My oil sender light seems to come on too soon. If I go around a L hand turn it will come on for 10 sec. The oil level is 1/2 between max and min. Is this typical for failure? I once read there was supposed to be a 30 sec delay to not report sloshing in turns?

I believe it's just a simple float switch, in which case the float is bad.

They either sink or the case cracks and leaks oil -- not much else to fail.

however, at that mark on the dipstick, it's possible you are getting a low enough oil level on sharp turn for the light to come on for a couple seconds.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

The 30 second time delay is a function in the instrument cluster.
The sensor needs to indicate low oil for that time before the light illuminates. If alternately grounding and opening the sensor circuit flashes the low oil lamp then the cluster is the problem.

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Paul

Thank you.
As I understand now, my float may sink a little too much. So when I change the sender(it looks easy to get at near the drain plug) I should see if the light flashes when I open and close the circuit. How do I fix the cluster if it is bad?

The timer is built into the microprocessor in the cluster.

Several options, send out for repair, sounds expensive.

replace cluster, sound expensive.

live with the light knowing your oil is low when the light is always on, sounds inexpensive

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Paul

good logic since you said the timer is in the microprocessor( not easily fixed.)
However logic does not always apply to cars- I want it to work perfectly!

I agree with Paul.... i had this problem and i had to replace the cluster in my last mercedes.. it fixed the problem..