Tech Tip: Diagnosing Incorrect Oil Level Message on Mercedes-Benz

Tech Tip: Diagnosing Incorrect Oil Level Message on Mercedes-Benz

You may encounter instances on any of the subject models where the engine oil level is OK, but the instrument cluster is displaying any one of the following three messages: Oil level below minimum; Oil level above maximum; or Engine oil level - visit workshop. Check if the engine has the appropriate oil dipstick. Correct the oil dipstick if necessary. Disregard this step if the engine is not ....

You may encounter instances on any of the subject models where the engine oil level is OK, but the instrument cluster is displaying any one of the following three messages:

  • Oil level below minimum;
  • Oil level above maximum; or
  • Engine oil level — visit workshop.

Affected Vehicles:
Models 129, 170, 202, 208, 210, 215 and 220 with M112, 113 or 137 engines.

Note: To avoid unnecessary replacements, perform the following steps before replacing the oil level sensor:

Service Procedure:
1. Check if the engine has the appropriate oil dipstick. Correct the oil dipstick if necessary. Disregard this step if the engine is not equipped with oil dipstick (i.e. 137 engine).

2. Check if the oil level is correct using the proper oil dipstick. Use DAS to check the oil level in engines without an oil dipstick. Correct the oil level if necessary.

3. Check if the correct oil data is stored in the instrument cluster.

Procedure for checking and correcting oil data:

a. Hook up the DAS.

b. Select vehicle mode.

c. Select instrument cluster.

If the oil data is incorrect, change the oil data in the instrument cluster by performing steps d-g.

d. Select control unit settings.

e. Select coding or variant coding.

f. Select engine or engine variant.

g. Save data.

4. Check for DTCs in the engine control unit. If an oil level sensor fault code has been stored, perform the following steps.

a. If three fault codes (P2039, P2040 and P2041) are stored in the engine control unit:

• The oil level sensor connector is plugged incorrectly or partially plugged. Correct the connection.

• The wiring harness is damaged (short circuit); replace it.

• The oil level sensor is defective; replace it.

b. If any one or two of the above-mentioned fault codes are stored in the engine control unit, replace the oil level sensor.

5. Check the oil level sensor (A004 153 53 28) for the production date. For oil level sensors with production dates up to and including 00W51, implausible over-filling warnings can occur when water temperature reaches 60 to 70° C. Oil level sensors with production dates of 00W52 and after are OK.

Note: If you encounter instances of leaky oil level sensors or oil pans on any of the subject models, check for leaks between the oil sensor and oil pan. Replace the seal, P/N A023 997 43 48, if it’s found to be damaged. Lightly oil the seal when installing it. Check the oil pan holes for rough or sharp edges. Remove them if any are found; or, if necessary, replace the oil pan.

For additional tech tips, visit www.identifix.com.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of IDENTIFIX.

You May Also Like

Mercedes-Benz: Replacing Bolts at Steering Gear

Work procedures vary slightly for certain platforms. This article outlines the different procedures to follow.

Mercedes Models

2012-2017 C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, M-Class, and S-Class vehicles (166, 204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217,218, 222, 253, 292 platforms)

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 12-17 C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, M-Class, and S-Class vehicles (205, 218, 207, 212, 213, 166, 253, 292, 204, 217, 222 platforms) that are driven for extended periods of time in salt-belt states and that are operated in high-corrosion environments with exposure to road salt may experience varying levels of corrosion on specific bolts that are used on the power steering rack. This corrosion, along with certain weighted driving loads, could result in the fracturing of these bolts. This campaign affects approximately 418,851 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz ABC Suspensions

The system provides great ride & handling, but it can be complicated to service if you do not have the right training.

Audi TFSI/FSI: Oil Consumption And Carbon Buildup

Technical Service Bulletins can be valuable in helping solve vehicle problems. But sometimes, it takes multiple TSBs to find a pattern failure or the “root cause” of a problem. In the case of the Audi/VW 2.0L Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine introduced in 2006, three problems related to engine carbon and fuel issues are connected

BMW Diagnostics: Low Airflow After Cabin Filter Replacement

Models:  F97 X3 M  F98 X4 M G01 X3 G02 X4 G20 3-Series SITUATION After replacing the microfilter during a previous service, the customer notices that the ventilation system airflow rate is noticeably less. This leads to perceived lower cooling power. The customer may also notice that external odors enter the vehicle. Related Articles –

Carbon Deposit Q&A

Follow along to learn more about carbon deposits.

Other Posts

Don’t Miss The April Digital Edition of ShopOwner

The April issue includes technical and management content and is free to download.

Solving Intermittent Overheating

New cooling systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature.

Now Available – March’s Digital Edition of ShopOwner

The March issue includes technical and management content and is free to download.

Today’s Fuel Pressure Diagnostics

Direct injection pressure is measured with sensors, and the signals are used to determine pump speed and/or volume.