C280 oil light -2.0L

[gchild]

Hi,

Driving today, the oil light came on for a minute with the detail "-2.0L"

I have a c280 w202. Does this mean that the oil level has dropped below the normal level by 2L?

Is this normal for a car that had a B service about 3 months ago using shell ultra, and has roughly done 1000mile since (not driven hard)?

Also what viscosity of oil should i top up with? I can't see this detailed anywhere in the benz manuals?

Cheers

 

[Steve_Perry]

Yep you are right it means the car 'thinks' the oil level is 2 litres below normal level.

First I would confirm what the actual oil level is by double checking with the dip-stick.

One of two things spring to mind:
- Either your motor has sprung a leak somewhere.
- One of the oil sensors has become faulty.

If the engine is warm and you're parked on level ground you can always double check what the car thinks the oil level is too:
Put the key in the ignition and switch over to position two without starting the engine. All the dash lights should come on and after 5 secs or so the mileage and trip display should indicate a clock and an oil can. Once you see the oil can, press the 0 button (to zero trip meter) twice and you should see an oil level display on the dash. 'o.k.' means all is well.

S.

 

[fuzzer]

i wouldbnt bang 2l streight into it. Try it in .5L segments and see how it goes.

 

[gchild]

checked the level with a warm engine, its about half way between min and max.

i'm told by mb parts that i need fully synthetic 5w40 to top it up with.

How much oil do c280 supposed to consume?

 

[gchild]

If the engine is warm and you're parked on level ground you can always double check what the car thinks the oil level is too:
Put the key in the ignition and switch over to position two without starting the engine. All the dash lights should come on and after 5 secs or so the mileage and trip display should indicate a clock and an oil can. Once you see the oil can, press the 0 button (to zero trip meter) twice and you should see an oil level display on the dash. 'o.k.' means all is well.

Just tried this out and it says ok. does this overule the indicator that came on while i was driving, or should i top up anyway?

 

[shandy]

The wonders of electronics!!!, Go by the level on your DIPSTICK , halfway between min.and max. is good, do not overfill!!
Geo.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Just tried this out and it says ok. does this overule the indicator that came on while i was driving, or should i top up anyway?

Yes this is the most recent reading so would be more up to date than your original -2.0L warning.

As Shandy says, trust the good old fashioned dipstick over the electronic oil sensors. I tend to keep mine between halfway and top level.

I also use Mobil 1, fully synth, 5W40.

S.

 

[gchild]

cheers fellas. I added about 1/2 litre and that took the level up part way between mid to max.