Check Panel question

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Sharknose3
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Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:30 pm

Check panel on my 89 320 Tourer just started lighting the engine oil LED.

Checked dip stick and it was 1/2 way between the 2 marks. I topped it up so it is now just below the high mark and the check lamp still stays on.

I swapped the check panel with a spare - no joy.

Anything else I should check? where is the check control sensor for engine oil level?

Last time the check panel was kicking up was after a heavy rain shower when it indicated a blown headlight bulb incorrectly. No rain at the moment!

At what oil level should the oil sensor light the check bulb? How long should the engine run after a top up before it stops lighting the bulb?

Thx for any help,

Sharknose
Sharknose3
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Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:28 pm

~ 1 hour after topping up the engine oil & leaving it sit it nolonger lights the check panel. False alarm!
Running the engine made the oil more viscous I suppose.
The threshold seems to be 1/2 way between lower & upper dipstick marks

Sharknose
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Brianmoooore
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Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:37 pm

The oil level sensor is inside an alloy can inside the sump, with a very small hole in the top and the bottom, so the oil takes a while to get up to the correct level inside and switch off the light. Tends to get gunged up inside as well.
Next time you drain your sump, see how long it takes for the light to come on.
Sharknose3
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Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 9:25 am

Thx Brian,

That's good info on the location of the oil check sensor

Regards,
Sharknose