Oil level indicator

Just had my car serviced and when I check the oil level indicator I get different readings. One time it will indicate that the oil level is where it's suppose to be and then the next time it indicates it's over filled. How accurate and dependable is this readout?

Mine reads the same each time I check it before starting the car from cold in the morning. If you check it while the oil is still somewhat warm, it may read higher than when it's cold. I think the measures are accurate, but not very precise. The distance from the full mark to the low mark is only about a quart, so when it moves down one mark from full, it's only about 1/4 quart down from full.

I take a reading each morning before I start the car, after it has sat overnight, and the engine is cold. I've also seen some inconsistency from day to day. It appears that the gauge reads only in one segment increments at a time (3 segments from max to min) and cannot read fractions of a segment. I suspect that when the actual fill level is right between two segment boundaries, the gauge reading can go either way.

My gauge reads one bar below the top 95% of the time I check. Once in awhile it will also read full bars. I also think being between measurements throws it once in awhile. But, I think it is fairly accurate.:2cents:

Accurate:conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy; "an accurate reproduction"; "the accounting was ... (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth ; strictly correct; "a precise image"; "a precise measurement" Precise:Having determinate limitations; exactly or sharply defined or stated; definite; exact; nice; not vague or equivocal; as, precise rules of morality.

I noticed that the readout varies a lot with the position of the car. I check the level everytime I turn the engine on, but if the ground is not perfectly leveled I noticed up to two bars diference sometimes

My car is on the level when I check and the engine has been cold for anywhere from 10 hours to 2 days. It's showing either full or 1 bar above full which would indicate over full I assume.

If you look very closely at the gauge, there is a fine line at the top & at the bottom for max & min levels. Discovered this after putting my glasses on!

1 bar above full? I thought the car actually screams at you when the oil is too full.. Do you have a pic? Do you mean the top portion of your oil indicator is also shaded in? where as the pic below doenst show shading.

Yes, it's shaded in from top to bottom, BUT not every time.

i just went through this with the dealer yesterday--my car origonaly over filled with no black showing and a charge to me of 10 quarts--10 quarts not put in though--they removed 1/2 quart--which when cold or warm brought it to the full fill mark--when the oil is hot there is no black showing--they then removed about 5 ozs which brought the oil level when cold to the 2/3 mark--i was surprised that this little oil removed made such a big difference on the gauge

See The Cayman Club - FAQ: Questions & Answers

Why do all of us seem to have problems with our dealers?

I just had my oil changed at the dealer. When the car is cold it is above the full mark. Am I to worry? You would think the dealer knows what they are doing.

If the last bar comes on sometimes, but does not come on at other times (after different sitting times, temperatures, etc) then it should be no concern. It's as close as you're practically going to get to exactly at the maximum. Make sure your car is always on a level surface though, as that can cause unwanted errors, of course. A while ago, I looked into the type of sensors used in these installations and found that they are very repeatable and accurate (please, no letters on accuracy vs repeatability vs........). I had earlier design experiences as a young engineer 20+ years ago in the refining industry (for oil/water interfaces on process vessels) and was quite impressed with the current technology. I bought my first car with an electronic only oil level indicator in 2004 and have since come to appreciate them, rather than long for the old dipstick. Now I wish all my vehicles had them! (well, not the bikes...):cheers:

In the 2 years and 2 oil changes mine has never deviated from the top arrow

Good question, why they do it their way. They did add(and charge) me 4 9 quarts. Maybe my drive way in not perfectly level. Nothing is flashing and I am not tracking with the car so I feel it should be OK. I HOPE!

Good thread. My oil indicator showed overfull. Also changed at the dealer. I drained 1 full quart and it is now on the top fill line. I am not even sure they know how many qts they really put in since they do not use the typical qt containers. Maybe I should do this myself so it is correct.

I changed the oil & filter in my car yesterday & I let it drain for 3 hours. It took 8 qts. to bring it to the full level. If you are a do yourselfer you can buy the filter from the auto parts store ( Fram, Purelator, or K&N ) for about 1/2 the price the dealer charges. Discount Ramps sells a set of 4 plastic ramps for $90.00 (including shipping) that will raise the car 2 3/4". I have been a member of CC for about 1 year & this is only my 3 post. I spend alot of time on this sight. Thanks for the info & the laughs