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+--- Thread: Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil (/showthread.php?tid=1055)
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Dman86 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
Hello everyone,
My remaining oil life showed 22% (I have plenty of time till my services) and I've decided to add some oil.
I bought the right one and added about a liter of oil.
I thought that the percentage would change upwards, but it didn't. So I tried resting it. Now it shows a 100% but the MIL light is on.
I read a bit online and found out that in order to really reset it, you must press the brake pedal.
Manual Oil Life System Reset
1. Turn on ignition.
2. Push Menu button on the turn signal switch.
3. Use adjustment wheel and select menu â Vehicle Information System.
4. Use adjustment wheel and select menu â Oil Life System
5. Push SET/CLR button on the turn signal switch and push brake pedal at same time.
[video=youtube;KUlowcIpxME]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUlowcIpxME[/video]
But it didn't work!
Do I really have to go to the dealer in order to reset it?
Can't I just add oil on my own sometimes...
Appreciate your help,
Dima.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Rusty2009 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
I don't have to press the brake on my 2012 J just use the reset.
If your MIL is on get it plugged onto an MDI to see what faults are there.
Where are you based?
I also have my car serviced by an interdependent and he leaves me to reset the oil %.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Dman86 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
I'm based in Israel mate
I'll go to a specialist garage later on today
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - JohnL - 3:rd-Nov-2014
Was the actual oil level low on the dipstick when you added the extra ltr of oil? If not it might be worth checking the dipstick to make sure there is not to much oil in it now. As it could be this causing the light to come on due to much oil upsetting the emissions by it burning some of the extra oil?
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Dman86 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
You might have a point there, but I have to double check.
When I checked the dipstick before adding the oil, it was technically full, but very black.
After I added a liter of oil, I rechecked with the dipstick and it showed the same amount, but was much clearer.
If you're right, how how do I solve it?
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Rusty2009 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
When you checked the oil did you do when it was cold?
The oil level must be checked with the engine at normal operating temperature, but allow at least 5 minutes for the oil to settle.
If you have over filled it TBH I would do a full oil change incl filter. over filling with oil can damage the engine as well.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Dman86 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
I checked when the car was cold, yeah.
I'll remember your remark for next time - Thanks!
How can I know if I over filled it? I mean, is there a way to check (besides the dipstick)?
Would the computer (MDI) at the garage tell that it's over flooded?
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Rusty2009 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
I can't see the MDI knowing it might pick something up from one of the sensors but not overly sure TBH mate.
Only way to be 100% is the dipstick as far as I know mate.
We do have a chap on here Kevin who may be able to offer other advise as he is works in a garage.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - JohnL - 3:rd-Nov-2014
I don't believe there are any sensors for the car to know if there is to much oil only when the level is low. But if there is to much oil it can end up working it's way in to the combustion chamber's which could affect the emissions which could put the light on due to emissions.
As Rusty has said the dipstick is the only real way to know if there is to much oil in the car or not.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Kevin - 3:rd-Nov-2014
If it's a diesel, I think they will have a level sensor. Reason for the level sensor is due to the dpf filter. During the regeneration it is dumping so much extra fuel into the engine, it can and will cause the oil level to rise.
So my guess is it's over filled. Not a great idea driving it overfilled as you risk at least causing oil leaks, at worst a destroyed engine. The last thing you want is a diesel starting to burn it's own oil as it can keep going until the engine goes pop!
We had a Renault espace diesel go bang. It was ticking over in the drive at the workshop when out of blue the revs increased to rediculous levels. As it was an auto, no way were we risking sticking it in gear and killing the gearbox. £3.5k for and engine exc. Vat and fitting. Unfortunately we had to replace the engine due to being in our care!
I also had a BMW do that with me last year. Doing 70mph towards a roundabout, eased off the gas and car started to gain speed! Filled carriageway with smoke, but kept car in gear and managed to bring it to a halt and stall engine. Saved the engine and my life!
Try not to worry too much, give it an oil change and reset fault codes via computer.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - Dman86 - 3:rd-Nov-2014
Thanks a lot for the detailed answers guys.
Well, I went to the garage and they found (according to the computer) that there's something wrong with the valve cover gasket or just the valve cover (didn't quite understood, so I'm not a 100% sure which one is it).
Does that have anything to do with the oil I've added?!
Cause when I checked the dipstick today, it was fine...
Is this a common problem?
Just for general knowledge, the car is from June 2012 and has only 34796 miles on it.
Malfunction Indicator Light on after adding oil - bannan - 16:th-Jan-2015
I know this is an older thread but the oil % indicator has nothing to do with how much oil is left. Always go off the dipstick. If the oil on the dipstick was at Max then you don't need any extra oil. Adding an extra litre of oil when it already was at Max is quite a lot. Let's hope you have had some drained out by now.