Engine Controls - Oil Level Sensor Faults

GROUP 12
Engine Electrical Systems

12 05 02

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Service Engineering

May 2002

This Service Information bulletin supersedes Advanced S.I.B 12 05 02 dated April 2002.

SUBJECT
Engine Oil Level Sensor Faults

MODEL
E65 745i with N62 engine

SITUATION
Check control message indicates: "Engine oil level below minimum", although the actual engine oil level is correct.

Fault code 283A - oil quality sensor - may also be stored in the Engine Control Module (DME/ECU).

CAUSE
There are two possible causes:

Isolated dirt particles inside of the oil level sensor may cause erroneous oil level messages in the check control display, which will not reoccur once faults stored in DME/ECU memory are deleted.

OR

The oil level sensor is defective.

CORRECTION

A. If the fault is "currently not present", delete the fault stored in the Engine Control Module (DME/ECU) memory.

Do not replace the oil level sensor.

No further repairs necessary.

B. If the fault is "currently present", run the engine for a few minutes at idle, delete the fault stored in the Engine Control Module (DME/ECU) memory and road test the vehicle. If the fault no longer occurs, do not replace the oil level sensor.

Note:
In the above scenarios the dirt particles that caused the faults in the oil level sensor have been flushed through the sensor during normal engine operation (if the fault does not reoccur) and should no longer cause erroneous low oil level readings. Do not perform an oil service since this will not remedy the situation.

C. If the fault is "currently present", run the engine for a few minutes at idle, delete the fault stored in the Engine Control Module (DME/ECU) memory and road test the vehicle.

If the low oil level fault reoccurs, the oil level sensor must be replaced and the fault stored in the Engine Control Module (DME/ECU) memory deleted if necessary.

PROCEDURE

If replacement of the oil level sensor is necessary, refer to service information bulletin 11 01 02 for hold down nut torque specifications and nut torque sequence to avoid future oil level sensor leaks / damage.

Note:
See repair manual group 31, section 31 10 010 for instructions on the removal and installation of the reinforcement plate. The reinforcement plate hold down bolts must be replaced whenever they are removed.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number Description Quantity

12 61 7 506 689 Oil level sensor 1
51 717 892 988 Hex bolt M10X30X1,5 mm 5








WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.