Oil Level Gauge More Erratic with Additional Coolers?

[Ryan_Cunningham]

I am aware that the Oil Level Gauge in our cars are not overly reliable for indicating the oil level. However, I previously would note that when my oil level got towards the "min" area on the oil stick that the gauge would tend to not fluctuate much under acceleration and deceleration. It would stay near the bottom red area.

With the removal of the "trombone" and addition of a front mount and Carrera fender mount cooler I have noticed significantly more fluctuation than I previously experienced. Even with the oil level near "min" I now get vast fluctuations on the gauge needle, i.e., showing full oil level on deceleration, and very slowly moving back to low.

Is that common or simply a problem/uniqueness with my car? I understand the gauge is not to be trusted and I rely on the actual oil level, just curious what others are seeing.

[darrin]

When my oil level sensor started failing, its readings became increasingly erratic. It's my understanding that this is caused by the windings the float contacts becoming compromised as they wear out. Erratic readings could also stem from a poor connection between the oil level sensor and the gauge. Not seeing how the type of cooler used would have a significant effect on the oil level sensor's performance. You could remove the oil level sensor and check how manually operating it outside the oil tank shows up on the oil level gauge and/or whether the gauge is erratic even when the gauge is stationary.

[Ryan_Cunningham]

Thanks darrin, I’ll look into it.

[dannichols1474]

Originally Posted by darrin

When my oil level sensor started failing, its readings became increasingly erratic. It's my understanding that this is caused by the windings the float contacts becoming compromised as they wear out. Erratic readings could also stem from a poor connection between the oil level sensor and the gauge. Not seeing how the type of cooler used would have a significant effect on the oil level sensor's performance. You could remove the oil level sensor and check how manually operating it outside the oil tank shows up on the oil level gauge and/or whether the gauge is erratic even when the gauge is stationary.

Ditto on that, I replaced my oil level sending unit, but still had erratic level readings. I also found I had to disconnect and reconnect the round wiring connector in the right rear corner of the engine compartment periodically to get the oil level gauge to read. The oil level gauge sense wire goes through that connector. Finally, I cleaned the connector pins with WD-40 and an old toothbrush, then applied some dielectric (silicone) grease to the connector. My oil level gauge readings have been more stable since.