Contents: Petrol and diesel engines ↡ Diesel engine ↡
Petrol and diesel engines
27. Oil pan; 351. Oil level sensor; 352. Bimetallic latching disc; 358. Float; 359. Magnet; 360. Reed – contact (reed contact, reed switch); 365. O-ring; a – Ventilation hole with a diameter of 8 mm; b – Drain hole diameter 4 mm
The oil level indicator consists of an oil level sensor, which is installed on the drain plug in the oil pan, and a control lamp on the instrument panel. The indicator monitors the oil level in the oil pan, starting from an oil temperature of +60°C. As soon as the ignition is turned on, the control lamp lights up for functional control and goes out after the engine starts to rotate.
The oil level in the oil pan is reproduced by means of a float (358). When the oil level is low (in the area of the lower mark of the oil dipstick) with the help of a magnet (359) the reed switch in the float opens. Thanks to this, the electronics in the communication panel receives a signal and the lamp lights up.
When the oil level is low, depending on the driving style, the indicator light will first come on briefly and then remain on continuously.
In order to avoid false alarms in various driving situations, such as sharp turns, a delay line is built into the electronic circuit. It allows the control lamp to light only after the low oil level signal has been issued for 60 seconds.
To avoid false indication when the engine is cold (thick oil slowly pours into the oil pan) the oil level sensor is equipped with a bimetallic snap-on disc (352). It prevents the float chamber from running idle through the drain hole (b) at low temperatures.
The bimetallic latching disc opens at a temperature of approximately +60°C and closes at a temperature of approximately +30°C.
When changing the oil, the float chamber is filled with oil through the vent hole (a). This eliminates subsequent false indication. The oil level indicator is installed so that the control lamp lights up shortly before reaching the "min" level on the dipstick (safety reserve). Thanks to this, you can add oil not immediately, but at the next convenient opportunity, for example, when refueling.
Diesel engine
Removal
1. Remove the lower engine compartment cover.
2. Drain the engine oil.
3. Remove the plug (1) of the oil level sensor.
4. Remove the bolts (20). Turn the oil level sensor (351) and remove it from the oil pan.
Installation
1. Install the oil level sensor with a new O-ring and tighten to a torque of 10 Nm.
2. Put on the plug.
3. Install the lower engine compartment cover.
4. Fill with engine oil.
5. Warm up the engine and check the oil level sensor for leaks.