How accurate is the oil level sensor on the onboard computer?

[Thrill]

The subject says it all. My dipstick doesnt seem to be showing my oil level too good, its always a bad reading. I'm on level ground, cool engine, I've even cleaned the actual dipstick to no avail. I now rely on my onboard computer to show how much oil I have left. Is the sensor accurate enough? It's on 3bars at the minute (out of I think 6? so I might top it up soon)

 

[MikeoftheQuays]

I've heard it's crap. I pretty much ignore the sensor one and rely on the dipstick.

 

[MartinR]

Do not take it as gospel! manual check is the best way.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Manual check is the best way, but so long as you are parked on the flat Ive always found the gauge to very closely correspond to the dispstick on our cars, but thats only on the few 172s we have had so wouldnt like to say they are all that good without a bigger sample size.

 

[Chrisgti6]

The one in my 197 seems fairly accurate, when parked on level ground of course.

Chris

 

[Edges]

It's on 3bars at the minute (out of I think 6? so I might top it up soon)

They have bars?? Thought it was just the oil ok sign on start up that you get??

 

[Oz172cup]

They have bars?? Thought it was just the oil ok sign on start up that you get??

Same :S lol

 

[Dan@SJM]

Press the mileage reset

 

[Thrill]

When it says Oil Ok, press the trip button on the plastic. Nice feature tbh!

 

[Chip-mk1]

Yeah if you press the button it will show you a reading like OOOOOO if its full or OOO if its halfway between the minimum and maximum.

 

[Tigger]

Mine was goosed, used to flash ------- and throw the SERV light on if I parked at any angle at all, even with the car "good to go" going by the dipstick

Changed the sensor when I did my oil/filter 2 weeks ago and all is well again
Still check the stick every few days too

 

[Jonff]

Mine tells lies lol.

Only safe way to check the oil level is via the dipstick.

 

[The Fatty]

When it says Oil Ok, press the trip button on the plastic. Nice feature tbh!

Well I never!

 

[Keyser Soze]

Mines not accurate.

 

[Matt@codered]

Oil level was designed for women, always go by the dipstick.

 

[Thrill]

Well I never!

Not sure if that's sarcasm or not to be honest. Can never tell on CS! If it is then, somebody asked how to do it so I was only telling them.

 

[Toastfrenzy]

I amaze the garage I take my road cars too, as I never check anything unless there's a light showing, bombing back from France last year, oil light came on I stop, check oil, right enough it requires some. Buy oil top up and carried on (i'll take some this year as it was £20 for a liter!!). Now where's the fuss in that??

The windscreen wash is the worst one, forever getting asked to fill Sam's up, disconnecting that mofo one day. She won't be shown.

 

[The Fatty]

Not sure if that's sarcasm or not to be honest. Can never tell on CS! If it is then, somebody asked how to do it so I was only telling them.

No its really wasn't! I have always thought that the 'oil ok' was a bit of a waste of time, never knew you could push the button to show the actual level, thats much better!

 

[mark smith87]

The sensor is accurate on mine. If its showing 5 zeros then it needs half a litre.

 

[Dan@SJM]

The windscreen wash is the worst one, forever getting asked to fill Sam's up, disconnecting that mofo one day. She won't be shown.

No washer fluid is a Pet hate of mine. My ex had a habit of using my car and running it out of fluid and not telling me. It's not helped with my OCD of glass either. It's either spotless or very very dirty.

 

[LiamR172]

Another little thing i didnt know!

This and hanging the petrol cap on the filler flap!

 

[danward]

I have also learnt this today!

 

[Thrill]

No its really wasn't! I have always thought that the 'oil ok' was a bit of a waste of time, never knew you could push the button to show the actual level, thats much better!

Ah that's good then! Just thought it was sarcasm haha. It's a good feature!

 

[Fletcher]

My oil level sensor hasn't worked for a about 2.5 years.

 

[Laine_16v]

My dash reports identical to what the dipstick tells me, qute impressed with the french electrics there.

 

[Richyy182]

When it says Oil Ok, press the trip button on the plastic. Nice feature tbh!

Ummmm I never knew that!!!

 

[Big Bob]

Very accurate if its working but if its not then can read full when its not.

 

[Westyfield2]

Mine seems to be pretty accurate .

 

[A4LLY]

Seems to be quite accurate. Still check it with the dipstick when I give it a wash just to be sure.

 

[*Wilson*]

Mine is also accurate, i check dipstick and onboard display and always gives accurate readings.