Engine Oil Level

[leonidasb22]

I did an oil change on my 2004 996 Carrera using the correct amount of Porsche specified oil about 1,500 miles ago. Now after running and car and letting the oil settle back to the oil pan the dash computer level and dipstick are reading the same. The oil level is half way from the min/max levels. 

 

I know that the oil level is in the acceptable range now, but is considered having low oil?

 

The reason why I am asking is because I brought my car to get diagnosed (and fixed) for a faulty oil pressure sending unit problem that occurs rarely when the dash warning pops up saying oil failure and the oil pressure gauge goes to 0. Then when I shut off the car the error disappears. I think it has to be the oil pressure sending unit, especially from other similar issues on this forum.

 

Some history on my car. Well I bought the car from carmax and purchased the maxcare warranty.  I was going to put the part and do it myself but it was too easy and I said let me use the warranty (since they would use Porsche parts) and I won't have to buy the part. So when I bring it in they tell me that if they can't find a fault they have to charge me a diagnostic fee. I said ok I know what the problem is and the oil pressure sending unit is covered under the warranty so go ahead. 

 

The call me back with the results and told me that their Alltel computer diagnostic system did not read any faults and the first thing they did was check the oil level and it was low. I was upset because I run the oil check every time I run the car and I never received a low oil light on. I ran over there because I thought the technician doesn't know how to read Porsche oil and we confirmed that the oil level was smack in the middle of the min and max lines and no light on the dash. My response was oil level is good. His response was that oil level is low and that could be the cause of the oil pressure sending unit. My first question is that oil level considered have oil that is too low? 

 

I need help because I feel Carmax just conned me out of a diagnostic fee because they didn't even proceed to look for a loose wire or anything. They said if the oil level is low thats the first thing that needs to be fixed. I would understand if the oil level is low. But it is in the middle of the dipstick in the acceptable range?

 

Please let me know if my logic or theirs is wrong. Thanks.

 

[mcbit500]

Since Porsche considers the markings to be Max and Min, right in the middle would be absolutely fine in my book.

[Ahsai]

Sounds like to me they were looking for excuses and NOT trying to diagnose your car properly. What's the business relationship between this shop and Carmax and the maxcare warranty? Can you take your car to another shop for diagnosis?

 

If they truly thought the oil level was the problem and wanted to diagnose it, all they needed to do is to add 1/2 quart of oil and carry on with the diagnosis.

Edited June 18, 2014 by Ahsai