Strange behavior from oil-level indicator

[JeTexas]

On my 99 Carrera, the dash displays the oil level when I start the car after getting gas. For the past few years, it may have shown the oil level to be as low as halfway down on the scale, but never in any danger zone. Recently, it's started showing the oil level lower and lower and now shows it on the lowest bar and is flashing.

I always took the post-gas reading with a grain of salt since I had been told when I bought the car that the digital readout was only accurate after the car had been off and sitting for at least 15 minutes. I never sit that long when pumping gas.

I checked the oil level with the dipstick and it seems fine.

The change occured after my AOS was replaced last fall. Would the new AOS be holding oil or is my sensor just going wacky?

Having verified multiple times that there is oil on the dipstick, I think everything is ok, but when I see flashing lights I always get worried.

[Dharn55]

Maybe a bad oil level sender, part #996.606.150.00, lists for $59.98. Kind of a PIA to change but not that bad.

[solent]

I normally just check the level when I start from cold ? Why check after gas stop ? As you said oil will not have settled to sump for 15 mins anyway ? I do notice on my '02 that the reading can vary - even if you do 3 readings back to back from cold - so I don't think it is that accurate anwyay. Perhaps sender needs electrical contacts cleaning (or replacing) - but if readings are good at cold ( and agree with dipstick) - I'd just be happy with that. How much oil does your car consume ? Looks like mine is using 1qt in 1Kmiles - so I want to keep a close eye on level. If you don't consume much - even less reason to worry about it too much. On a 10+ yr old car there are going to be a few things that don;t operate completly like new ....

[JeTexas]

My car doesn't really use any oil that I can tell. The reading at cold is good. It's just the reading after filling up that's wacky. I only noticed because the car automatically keeps that gauge on the oil level indicator after I fill up for about a minute or so after I turn the car on before it switches back over to regular duty.

[Kim]

Maybe a bad oil level sender, part #996.606.150.00, lists for $59.98. Kind of a PIA to change but not that bad.

Can you give a little more specific info on the location / procedure to install a new sending unit?

Mine began a couple of years ago to show zero oil on 9 out of 10 start ups. On the tenth, it would be accurate. Its a little thing, but the kind that drives me crazy. I like everything to work.

Thanks,

[Kim]

Maybe a bad oil level sender, part #996.606.150.00, lists for $59.98. Kind of a PIA to change but not that bad.

Can you give a little more specific info on the location / procedure to install a new sending unit?

Mine began a couple of years ago to show zero oil on 9 out of 10 start ups. On the tenth, it would be accurate. Its a little thing, but the kind that drives me crazy. I like everything to work.

Thanks