My check oil light comes on randomly (and then goes off) while driving. I've filled the oil up to the top of the "full" mark on the dipstick. Do I need to replace the oil level sensor? I check the oil right after shutting off the engine (which is warmed up).
The oil level sensor is notoriously finicky. Once you get to know your 80, you will get a feel for the oil consumption rate vs the light going on. My light comes on intermittently when I’m 1/2 qt low and eventually will stay on mostly constant when I’m over 1 qt low. I just take it as a data point but always verify with dipstick.
Your dipstick is never going to be wrong. For what it's worth, i check my oil in the morning when it has had time to settle in the sump. That way i avoid over filling. Its definitely worth learning how often you need to top up so you don't need to pull the dipstick every trip. The oil level sensor is a pricey little thing but worth checking to see if you have a cable shorting that is putting the lamp on.
Thanks. If I'm not half a quart low according to the dipstick and the light still comes on intermittently, is there a way to test or adjust the sensor?
Thanks. If I'm not half a quart low according to the dipstick and the light still comes on intermittently, is there a way to test or adjust the sensor?
No adjustment possible. There is a float involved however. I'd just pluck it out...clean it up (especially the connector), put a new gasket on it and re-install. See if that solves your problem.
80 series is the only vehicle i ever owned that has a low oil level light. Its a great thing to have (assuming it works). Imagine developing a big oil leak while driving. Cars without a level warning light would keep loosing oil until there is none left and then pop the oil pressure light. At which point you MUST shut off the engine immediately.
With a level warning light, you will get an advanced warning that will give you the opportunity to find and repair the leak (if possible), maybe make it to the nearest shop, or at the very least pull off to a safe spot.
No adjustment possible. There is a float involved however. I'd just pluck it out...clean it up (especially the connector), put a new gasket on it and re-install. See if that solves your problem.
