Error checking oil level

[Moog72]

Thought I'd better check my oil level as I hadn't for a while and got a bit of surprise. Instead of giving a little graphic showing the level, it threw up a yellow message saying something like "No oil info. / measurement available" or words to that effect.

It is mentioned in the manual as cropping up if you have opened the rear boot or filler cap (did neither), but should disappear after leaving the car standing for approx one minute (it didn't). Also went for petrol to get it all warmed up, only to be faced with the same error afterwards.

Anyone else seen this, know what the issue is or is a chat with the OPC required? I don't like the idea of not being able to check the oil level at all.

Thanks
(Boxster S 981, btw)

[Zyp]

I'd be straight onto your OPC first thing tomorrow!

[Magic919]

Sounds like it is not properly up to temp.

[Moog72]

I've got a 200 mile round trip to do before I can get it to the dealer. Oil pressure seems totally fine and last time I measured the level (maybe 400 miles ago) it was one from the top. Hopefully it's a dodgy sensor or something but I'll check it again after a proper run.

Thing is I was always able to check the level even if the car had just been sat in the garage, so didn't actually need to go anywhere first.

[Magic919]

Used to be able to cold check my 996. Doesn't work on my 997 as it needs to be up to temp. Was the same in the 981s the garage lends me from time to time.

[DKC]

Was your oil temp fully heated up (eg 90degrees C)?

I changed my engine oil and the Porsche tech told me that you need to warm up the oil to working temp (80-90degrees C) before it'll give you a reading. Once the temp is up you don't even need the engine running to get the reading.

[Moog72]

No the oil wasn't up to full operating temp, it got to around 50, so that could be it (perhaps I'm remembering incorrectly cold checking it, quite possible)- I'll check it again once I've done my long run this evening.

Thanks all

[Ady128]

I've had my 991 for 20 months and have checked the oil twice.

[arcamalpha]

Ady128 said:

I've had my 991 for 20 months and have checked the oil twice.

You obviously don't love it very much!

[Ady128]

I used to have an Arcam Alpha. And I DO love my 991.

[griffter]

I find the oil level check bizarre - especially with no way to check physically (that I can find).
Would Porsche honour a warranty claim for damage caused by running up to temperature an engine with too much or too little oil?
Is this all because of the dry sump?

[Moog72]

Quick update. After the oil was fully up to temperature, the oil level check worked fine (oil still at one from the top), so thanks for the advice

As for physically measuring the level, I can only think it's down to the engine packaging making it difficult, however measuring the level on my dry sumpred R300 was also a bit odd requiring the creation of a homemade dip stick. 10" depth of oil and you were good to go!

[arcamalpha]

Ady128 said:

I used to have an Arcam Alpha. And I DO love my 991.

Only teasing really. Hopefully you check tyre pressures more often ;-)

[mollytherocker]

griffter said:

Would Porsche honour a warranty claim for damage caused by running up to temperature an engine with too much or too little oil?

Would you? I wouldn't!

[Ady128]

arcamalpha said:

Ady128 said:

I used to have an Arcam Alpha. And I DO love my 991.

Only teasing really. Hopefully you check tyre pressures more often ;-)

Er, not really again! Probably twice. I know I should though.

[Rockster]

mollytherocker said:

Would you? I wouldn't!

Neither would I. Not checking the oil level and allowing it to get to engine danger levels because the system doesn't have an old fashioned dipstick is just insane.

Really, I like and appreciate being able to check the oil level from inside the car. And I like being able to check it at various times. When I had a car that didn't have an electronic oil level system I felt like I was in the dark ages when I had to open the engine compartment hood and check the oil level using some dumb dipstick.

[mollytherocker]

Rockster said:

Neither would I. Not checking the oil level and allowing it to get to engine danger levels because the system doesn't have an old fashioned dipstick is just insane.

Really, I like and appreciate being able to check the oil level from inside the car. And I like being able to check it at various times. When I had a car that didn't have an electronic oil level system I felt like I was in the dark ages when I had to open the engine compartment hood and check the oil level using some dumb dipstick.

I am very sad. Following cleaning my car, I love nothing more than making as many manual checks as I can think of;

Engine oil
Coolant inc temp test (water cooled only!)
Screenwash
Power steering fluid
Brake fluid
Leaks
Ancillary belts
Tyre pressures & condition
Brake pad wear (finger test)
Lights
Bodywork
Visual underneath