Malfunction Message
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: L. I., NY
'03 E500 sport
Malfunction Message
I got a Malfunction message while driving back from Hershey Park, Penn yesterday(180miles each way). it stated: REDUCE OIL LEVEL!
I have not added oil to the car.
Or was it stating i need to add oil?
Any ideas?
Bobby
I have not added oil to the car.
Or was it stating i need to add oil?
Any ideas?
Bobby
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 350
From: Huntington NY
S560
I don't know the answer, but one possibility is blowby in the oil. I don't know how MB reads oil level, but if a head gasket went bad or you lost a few rings, coolent or gas could be in the oil. I would say this is a remote chance, but one nonetheless.
Hopefully it was just an errant message that came from a glitch, I have seen that before in all makes of vehicles.
Hopefully it was just an errant message that came from a glitch, I have seen that before in all makes of vehicles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I sincerely doubt if the message was caused by a blown headgasket or such. Most likely either your oil was too high as someone added a bit too much or the sensor that detects the level had gone bad. Keep your eye on it and double check the level with the dip stick ot have your dealer do it.
Last edited by sosh; Jul 2, 2007 at 01:39 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
#1
After the motor has been shut off for at least five minutes, but not off so long that the oil is no longer at normal operating temperature, vehicle level:
- key to position 2
- standard display in MFD
- press up or down button engine oil level measuring now
#2
- key to position 1 (if you have been driving, take the key out and reinsert)
- standard display in MFD
- press the trip odometer reset button 3 times
- current battery voltage
- press up button to stats (engine oil level at bottom)
- start engine to register (you will get a more accurate reading by this method with a cold engine)
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
There have been many reports of this problem, and it can be corrected by replacing the oil level sensor. Usually it will occur after you have had a lengthy ride up a moderate grade and will often go out if you then drive on a level stretch for a while. As noted by Konigstiger, you can check it by the alternate, more accurate method, or simple method AFTER the vehicle is stopped and shut off. I doubt that you have a serious problem.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
I changed the oil in our 03 320 and I did it the old school way by draining it. I did remove the filter AFTER I replaced the oil plug so there is a good possibility that a few (8?) ounces of OLD oil went down into the pan when I broke the vacuum on the filter. Nevertheless, I added exactly 8-1/2 quarts of oil with a graduated cup for the final 1/2 so I can be pretty sure that the car was not overfilled to any serious degree. On extended highway driving the car sends a message about reducing oil level on the MFD. It ususally disappears and reappears several times on a 200 mile trip. When checked at rest at level, it says OK. On the slightest incline it states overfilled. I can only guess that too much is just too much and when the sensor hits the signal point it has no way to say don't panic, I am just slightly overfull. I attribute mine to heat expansion but it could very well be a sensor problem. I have to agree with several people here, just give me the damn dipstick. If I choose to ignore the MFD, at least I can be sure that the sending unit has no discretion and I have no real problem. In the future, I will add only 8 quarts and wait a day or two for the engine oil level to stabilize. I think the mighty V-6 can limp along with only 8 quarts for a little while.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: L. I., NY
'03 E500 sport
Thank you
Thank you for all the responses. This board is awesome!!!! I was driving on a moderately inclining and declining interstate for 122 miles on my trip. Thats probably the reason why the light came on. Today it was fine. No MFD.
Thanks once again!!!
Bobby
Thanks once again!!!
Bobby
