oil level sensor fault

[Pukmeister]

Got an issue with the oil level sensor on my 2008MU GSA, can anyone advise ??

The oil level is normal, I ride 12 miles to work daily and the display shows the oilcan Icon when I get to work and the bike idles with hot oil in the sump. The level is just above the top of the sight glass when hot. I recently serviced the bike and changed the oil and filter for a 10W40 semi synth (no more oil threads please).

Has anyone else experienced these symptoms with their oil level sensor? Can it warn if the level is too high, I don't see anything about it in the manual ??

I'm gonna scan for faults with the GS911 at the weekend to see if any codes are stored. I have recently done a clutch change and thus disturbed the wiring by the RH throttle body which may carry the oil level signal but the fault follows a daily pattern so I don't think the wiring has been displaced or damaged. It may just be a case of removing and cleaning the sensor as I bet they aren't cheap, or draining off some oil. My clutch change cost me £444 in parts plus another £44 for a seized/sheared pannier rack mounting so funds are tight this month, Id rather not have to buy a new sensor.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bendy toy]

It's in effect an on/off sensor so the 911 will probably not see a fault. However my level sensor did the same. I pulled it out and found it all working fine. It's never played up since. Maybe the wiring connector was dirty.

 

[Pukmeister]

Thanks Bendy, I found no fault codes today so whipped out the sensor to find a simple float device as you describe. I think the reason the fault only occurs once I get to work is that according to the manual the bike has to be hot and at standstill to give a level reading hence it comes on as the bike comes to rest.

I shall strip and clean the wiring contacts, grease up and reconnect then see what tomorrow brings.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

The level is just above the top of the sight glass when hot

How do you know it only just above the top of the sight glass?

I'd drain a small amount of oil out to bring it down to the correct level then check again

 

[Bendy toy]

It's easier to lean the bike. I the level appears just off vertical it's only slightly over filled.
Another reason why I prefer the long flexible dip sticks used on car engines. Dropping more or was into the middle of the engine the level is accurate even when car is on a camber.
Not so with bikes sadly.

 

[Pukmeister]

How do you know it only just above the top of the sight glass?

I'd drain a small amount of oil out to bring it down to the correct level then check again

I've done exactly that, the level is just in the top now. Cleaned contacts, same fault. Gonna measure continuity across the oil level switch in high/low level positions next to see if it needs replacing.

 

[Pukmeister]

The level sensor is playing up again so I linked the level sensor out and guess what, its still playing up which means a continuity problem with the loom probably where I disturbed it recently doing a clutch change. I suspect an over-tight cable tie has caused a break somewhere, has anyone had a similar problem and know where to start looking?

I fixed the RDC pressure problem for the rear tyre using a spare watch battery and some Stixall sealant, just the oil level sensor to sort now as the check oil icon is becoming annoying.

 

[Bendy toy]

if a wire conductor has broken you should be able to feel a slightly more flexible bit of wire at the break point.