Oil light question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 120
Likes: 10
From: Calgary AB
09 E63 AMG
Oil light question
Hey guys just had a question. I bought a 300E and it was driving fine. Changed the oil with factory Mercedes filter and 10w40 oil and now the oil light comes on after awhile of driving. Now the thing is the oil level is fine. What could the problem be? Wrong oil weight?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
How is the oil pressure when the light comes on? I was thinking the light onl y indicated the level. If the light indicates low pressure then I would say the oil is too thin, but 10W40 is actually thicker than the 5W30 that is recommended for these cars (assuming M104 engine). If light only indicates low level then find out what controls the light.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 120
Likes: 10
From: Calgary AB
09 E63 AMG
The oil pressure is ok.....around 2. When I drive the pressure is always at 3 but it does drop down to 1 at idle. But it did that even before I changed the oil and there was no light. This light thing has just started after I changed the oil.
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston,TX
2001 W208A
maybe this will help.
unplug the level sensor from the oil sump, clean with contact cleaner really well, spray both sides, the plug and the sensor, let dry...inspect plug end for damage (i.e. cracked plastic end, frayed/broken wires, loose fitting connectors, ect). if this solves it, great, if not, suspect the internal sending unit.. the gasket would be changed also (duh) and the job is no biggie, when you have drained the sump during oil change..just remove & replace...
if you have a 94+, it might be early warning of the dreaded wire harness issue.
in other applications, I have seen a 'level' light also indicate LOW pressure ( sort of like the fuel gauge & reserve light,) but if that works in this case, then there is a tie-in to the pressure sender, which is near the filter housing..
the sensor might only be dirty, operates similar to low fuel sensor, open contact= light on, closed= off
use a multi meter to check the contacts on the sensor, and the harness for short/open in wires.....
unplug the level sensor from the oil sump, clean with contact cleaner really well, spray both sides, the plug and the sensor, let dry...inspect plug end for damage (i.e. cracked plastic end, frayed/broken wires, loose fitting connectors, ect). if this solves it, great, if not, suspect the internal sending unit.. the gasket would be changed also (duh) and the job is no biggie, when you have drained the sump during oil change..just remove & replace...
if you have a 94+, it might be early warning of the dreaded wire harness issue.
in other applications, I have seen a 'level' light also indicate LOW pressure ( sort of like the fuel gauge & reserve light,) but if that works in this case, then there is a tie-in to the pressure sender, which is near the filter housing..
the sensor might only be dirty, operates similar to low fuel sensor, open contact= light on, closed= off
use a multi meter to check the contacts on the sensor, and the harness for short/open in wires.....
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA and Richmond, VA
1991 300E
sometimes these cars burn oil due to one or several bad seals near the oil system. I believe they are right above the transmission. It is a ***** to fix considering they are such small parts, but you just have to suck it up. Before I got it done I had to just keep oil in my trunk and add a liter every 2 weeks or so.
