full mark.
47% is low??? That's almost half???
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
You are low on oil amount. The % is the life left. Add some oil to the full mark. When you checked it did you run the car for at least 30 seconds, turn it off, wipe the stick, re-insert, then check again (on flat ground)?


And yes I did all that when I checked it myself
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:41 AM
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And I meant 47% not 42% I hate these darn touch screen phones
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by tex_share00
47% is low??? That's almost half???
You are misunderstood on the purpose of the % gauge. It is merely a mathematical algorithm in which the computer calculates the miles left in the oil depending on RPM an maybe a few other things.

The oil level sensor is a different sensor that measures the actual level of oil in the oil pan. The % is life left. Nothing to do with the amount.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 11:48 AM
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If you have verified that the oil is good, and the level is correct. The oil level sensor circuit is faulty.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
If you have verified that the oil is good, and the level is correct. The oil level sensor circuit is faulty.
Thank u for all ur help
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 12:15 PM
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The sensor itself is the likely culprit. But not necessarily the case. If you can get underneath to check it out and look at the wires, it may be obvious.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
The sensor itself is the likely culprit. But not necessarily the case. If you can get underneath to check it out and look at the wires, it may be obvious.
If I do need to chnge out my oil level sensor...is it an expensive fix??? I just bought a oil pressure sensor and it was 35 dollars...is it around the same???
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 04:21 PM
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If your oil level low caption on the Drivers Information Center came on it means your oil level is low. Check the dipstick and it will be low so add a pint of oil.

The 47 to 42% reading is the oil life remaining. It means your oil is due to be changed probably in about 6 months time. It has nothing to do with how much oil is in the car.

Oil level sensor failures are extremely rare.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by DeeGee
If your oil level low caption on the Drivers Information Center came on it means your oil level is low. Check the dipstick and it will be low so add a pint of oil.

The 47 to 42% reading is the oil life remaining. It means your oil is due to be changed probably in about 6 months time. It has nothing to do with how much oil is in the car.

Oil level sensor failures are extremely rare.
Already discussed, read the whole thread
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by NukeC5
You are misunderstood on the purpose of the % gauge. It is merely a mathematical algorithm in which the computer calculates the miles left in the oil depending on RPM an maybe a few other things.

The oil level sensor is a different sensor that measures the actual level of oil in the oil pan. The % is life left. Nothing to do with the amount.
Originally Posted by NukeC5
If you have verified that the oil is good, and the level is correct. The oil level sensor circuit is faulty.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 10:02 PM
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New oil LEVEL sensor is about $22 from the dealer. Easy to replace if you can get under the car or better yet on a lift. Check the wires going to the sensor first for damage or exposure to high heat as they go by the right-side exhaust manifold, especially if you are running headers.

Search the C5 forum for OIL LEVEL SENSOR for part number and replacement procedure - lots of threads on this.
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