I just had my engine oil changed by my Indy with an OEM filter and new oil plug seal. Oil was changed at the bottom pan. I brought the 5 gallon Castrol Edge 5W/20 jug with 3 individual additional quarts, but held back one quart so that I could top it up when I got home myself. However, When I checked the level at home( before topping it up) the electronic engine oil reading read full even though I know it needed another .7 of a quart. I checked it in my garage on a totally level surface. I remember at my last oil change at Jaguar, the shop manager hooked up his OBD2 scanner right after an oil change which showed that my oil level was approximately 3-4 ounces under full although the electronic reading on the dash also showed full. I know as a fact that I am currently under approximately .7 of a quart yet the reading does show full. I've read on the forum, that others have found the display's oil level reading to also be inaccurate. How inaccurate is it? Will it only show under full when it's a quart low? I'm debating that I should still go forward and add the extra .7 quart to the engine knowing I drained it completely. Has anyone else witnessed the same? I know the 5.0 holds 7.7 quarts. I wish it had a dipstick, but it is what it is. Anyone else find the same issue? I'm not happy about this, because how will we ever know when we are low on oil? I love to be totally accurate with my oil level. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Any feedback on this subject? Thanks all.

 

When I read the Workshop Manual, it clearly states that the oil capacity of the 5.0 is 8.90 l, on the initial fill.
However, a service fill with filter demands just 7.25l.

All I can come up with is that the drain was done, but not all of the available oil had drained into the pan prior to the job.
Moreover, the Manual also states that the oil should be checked when the engine is hot. If your meter shows "Level OK" , the actual level is between 50 - 100% of the recommended level.

(I've gone through this with my LR)

So, my .02 worth... I wouldn't add anything until the oil level icon states to do so.

 

Honestly, I'd not worry about it for a week. Even if it is .7 low, that's not scary terrible. I'd say the only thing you can do is obsess over it or trust it. Since obsessing will yield nothing fruitful, the only other option is to trust it. If in a week it says the same thing, which is probably will, then so be it. I find several factors vary my engine oil refills at change slightly so +/- 10% is something I never think twice about on any of my vehicles. Never been an issue in 30 years for me. That being said, I too just cannot ever understand no dipstick. It can't. W that much of a cost burden!

 

How does this reference in the service manual relate to this threads discusssion?

In the 5.0 service manual there is a reference to resetting the average oil level, it is as follow directly from the book:



NOTE: The following steps are to update the average oil level value.
 Turn the ignition on.
 Press and hold the cruise control cancel button for more than 2 seconds.

The message center display will revert to the normal display in the trip computer.
17. Turn the ignition off.
18. Turn the ignition on.
19.
 Scroll through the trip menu to access the engine oil level display.
 Make sure that the average oil level value has now been updated.

 

Yes, in service mode you may readily check the oil level at any time. No need to wait for the drain period.
But I don't think there is an actual reset... checking. brb.

Back. I cannot find any mention of recalibrating the oil level sensor in any of my manuals (LR and Jag)
If someone knows the wiser???

Cheers

 

There is a bit of a dance that you can do, where you have the bonnet open, doors shut, turn on ignition, scroll to oil level reading and hit cancel on the cruise control twice. That should force reset the reading. It is in the service manual.

 

It seems the definition of “reset” is variable.
What the manual refers to is the “reset” of the “display”. It is not a recalibration of the sensor.
An ultrasonic sensor will be affected by oil temperature and grade.

Actually, I can only find reference of two distinct operations for the oil level sensor.
1. In standard operating mode, the oil must have been in a drained state for 10 minutes in order for the display to show the sensor read value. (There are many references to the fact the oil should be hot)
2. In lieu of 1., The display can be reset to display the actual level of oil at anytime if in “service mode”. And it will update itself on a periodic schedule.

You can test this yourself. Immediately after running the engine, perform the service mode operation. And gaze in excitement (with a coffee) as the oil level display shows gradually increasing; as the oil drains from the engine into the sump.

The manual is also clear that the reading is within 50-100 % of the recommended oil level. Quantitatively what does that mean? .1l?, .25l?, or in this case .5l? only the car gods know.

I expect there is a recalibration routine available for the sensor. (as there are for many sensors). But I have not found any such resource as of yet. Perhaps someone else can chime in with the sensor calibration routine?

 

As the OP I can confirm that as much oil as possible was removed during my oil change and only 7 quarts was filled. With a capacity of close to 7.7 quarts we can assume that the maximum capacity is now less the . 7 quarts. According to the manual the electronic mode of full is 50-100% of accuracy of topping it up to full. I would assume ( if using an actual dipstick) if at the 50% mark, this would then be at the minimum mark correct? Well, I wouldn’t want to be driving around at the minimum mark on my dipstick. There isn’t any room if it dropped under minimum. I know I’m going over the top on this subject, but I might feel better adding an additional amount to cover myself. I know what was removed and I know what the car takes…. I’m just not comfortable not adding any additional oil to compensate for the . 7 of a quart. The question is…. How much?

 

Seems there is no way of knowing really. Since you are sure it's. .7 low, why not just add .7 based on your rationale about the 50-100%? Not saying that is the best option, but feel like it's going to bother you if you don't. Or split the difference. Basically whatever will make you feel good about it between 0 and 0.7.

 

. Exactly my thoughts! Great to get at least one opinion that conforms to my thinking! lol. Thanks. PS. If a dipstick was an option at an additional charge I’d jump on it… and while where at it… how about a temperature gauge? lol.

 

yeah… in increments of 1/4 of a quart, maybe.

Actually, the oil level sensor also reads the engine oil temperature. Yes, I’d prefer all the gauges…. as opposed to be migrating a digital display when driving a winding road in the inclement weather…. but I realize I’m in the minority.