Another day twiddling with this thing because it feels sad. >:- |

My daughter has a 2006 Limited Conv. Yesterday I replaced the crank sensor, seemingly no issues. I DID NOT put the protective plate back on around it as it was such a PITA to get it off, Id appreciate if someone would weigh in whether this thing matters much.

But not the point of this post. I drove the car yesterday for errands all was fine, my daughter takes it out first thing and the oil light comes on. Coincidentally I checked it yesterday, and it was down a 1/2 quart but otherwise all looked fine. Car does not have any known leaks.

My question -- what does this light mean on this car? Is it low oil pressure? Does it mean Im low on oil? Car sounds fine and drives normal, but Im uncomfortable ignoring that sensor.

Guidance would be appreciated.

-- Frank

 

The oil light on the instrument cluster is an oil level indicator; when on, it says the oil level is low. It is also a sensor that tells you the level of the oil without opening the hood. The car must be turned off for at least five minutes and parked on level ground. when the ignition switch is turned to the on position in the trip odometer window you will see an oil icon and a clock, pressing the **** to the left of the speedometer quickly twice will bring up a message telling you the amount of oil; OK, Hi or -1.0 , -1.5 , -2.0. You can check that info against the deep stick.

As far as leaving that protective plate off at the crank sensor it is no problem. I've been driving mine without the plate for 15 years. Hope you used a Bosch CPS as others have gone bad quickly. Bosch is the only acceptable replacement.

Using the dip stick oil should show to the top; Half way on the dip stick is already a bit low.

PS the owners manual is available for download on this forum. See the documentation thread.

 

Thank you zip439, helps clear a few things. Level low better than pressure low, I will go through your direction and see what turns up. I take it the negative numbers for the oil represents litres / quarts (close enough), but if its some batshit other measurement please let me know. And yeah I guess Im a bit low because am reading a half down.

Thank you on the plate. 19 times out of 20 on other cars I wouldnt even ask the question, but this thing has a different mindset so I have to ask. Yes went with Bosch on the censor (have always had luck with their products, regardless of car, so I tend to stick to them).

I do have the original manual that came with the car and by and large its helpful. But for things like interpreting the idiot lights its not, hence the post.

 

The oil level/oil quality sensor is a common failure item. If the level on the dipstick is OK, Id not worry about that light.
Our engines have no oil pressure sensor and the ECU/PTCM has no idea what the oil pressure is.

Also, you can add an oil pressure gauge easily, this thread is a good start:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ure-gauge.html

 

Zip439 - Thank you. I've learned something new today. I've been on this forum a for few years and it's not often I learn of a new feature our Crossfires have. Too cool!

"It is also a sensor that tells you the level of the oil without opening the hood. The car must be turned off for at least five minutes and parked on level ground. when the ignition switch is turned to the on position in the trip odometer window you will see an oil icon and a clock, pressing the **** to the left of the speedometer quickly twice will bring up a message telling you the amount of oil; OK, Hi or -1.0 , -1.5 , -2.0. "

 

Hello again Zip:

Following up again on your post.....

1. yeah apparently 1/2 way down the dipstick *is* low. In every car Ive ever owned, its meant down a 1/2 quart dont concern yourself, but on this car it seems to be Im down a bunch more. Put in nearly 1.5 quarts and it brought the level up to top mark on the dipstick.

2. looked for your oil indicator on the odometer window and pressed twice, doesnt give me anything. I either get the trip odometer, or what looks like a guy or a wrench being chased by the moon and a -768 under it. Interpreting this voodoo, it looks like it needs to be serviced and I am 768 days in arrears. But no reading on the oil.

Thank you again.

 

Thank you PizzaGuy. It looks like it works properly. I was down 1/2 way on the stick, which in every car Ive ever had its 1/2 quart of oil, but in these cars it goes through the new math or something. Car took 1.5 quarts to get to top mark, all is fine and went away.

 

THis is an 8 quart engine, the low mark is 2 to 2 1/2 quarts low - compare the bottom of the pan to the pan under a five quart engine, the 5 quart engine has a smaller "deep end" of the pan, which is where the dipstick is setting - this reduces how much oil is sitting in the "deep end" of the pan.

Also, it is safe to operate this engine up to 2 quarts low - not that Iv'e ever done so. But if you read the owner's manual, it says to not operate below "low", low is over 2 quarts below full.

 

@fsisto When you turn the key to "on" wait about 10 seconds for the oil icon and clock to appear; Then quickly push the **** twice to the left of the speedometer. If the oil level is okay it will show in the window. The K looks like a couple small flags.
When you change the oil filter be certain you use a fleece filter. Most all paper filters collapse, even the brand name. Many of us use Mann HU-718/5X, but Purolator L25277 is also available and the Mercedes numer is 000 180 26 09.
After you change the filter you can reset the FFS yourself either with a decent scan tool or use that **** to the left of the speedometer again quickly pushing twice (Which you did as mentioned above) but then turn the switch off and press the that **** and hold, moving the ignition switch back to on, Continue to keep that **** pressed in for about 10 seconds until you hear a beep and the new distance appears in the window. It usually takes me a couple tries before I get it to work. The scan tool is easier, but then you have to get under the dash and hook it up, move to the correct program etc etc.

Hope she enjoys the ride!

PS I believe the -768 refers to miles past due; Not all that bad.