Oil Level Warning Light

[Pimped-Passat]

Experts

Today the amber oil level warning light came on on my car and after topping the oil up (approx 0.75 litre required) to the MAX line on the dipstick, the amber warning light still remains on. I've check and re-checked the oil level and it is now definitely on the MAX line.

I called the main dealer and was advised that the problem could be down to the bonnet catch switch not recognizing that the bonnet has been open and closed, thus signaling the oil level has been checked. Alternatively they said it could be a faulty oil level sensor. Either way it would need "looking at"

Has has anyone else ever experienced this problem..?

Could it be the bonnet sensor..? (I was surprised with this theory..!)

Is the more likely cause a dodgy level sensor..?

Any non-dealer solutions/checks to this problem..?

Hope this makes sense..!!

Cheers
Mark

PS - This car seems to use varying amounts of oil and regularly catches me out even though I check the oil frequently - Most annoying..!!!

[martin1810]

Both reasons you were given are possible. I would try disconnecting the battery for 5 mins. This sometimes resets some aspects of the ecu.

[Quatrelle]

Seems a bit far-fetched to think that opening and closing the bonnet would make the ecu think the oil has been 'checked'. Checking doesn't change the oil level, so I can't see why the light wouldn't stay on in those circumstances.

[Pit Dweller]

Bonnet catch switch failure is a very common cause for this fault! - The dash cluster wants to see that the bonnet has been opened so you can top up the oil - If it hasn't seen this signal then it doesn't recheck the oil level via the sensor!

[Quatrelle]

Bonnet catch switch failure is a very common cause for this fault! - The dash cluster wants to see that the bonnet has been opened so you can top up the oil - If it hasn't seen this signal then it doesn't recheck the oil level via the sensor!

That sounds like a recipe for disaster!