Hi all!

Hmmm, strange, but it has happened about 2-3 times on the same hill. The first time it happened, I immediately looked at the oil pressure guage--it's 3, good. I quickly took the next exit to check my oil level. Strange how the oil light went out when I was looking for a suitable place to park. Anyhow, the oil level was not low, but wasn't topped off either. I added some oil just to be on the safe side.

This evening, the light came on, and based on experiences, I just continued driving home. The pressure was 3 and the light stayed on for less than a minute. And it happened on the same hill.

Ok, my question is, has anyone experienced something similar when going up hills? I don't think my oil level was low in any of the situations, as it has happened 2-3 times and my oil level was up to par when I checked it immediately after I noticed the light on. One thing I should point out is that the oil light is brief, but it doesn't blink. I guess it goes away after I proceed downhill or on level surfaces.

Anyhow, any insight will be appreciated. By the way, is there a possibility that I may need a new oil sensor? Thanks!

What year and model is this?

Larry

Oops, forgot, it's a 1990 190E 2.6

1993 190 2.6 no similar problems. Light only came on once when a full quart low. My guess is sending unit.

Check the sump for dents or distortion.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

I understand that intermittent oil light problems are common on many Benz models. I'm not sure about your particular model, but on my 420SEL the oil sensor is located just below the oil filter housing near the front of the engine. I can see how going up a steep hill might cause the oil to temporarily not reach the sensor, but still be fully lubricating the engine. Also, Mercedes oil lights don't wait as long as american cars to come on. In other words the engine doesn't have to be dry to turn the light on. If this is only happening on hills, or one hill in particular, I wouldn't worry about it. Your best bet is not to rely on the guages for everything. I constantly monitor all the gauages, oil (pressure and level) temp, etc. while driving, but I also make sure I visually inspect all fluid level at least once a week, usually twice. I also make sure to look at the driveway/garage floor and parking spots when ever I backout of a parking spot to check for leaks or puddles. If you get in this habit you spot any problem in advance of serious damage.

JP Toronto

If your oil level is between Min & Max, don't worry about it.

Remember, fluids will always have a level surface. You can have 8 liters of oil in your crankcase, but if you tip the engine over far enough, oil light will come on because it's basically a float and it cannot compansate for the engine not being level.

FOr a simple demonstration take a water bottle, 1/2 fill it with water, mark the water level on the botle with a felt pen and then start to tip the bottle. You will notice that the water level drops below the mark you made, yet the volume of water has not changed at all.

You should only be concerned if you're travelling uphill for a long period of time and the light stays on. Although there is ususally a good margin built into the warning systems, you don't want to risk starving the engine of oil. However, as long as there is enough oil to cover the oil pick-up you should be fine.

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Cheers!

Yen-Hsen Liem
'93 500E black pearl/black leather; 89,000km; 245/45-ZR17 Michelin Pilot SX; 17x8.25 factory EvoII
'93 500E bornit(blackberry)/black leather; 69,000km; european delivery; 245/45-ZR17 Michelin Pilot SX; 17x8.25 factory EvoII
'88 560SL desert taupe/dark brown leather; 89,000km; Euro headlights
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