Low Oil Level

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Dec 4, 2001 | 08:20 AM

TheWoody

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From: Laurel Md

Low Oil Level

This morning, it was the coldest morning yet! I am guessing it was in the high 20s. Anyway, I get in the car and start it up and see a "Low Oil Level" light on. It went away but then showed up again on my drive to work. It has been 2100 miles since my last change and I have never noticed it to burn oil. Currently it is idling at about 35 pounds of pressure and cruising at about 50. Is this something I should get checked out immediately or should I add some oil and just watch it?

Dec 4, 2001 | 08:31 AM

davidfarmer

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From: CONCORD NC

Re: Low Oil Level (TheWoody)

I would check to see how low the oil is. I imagine your oil change probably was just a little short, and youv burned just enough to engage the warning "float" in the oil pan.

Check the fluid when you get home (let it sit 10 min) and add oil accordingly. I doubt that you have a problem.

Dave

Dec 4, 2001 | 09:13 AM

Ranger

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From: Central Florida

Re: Low Oil Level (TheWoody)

The low oil warning prompt will trip sometimes if the engine is shut off with the car in a nose-down or nose-up attitude. So if your car was parked overnight on a level surface just before the warning appeared, I agree with Dave Farmer. Only way t know for sure is to check the (crappy) dipstick. Best read is after the car sits at least 10 minutes (overnight is better) and you simply pull the stick out and read it immediately.

Ranger

Dec 4, 2001 | 09:23 AM

Scott97

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From: Round Rock, Texas Texas

Re: Low Oil Level (Ranger)

I would tend to agree with the above.

Check your heads as well to ensure that the head gaskets haven't given up the ghost.

My passenger side head gasket had a small leak which set off the low oil level light.

My solution? Heads/ Cam package :)

Dec 4, 2001 | 10:14 AM

georgec114

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From: NC

Re: Low Oil Level (TheWoody)

TheWoody...This happened to me 300 miles past the dealer oil change...I didn't check the level after I left...What the hell, I figured the dealer techs would check too, but I believe they only put in 5 quarts and the lousy dip stick tends to drag oil up for some reason making it appear full...Only after I added a quart did the dip actually read accurately. 1,000 miles later and it still looks good. Keep an eye on consumption though...I keep an extra quart of Mobil1 with me just in case...GeorgeC

Dec 4, 2001 | 05:26 PM

Arkay

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From: Austin TX

Re: Low Oil Level (TheWoody)

I have heard several mention it is hard to RESET the low oil warning after you
add oil.

Any tips on how to reset the DIC warning?

Dec 4, 2001 | 05:52 PM

Ranger

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From: Central Florida

Re: Low Oil Level (Dick Kriss)

Quote:

...Any tips on how to reset the DIC warning?

Provided the car is on level ground, adding the oil, then starting the car and pressing reset, always seems to work for me. Mine uses a quart every 900-1000 miles, so I have more experience than I'd like at clearing the "low oil level" mesage.

I use the trip-B odometer to track miles between adding oil. Takes the guess work out of tracking consumption.

Ranger

Dec 4, 2001 | 06:32 PM

shockwave

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From: Rockaway, NJ

Re: Low Oil Level (Ranger)

Quote:

...Any tips on how to reset the DIC warning?

Provided the car is on level ground, adding the oil, then starting the car and pressing reset, always seems to work for me.
Ranger

Same here......