"check Oil Level" Warning On Multifunction Display

[Michelotti]

(56 plate 1.6 HDI 90k on the clock) I'm getting "check oil level" upon startup ....also service indicator comes on but soon goes out once car is running...car runs ok....oil level looks fine on the dipstick ,,,,,,,,was changed by my local Citroen dealership when it was serviced 6k ago....any ideas? ......I'm fully aware of importance of maintenance of this engine and keeping up with oil changes etc .........my daily commute is 25 miles each way .........obviously I need to get it checked out ....are there any easy diy checks I could do ? do you recommend I get it booked in straight away...or can I leave it until next week ?

[paul.h]

I would make sure the car is on level ground and after the engine has not been run for a few hours, then check the oil level again on the dipstick. If the level is ok and not high or low and the dipstick is the correct one, then the problem may be the oil level probe or its wiring. The level probe is at the back of the engine on the block and goes down in to the sump. If it is the level probe then there would not be an urgent need to fix it.

 

If the level is low then you need to add some oil, there will be about 1½ litres between the min and max marks.

If the level is high then check the coolant level in case the head gasket has failed and if ok then a fuel injector may be leaking. If the level is high it should be lowered to avoid possibly causing a diesel runaway (where you may not be able to stop the engine since it will run on the oil from the sump).

[Michelotti]

Thanks Paul. Car is parked in the drive (which is level) every night. This morning I got a beep and the warning message. I've checked the dipstick and it's definitely not low. If the head gaskets gone it would have overheated today ......no? especially in 2 x 45 minute journeys in rush hour traffic ranging from nose to tail queuing to 70mph+ motorway work.

 

 Also if fuel is contaminating the oil, how will that effect the Turbo? Hmmmm deffo need to get this looked at before it gets expensive.   

[coastline taxis]

Drain oil then flush the system with a quality oil flush then reflush then refill with correct oil from the dealers

[Michelotti]

Quick update, and thanks to Paul & Coastline for prompt reply's ........Problem seems to have righted itself.......Blockage ?........I read somewhere that regeneration process can sometimes cause a bit of fuel to get into the sump ...... ................As I said , it's done 6k since last oil change ........I'll have it changed again at local Citroen dealers between now and Christmas ......will probably have done 8K by then....I don't have a problem spending a little extra on regular oil changes if it prolongs engine / turbo life . 

[Johndouglas]

I read somewhere that regeneration process can sometimes cause a bit of fuel to get into the sump ....

That's right - it can, but only on certain systems. Fortunately the regen. system used by PSA doesn't have that problem.

[paul.h]

If you are happy that the oil level is correct from the dipstick, then when your dealer changes the oil it may be worthwhile asking them to remove the level sensor and give it a wipe, or even fit a new one.

 

On the dpf regeneration systems that increase the diesel amount being injected, if it does lead to high oil levels then the level must still be reduced and probably the oil changed. I vaguely remember reading about Mazda engines failing due to this. Have a part read of these 

http://forum.mazda6club.com/engine-drivetrain/264345-2014-mazda6-diesel-serious-problems.html

 http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/community/topic/90350-oh-dear/

[coastline taxis]

i would make it now. Also get the sump pulled off (very easy and should only be a hours labour) and checked and cleaned for any signs of the oil solidifying. Ford now state that the only proper fix after a turbo failure on a 1.6 is to replace the whole engine

[paul.h]

In the November 2014 Car Mechanics magazine they list the top 10 most common mechanical faults. Number 1 is turbo failure on the PSA DV6 1.6 diesel engine used on Peugeots, Citroens and Fords. It may also be on Volvos but they are not mentioned.

[Michelotti]

Thanks guys ............Sorted

 

Citroen quoted me nearly 400quid.......local diesel engine specialist doing it for half that.