Hi everyone

 

I've searched the forum but not found a comprehensive resolution to this. Apologies if I've missed it!

 

Car is increasingly flashing up on maxidot with message Oil Sensor: Workshop! And the orange oil can flashes.

 

When I got the car, it was extremely low on oil. Was topped up but have since done a full oil service.

 

Oil level has remained pretty constant, sometimes oil temperature will jump around erratically within maxidot. Car seems to be running fine, but I'm concerned about long term damage.

 

I don't have VCDS to scan, but from what I've read this is likely a sensor or wiring problem. Does anyone know how many oil sensors are on the CR170, along with locations and part numbers? I want to track down the culprit and check the wiring at the same time.

Oil level sensor is usually visible (from below) in the bottom of the sump, held on by three screws. Wire breakages close to the connector not uncommon.

Part number will probably be printed on it.

Damn, I'm guessing that means I'd have to drop the oil to change that sensor?

Definitely, but wiring failures are more common than sensor failures, I think. Could even be a blown fuse. If you can tell me your engine code, I can look up which fuse to check (tomorrow).

The wiring loom also has a habit of coming unclipped and rubbing on the driveshaft. 

3 hours ago, Wino said:

Definitely, but wiring failures are more common than sensor failures, I think. Could even be a blown fuse. If you can tell me your engine code, I can look up which fuse to check (tomorrow).

That's very good of you.

 

Its the CR170 on a 62 plate, so would that be a CEGA engine?

 

I'm hoping I don't have to change the sensor out as the oil is pretty fresh, but hey ho. Whatever is wrong though, it does seem to be getting worse. Was only flashing up with the error perhaps once a week; now it's pretty much every day. This afternoon the orange can came up and stayed solid, and said Check Oil Level! Oil level was absolutely fine.

Fuse #4 (5amp) in the fusebox inside the car 

 

The three wires from the sensor go to a 6 pin (Black) connector in the area around the passenger side headlight #2 in the first picture and B in the second

 

12 hours ago, nige8021 said:

Fuse #4 (5amp) in the fusebox inside the car 

 

The three wires from the sensor go to a 6 pin (Black) connector in the area around the passenger side headlight #2 in the first picture and B in the second

 

You're a superstar! Thanks so much! Will go outside and check, once the rain stops haha.

 

Is there more than one oil sensor do you know?

There's an oil pressure switch, but I think that would make the oil light come on red if it was seeing problems with low pressure.

Is this the right connector? Seems to have six wires either side. Seems to look okay with no obvious signs of damage.

 

Edited 30 July, 20196 yr by alanpartridge

5 minutes ago, Wino said:

There's an oil pressure switch, but I think that would make the oil light come on red if it was seeing problems with low pressure.

Ah, I see. So it's likely the one in the bottom of the sump that causing issues?

Edited 30 July, 20196 yr by alanpartridge

Yep. Or its wiring.

Torque bolt to 10Nm

Thanks, guys. I'll get under the car and have a look properly. I do remember looking at the wiring going to the sensor when I last drained the oil, and had to move it out of the way slightly (was giving problems before then). It did seem to look okay, but I'm wondering if someone manhandled it in the past.

 

Also, fuses seem to be okay. Diagram doesn't match the actual layout though!

If you have a multimeter ? you could check for 12v on pin 1 of the sensor plug and a ground on pin 2, the signal on pin 3 goes to the instrument cluster pin 11 of the 32 pin plug

It would match layout if you had a LHD car with the (mirror-image) fusebox at the other end of the dash.

Edited 30 July, 20196 yr by Wino

3 minutes ago, nige8021 said:

If you have a multimeter ? you could check for 12v on pin 1 of the sensor plug and a ground on pin 2, the signal on pin 3 goes to the instrument cluster pin 11 of the 32 pin plug

I don't, unfortunately. I'm pretty useless with car electrics and need to learn.

This should be the RHD layout

16 minutes ago, alanpartridge said:

I'm pretty useless with car electrics and need to learn.

 

If there's a broken wire, it will probably be visually obvious. Really need to get the vehicle (safely) up in the air and any obscuring undertray off. 

Just now, Wino said:

 

If there's a broken wire, it will probably be visually obvious. Really need to get the vehicle (safely) up in the air and any obscuring undertray off. 

I agree. I'll get under there next time it's not looking like end of days outside. 

 

In the middle of watching a beginners guide to multimeters on YouTube, so will get one ordered too and start to learn this stuff properly.

 

As a side note, is this likely to be causing any harm to the car if I continue to drive it?

Will not cause a problem if the oil level really is correct.

 

Edit: just noticed in your opening post you mention oil temperature jumping around unexpectedly. That might suggest an intermittent connection going to this oil level/temperature sensor?

 

Edited 30 July, 20196 yr by Wino

16 minutes ago, Wino said:

Will not cause a problem if the oil level really is correct.

 

Edit: just noticed in your opening post you mention oil temperature jumping around unexpectedly. That might suggest an intermittent connection going to this oil level/temperature sensor?

Oil level is definitely fine. The temperature only just started jumping around yesterday, and for the first time also said Check Oil.

16 minutes ago, Wino said:

 

 

Okay, so my mate came over this morning with his VCDS, and after an autoscan it came back with the following codes:

 

Engine Oil Temp. Sensor

P0196 - 000 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

 

Also says 

Oil Level/Temperature Sensor

P159D - 000 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

 

I haven't had chance to go under the car and inspect the wiring yet, but at is there anyway to tell from the code if it's likely to be working or sensor...or is it just a case of visual checking the wiring & connector to be certain?

Also getting a glow plug error message which I'll post separately.

Okay, so checked wiring and all looks okay. Undid the plastic housing around the part where the wire go into the block, and all three seemed ok with no breakages. Felt as far up the wire as I could reach (which wasn't far) and nothing untoward was apparent.

 

12v on pin one with multi-meter.

 

So, with the wiring seemingly ruled out, and the above fault codes in vcds, are we likely looking at a duff oil sensor?

Looks that way, yes.