oil level sensor - faulty reading

[508c5]

Hello,

I've been having the same issue in both of my PSA cars - Peugeot 3008 and Citroen C4 picasso, both with a 1.6 petrol 165 bhp....

The oil level sensor is giving a false reading - it indicates a deficiency when the actual level (on the dipstick) is between min-max (usually "half way").

I've already replaced the sensor on my Peugeot a couple of times, but it still pops up (so i didn't bother with the Citroen so far).

On the Citroen it is strange - if it pops up and I don't even start the engine but shut of the pre ignition switch and turn it back on, it doesn't pop up the second time (still cold, no start up, same conditions).

Does anybody have a clue or a thought about this situation ?

[oli3442]

I have had an oil consumption issue so have been keeping an eye on this but have found the low oil warning difficult to figure out. I don't think the ECU actually takes an oil level reading every time you switch on - the sensor usually reads 0v then will occasionally give a reading every 3/4th time. So as you said you can switch off the ignition after a low oil warning and it might not flag it up again for another 3-4 drives. Also noticed it's quite sensitive to parking on a slope and it does come on early - before 'min' on the dipstick.

I was hoping I could be lazy and monitor the oil level without opening the bonnet, but have given up on this and just use the dipstick! Someone on here might know how it actually works.

[ozvtr]

The oil level sensors used on the PSA engines are notoriously unreliable.
If you are lucky, they will indicate some form of oil level, 5 out of 10 engine starts. Not withstanding the car being on perfectly level ground.
The owners manual states "Always check the engine oil level using the engine oil dip stick".
Use the dash display "for indication only".

If it indicates low oil level or an error, it just means that the car did not melt in a nuclear war that day!

To be fair, a reading 5 out of 10 starts gives you a reasonable idea of the quantity of oil in the sump. AND the quantity of oil in the sump varies dependent on how long it's been since the engine was last started. Engine oil will take time to drain down into the sump giving various oil levels. So even under the best conditions the oil level indication will vary. However, if you get an error 10 out of 10 starts...use the dipstick or replace the sensor.

[jevhid]

Hello,

I've been having the same issue in both of my PSA cars - Peugeot 3008 and Citroen C4 picasso, both with a 1.6 petrol 165 bhp....

The oil level sensor is giving a false reading - it indicates a deficiency when the actual level (on the dipstick) is between min-max (usually "half way").

I've already replaced the sensor on my Peugeot a couple of times, but it still pops up (so i didn't bother with the Citroen so far).

On the Citroen it is strange - if it pops up and I don't even start the engine but shut of the pre ignition switch and turn it back on, it doesn't pop up the second time (still cold, no start up, same conditions).

Does anybody have a clue or a thought about this situation ?

Any update on this? I have the same issue on Peugeot 208 II, where I randomly get oil light flashing before turning on the engine. On restart issue is gone. I had it 3 times last week, before that last time was around a year ago. How har is it to replace oil level sensor and is it possible to do it without draining oil?

[oli3442]

What does the dipstick show? If the oil level is towards the 'min' end of the dipstick you may get a low oil warning if parked on a slope etc and might just need to top up a bit to stop it.

[jevhid]

What does the dipstick show? If the oil level is towards the 'min' end of the dipstick you may get a low oil warning if parked on a slope etc and might just need to top up a bit to stop it.

Dip stick is a bit below max. I was thinking it could be because of parking on the slope, but doesn't seem to be.

[oli3442]

You can read the oil level sensor voltage with a good diagnostic scanner and it should give you a value - for example on mine the low oil warning consistently came on at around 1800mv. Adding a litre would take if back up to 1000mv, then it would slowly rise again as the oil level dropped. This would maybe give you an idea if you are getting erratic or inconsistent readings which may point to a faulty sensor.

Though might be easier to just ignore it!