Low oil light, left turns only!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rickjordan · #1 07-31-2004, 10:39 PM

First, yes I have checked the oil and it's full. For some reason the low oil light comes on ONLY when I turn left, up hill (sort of). All other turns there is no issue. Any ideas, BTW this is on our '87 TD

stevebfl · #2 07-31-2004, 10:44 PM

The oil level sender is through the left side of the pan. Its logical that it would register different as the oil moves around. BUT! Mercedes thought of that and designed a delay function into the warning light circuitry such that the sensor must register solidly for some period of time before the light will light. SO, it sounds like the delay circuitry is defective.

rickjordan · #3 08-04-2004, 01:24 AM

Steve, thanks for the quick reply. Would this be a delay timer/relay or a computer glitch. Again this is real particular. It doesn't on every left turn, just up a certain climb if you will. Where can I start looking for the culprit.

md21722 · #4 08-04-2004, 11:33 AM

The problems is in the left guage cluster that shows the oil pressure, coolant temp, and fuel level. That is where the delay circuity is located. There is no known solution to the problem at this time that I've read, other than replacing the guage pod or removing the light bulb and trusting the oil dipstick. The oil level light won't save your engine if there's a hole in the oil pan. Its designed to delay 60 seconds before activating. Because you have a wagon, you need a wagon cluster if you start looking for a replacement. I have 2 good ones for sedans, but they won't work (different fuel tank).

Regards,

lizem100 · #5 08-04-2004, 11:47 AM

I have an 87 300E with the same problem. How much is the L guage cluster? The dash is easy to pull. I have changed the sender twice. It usu only does it when oil not at top of mark.

md21722 · #6 08-04-2004, 11:49 AM

The left guage cluster costs about $248 dealer wholesale. $$$.

I have a brand new one never used or a used one email me if interested in working something out

Regards,

DslBnz · #7 08-04-2004, 12:01 PM

I have that problem on my SDL.

I figure, if the light comes on, I watch it(and the oil pressure gauge of course). After 30 seconds it goes out. I never see it again after 5 hours of highway commute.

It usually comes on when the engine is cold, and I climb a 5% grade. Sometimes it will flash when I take a left turn, as well.

Just go by the pressure gauge. If that starts dropping off, kill the engine and coast to a stop ASAP.

rickjordan · #8 08-06-2004, 08:35 AM

Since I know the oil level is fine, I am not too concern now. It is just annoying. I too sometime back thought that as long as the oil press. was good, then all is good. That is not true, pressure is not indicative of level. That is why you have both a level sensor and a pressure sensor. The 2 are related, unless your pan goes completely empty and there isn't any oil to pressurize, in which case you have bigger problems.
On the subject of instrument clusters, what is the difference between the one for a wagon vs sedan?

md21722 · #9 08-06-2004, 08:45 AM

Not sure exactly Rick but the part numbers are different and I suspect it has something to do with the different shape of the fuel tank.

Brian

xp190 · #10 08-06-2004, 09:32 PM

I had the same thing happen, first, the low oil level light would come on after a sharp turn, I forget which, then after a restart and some time sitting, it would go out. Eventually it came on and staid on all the time. Replace the sensor, problem fixed. It an early sign of the sensor going bad if I remember correctly from my reaserch.

xp

lizem100 · #11 08-13-2004, 12:15 AM

Oil level sensor could be bad-or wire connector to cluster- or the delay in the cluster. This problem is discussed on page 312 of MB E Class Owners Bible by Stu Ritter.

lkchris · #12 08-26-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickjordan

On the subject of instrument clusters, what is the difference between the one for a wagon vs sedan?

Wagon has different rear axle ratio, requiring different speedo.

865sp300e · #13 04-14-2006, 03:32 PM

The oil level sensor on my '86 300E would began coming on after turning left for a few minutes, after time it would stay on longer, eventually it would come on and not go out until I stopped the car. During a recent oil change I removed the sensor and found the float was not moving freely. I cleaned it with kerosene until I could shake it and see/hear the float moving freely. I oiled it up and reinstalled it. It has worked perfectly since.

t walgamuth · #14 04-14-2006, 08:20 PM

somehow mercedes got along about 85 years without a low oil warning light.

with that series of engines, (this is my own thought) they wanted to lower the hood line so they reduced the depth of the oil pan. and now the level betweent the oil level lines is one quart instead of two like on my 240 and 300d . i figure they got more concerned about the oil level because of having one less quart in reserve. so they installed a warning light.

tom w