Has the engine light appeared on your dashboard? Unfortunately this can be linked to a number of issues wrong with your vehicle, and is simply an indication that one of the electronic components of the vehicle is picking up an error or isn’t working correctly.

Unless you have an intricate knowledge of your Mercedes Benz, you may want to take your car to a mechanic to diagnose it properly. Normally, you will find yourself with a fairly minor issue that you can choose to get repaired then and their, or if you are feeling brave, repair it yourself.

If it happens to be your oil level sensor, then it is possible to repair your Mercedes Benz without having to go to your local garage. Have a read below to find out the tools you will need and the steps to follow to replace your oil level sensor.

What you will need to replace your Oil Level Sensor

There are a number of tools you will need in order to complete the replacement, along with a clear space you can use to jack up your vehicle so you can reach underneath safely. The following tools will be required:

– A Trolley Jack
– 4x Heavy Duty Axle Stands
– Mechanic Tool Set
– Bucket or alternative plastic container
– Old towels or rags
– Sealant to reinstall oil pan [Optional]

Steps to Replace your Oil Level Sensor

1. Park the car on a flat surface

Make sure your car is on a completely flat surface as this will make sure it doesn’t move while you have the car raised. Safety is of the utmost importance when you are raising or ‘jacking up’ the vehicle, so make sure you also have plenty of space around the vehicle to move.

2. Use trolley jack and axle stands to raise car

Check your vehicle handbook to find out where the best points on the underside of the car are located in order to raise it. There will either be a strong point under the car or even a solid mount area or reinforced seam weld where you can position the trolley jack.

Lift the front of the car before placing axle stands under both sides of the vehicle. Then lower the jack onto the axle stands. Repeat for the rear of the vehicle and remember to take your time, ensuring that the car is stable on the stands.

3. Remove engine tray

Once the car is nice and secure, it’s time to remove the engine tray. The removal will differ depending on your Mercedes vehicle, but generally it requires the removal of 8mm bolts that hold it in place. Remove these and the tray should come straight off. Put aside along with the bolts for reinstallation.

4. Remove drain plug and drain oil

The position of the drain plug can differ depending on the vehicle, but before you loosen it, position your plastic container to catch the draining oil. On a C-Class Mercedes the drain plug is 13mm. Oil will drain immediately so be ready with the container, and be prepared to adjust the positioning as the flow lessens. When it has finished draining, either replace the plug or use a brand new one if required.

5. Replace Sensor

On some models you will also need to remove the oil pan completely by removing all torx bolts. This can be a tricky as the pan is often sealed to the engine and will need to be pried off as carefully as possible. This will reveal the position of the oil level sensor. Disconnect the wiring and remove any additional bolts before removing the sensor. Take the new sensor and install. Remember that when reinstalling the oil pan you will need to clean the surface prior to applying new sealant.

6. Refill the engine oil (and replace oil filter if required)

Once the oil pan has been affixed, you can refill the oil tank to the desired level. Whilst you are there, you could also change your oil filter if the old one is clogged for any reason.

7. Reinstall engine tray

Last but not least, reinstall the engine tray with the same 8mm bolts and make sure it is nice and tight. At this point you can then slowly lower your car off the axle stands by raising the car with your trolley jack.

To book in a service for your Mercedes Benz at Dronsfields, visit our Repair/Service page and fill out the form. For any other enquiries, get in touch with our expert team today.