Cullen

About 75% of the time on my new coupe, when I use the computerized oil level check, I get the cryptic message "Perf. Serv On Time", the other times It properly says "Oil Level - OK". I checked the manual, and that message doesn't seem to be one of those that it should read. I turn the engine off, and a minute or so later, turn the ignition on (but dont actually start the car) and check it. It says "Checking oil level now" then a few moments later "Perf. Serv on Time." Anyone know what this means, or if i am doing the process wrong, and if so, what the proper way is?


Thanks

Lynn

Hmmmmm, when I check my oil the screen says "Oil Level - OK" then changes to "Perf. Serv On Time".

Buellwinkle

The proper way to check your oil is with the dip stick. If you insist on using the useless electronic gadget then you have to do two things, find a very level space to do it and wait the five minutes after shutting off your motor as the manual says. If you do it too quick you will get the perform service on time message. I find that it's way off compared to the dipstick. Mine says add 1 qt. yet the dipstick (and the dealers special dipstick) show that I'm 3/4 of the way towards the full mark.

tommy

I don't think I want to know about that one.

Lynn

The special dipstick is the one they use when they charge you $7.50 per quart of Castrol Syn-Tec.

Buellwinkle

They ain't giving me no special dip stick or charging me for oil for 4 years. They have their own dip stick that they use on those other dip stick challenged cars (C240, C320). Heck, that's the only reason I got the C230 instead of the C320, to have my own dip stick to play with. And of couse the $15k difference in price.

BruNo

If u call on the computer to measure the oil level, and it just displays...perf servc. on time.....means that ur car is either not on level ground, the oil is not up to operating temp, or u didnt wait for 5mins after turning off the engine b4 checking??? Gets????????? its in the manual!!!

Hal H

Your oil quality sensor is probably going out of whack...I had this intermittent message just once including a "stop engine at once - check oil level!!" message. I've never had to add a drop of oil - its always at the full mark on the dipstick.

The dealer was able to pull trouble codes that were stored and determined the sensor was going out.

There are two sensors I believe

- Oil quality = measures electrical conductivity of oil. Older contaminated oil is more conductive than fresh.

- Oil level sensor = no need for explanation

Buellwinkle

It depends on the motor. The C-Coupe has the oil level sensor only. The much more expensive C-Sedans have the oil quality sensor. The oil quality sensor is used to figure out the maintenance schedule based on if you added new oil when needed. This is all part of the overly engineered Flexible Service System (FSS). If only they concentrated on building more reliable cars.

mbtech208

The oil level/quality sensor is one whole sensor, not seperate. Any car with FSS has this sensor.

Mike E

Dave,
You know what? It's great to have you back firming up the credibility of information presented. Hope you can stick around!

avlis

There's also a way to get the computer to tell you how much oil is in the 'case. This was posted by another member:

--------------------
Oil Level check:

Key in Position 1 press and hold the left cluster knob for
approx. 20 secs (until you hear a beep)Turn key to position
2 and hit the PAGE down key on the steering wheel. (don't
mistake this for the arrow down key) depending on where you
where at when you started, you may have to hit page down a
few times to bring up the correct "test mode" of the IC.

You will know it when you see it, it will have software
version etc.. it will also have an accurate measuring
reading of the oil in the crankcase. Make sure you run the
car and get it hot, then let it sit for a few minutes (yes
you may start the car with this screen on)

After sitting on level ground for a few minutes you want
of reading of about 7.3-7.5 if you are under/over this may
trigger a low/high oil light on.

BTW, you can start the engine in this mode and watch the
level drop from 7.5 to 6.5, which makes sense. However,
starting the engine in this mode appears to reset the
car's main TRIP odometer to ZERO. No biggie, I guess. "
------------------
Note from avlis: My dipstick shows full, but the computer displayed between 5.5 and 5.8 (or maybe 6.5 and 6.8, I can't remember).

Buellwinkle

I don't mean to doubt you as I would have trouble changing the oil let alone know what sensors do what But (you were waiting for that But weren't you), the MBUSA.com website says that the advanced FSS that checks oil quality comes on later model V6 and V8s. Since I have an I4 in my econo benz my take is that I don't have the sensor. Now that I know I have the advanced FSS I can sleep easier.

mbtech208

Sorry everybody, I was wrong on that one. The '98 and newer 111, 104, 119, 120, and 606 engines all have FSS and just an oil level sensor. The 112, 113, and 137 engines are the only ones with the quality sensor built in.