Engine - Oil Level Switch Inspection Clarified
NUMBER: 02-123-11DATE: 11/01/11
APPLICABILITY:
2010MY and later Legacy and Outback
SUBJECT:
Oil Level Switch
INTRODUCTION
The following information is being supplied to better clarify the inspection process required to confirm the operation of the oil level switch. Many times it has been found that switches inspected using this procedure have been replaced when in fact they are not failed. We suspect the following possibilities.
1) The inspection method (trouble shooting) for the oil level warning light may need additional clarification
2) Some additional customer education may be needed on how to turn off the oil level warning light once it has been activated
REPAIR PROCEDURE/INFORMATION
1) Clarification of the inspection method (trouble shooting) for the oil level warning light In the troubleshooting process as outlined in the service manual, the oil level switch only requires replacement when indicated after inspection steps 6 have been completed. If the oil level switch warning light goes off at Step 3, the oil level switch is normal and does not require replacement To clarify, the final cominent under "YES" for step 3 ("Remove the spare fuse installed to finish this step") is the end of the diagnostic process There is no need to proceed any further as the switch has been judged as operating properly.
2) Supplemental information on how to turn off the oil level warning light and provide an explanation to the customer.
One of the following conditions (a or b) must be satisfied in order to turn off the oil level warning lamp:
a) After all the conditions (1-5) are satisfied and 10 seconds pass.
b) After you install the spare fuse at the delivery (test) mode fuse connector in the main fuse box and 10 seconds pass.
Customers may report that the illumination of the warning light is a malfunction, because the warning light did not go off immediately after refilling the engine oil. Therefore, it is very important that the proper function of the sensor be confirmed and if found to be operating correctly, that the methodology of its operation be reviewed with the customer so the system's operation is better understood.
From the Owner's Manual
NOTE
^ The engine low oil level warning light will not turn off immediately even if you replace or add engine oil. It will turn off only when the vehicle is idling (A/C Oft) and the engine is warmed up completely.
If you have added oil to the vehicle as part of any inspection for a low oil light illumination, please confirm that the warning light turns off when installing the fuse in the delivery mode fuse connector after you refill or replace engine oil as mentioned in Step 1 "Check engine oil level" in the service manual.
NOTE
(1) The purpose of installing the spare fuse in the delivery (test) mode fuse connector in the main fuse box is to diagnose engine oil level in real time, not to clear memory in the BCU.
(2) As described in the owner's manual "When the vehicle is considerably inclined on an uphill or steep slope, the warning light may illuminate temporarily due to the movement of engine oil in the engine". Please understand that oil level warning light will very rarely illuminate due to a sloped road.
(3) Always replace or refill engine oil and inspect oil level on a fiat surface to obtain an accurate reading.
Disclaimer