Checking oil level on 3.0 D4

[d3syd]

As far a I know, the 3.0 SDV6 engine has no dipstick but a electronic readout on the dash (why they decided to complicate something as basic as checking your oil, I just don't know ).

Anyway I can't seem to get my readout to work. Just says "reading not available" or something along those lines. Any ideas

[eddomak]

As far a I know, the 3.0 SDV6 engine has no dipstick but a electronic readout on the dash (why they decided to complicate something as basic as checking your oil, I just don't know ).

Anyway I can't seem to get my readout to work. Just says "reading not available" or something along those lines. Any ideas

Hi,

You'll need to:
1) Run the engine
2) Switch off
3) Wait 10 minutes (or thereabouts)
4) Switch on car (do not start engine)
5) Access the service menu

There's more detailed discussion on it in some other threads here (do a search) or if I have something wrong, check out your manual for the exact instructions.

Cheers,
Edwin.

[Disco4SE]

As far a I know, the 3.0 SDV6 engine has no dipstick but a electronic readout on the dash (why they decided to complicate something as basic as checking your oil, I just don't know ).

Anyway I can't seem to get my readout to work. Just says "reading not available" or something along those lines. Any ideas

Hi d3syd,
I have the D4 3.0 as well.
This is how I check mine.
1. Push the start button without your foot on the brake.
2. Wait for about 4 seconds until the Press OK appears on the dash.
3. Press the OK button on your steering wheel.
4. Use down arrow to scroll down to 'Service Menu'
5. Use right arrow - 'Vin Display' & 'Oil Level' should appear.
6. Sroll down to 'Oil Level' and click OK.

I would be interested to know where your oil level is sitting.

Cheers, Craig

[Disco4SE]

Forgot to mention to wait at least 10 minutes after the car has been running.
Cheers, Craig

[d3syd]

Thanks for the replies guys. I thought that maybe I needed to warm up the engine before it would give a reading. So after driving around for a while, I gave it a go, but still no luck

Only thing I haven't tried is wait 10 minutes after running as suggested by eddomak. I have a electronic dip stick on my BMW as well and you can get a reading anytime whether the engine is running or not. Still prefer the old fashion method of checking your oil - if it ain't broke, don't fix it

[d3syd]

It's working now Dunno why, but it is....

Showing full oil level.

[Dahai]

Why make a simple thing so complicated. Remember the acronym "KISS"?
Still I suppose it saves you getting your hands dirty.

[Ferret]

Might save your hands getting dirty but I'd still rather have a dip stick. I would like to know what the rational is for replacing such a simple thing as dipstick for something like an electronic sensor and display.

The other thing which frustrates me about the D4 is that there is now no true 'Accessory' position on the 'Start' button. You can get 'Ignition' like you do when you check the oil level but it turns off after a minute so you can't run things plugged into the Aux sockets unless the engine is running. Brilliant.

[rick130]

Might save your hands getting dirty but I'd still rather have a dip stick. I would like to know what the rational is for replacing such a simple thing as dipstick for something like an electronic sensor and display.

[snip]

Probably as most people, including mechanics aren't very clean.
Checking the oil is an easy way to introduce contamination, especially if the stick isn't pushed home fully.

[Disco4SE]

The other thing which frustrates me about the D4 is that there is now no true 'Accessory' position on the 'Start' button. You can get 'Ignition' like you do when you check the oil level but it turns off after a minute so you can't run things plugged into the Aux sockets unless the engine is running. Brilliant.

Ferret,
I had the front drivers side consol socket and the one behind the centre console in the rear, wired direct to the second battery. That way, no ignition required and no flat battery.
Cheers, Craig