Oil warning alert whilst driving yet oil level normal.

[Eric Sciacaluga]

Our Sprinter yellow warning light came on a couple of times during a drive, along with an accompanying beep.
Checking the dipstick after pulling over, the oil level was at the max and the oil clean.

On the way home no warning light showed up. Vehicle running perfectly and oil level still as was.

Display malfunction or should I worry?

Thanks.

 

[mattkh]

Did you check that the oil filler cap was tight..?

 

[oigle]

If the oil level is spot on or even a touch high when cold, it will expand to "overfill" when hot. The warning light will come on. I find I need to underfill mine by about 1/8" to 1/4"on dipstick to prevent this happening. The level sensors are very sensitive.

Ian.

 

[00slk]

As above, we get it on the lorries too if the oil levels are slightly above the level.

 

[Blobcat]

My W213 used to do this after a service, can’t remember if they updated the sensor software so it slightly more tolerance on “full”
Before that they had it back there times because of the overfill message

 

[mioba]

my w220 is sensitive and is best about a 3/4 full. The oil mobil 1 is known to expand casuing overfull readings.

 

[Eric Sciacaluga]

Took the Sprinter in as advised by the manual when the oil overfill warning appears, as it has done a couple of times since my original post.
Apparently, there was circa 1 litre overfilled and now drained.

Interestingly, the mechanic technician informed me that MB worksheets state 11 1/2 litres capacity whilst he found that 11 litres - for my 18 plate vehicle - would be the right amount to keep within the cold/hot tolerances levels where the warning did not activate.

 

[mioba]

Glad you are sorted.
Who done your last oil change/top up.

 

[mattkh]

my w220 is sensitive and is best about a 3/4 full. The oil mobil 1 is known to expand casuing overfull readings.

Do you mean it expands more than other engine oils..???

 

[mioba]

It simply expands, so it must be compared to something.

 

[Eric Sciacaluga]

Glad you are sorted.
Who done your last oil change/top up.

The workshop in question know my situation and in fairness to them have agreed to reimburse me my expenses.