Eliminate the oil level senser

[obthomas]

It might be easier and cleaner than adding a Porsche level sensor to the LS3

[78F350]

So, this engine?


It looks like the sensor is wired to the cluster directly, at least on the early models. I expect that the sensor works by increasing/decreasing resistance across pin 2- GN/BL wire "oil level" and pin 4- BR/OR wire "analog ground" (Pin 1 and 3 are for oil temperature).

I'd test that theory by measuring resistance between those pins while the sensor is immersed in varying levels of oil. If that's the case, I'd put a dummy resistor in place of the sensor to simulate a 'good' level.

[obthomas]

Yes it is! Great answer. For the moment I do not have the sensor, let it go with the Porsche engine when it sold. I shorted the same wires and still got a failure message. I was thinking to buy a sensor and do exactly what you say. My 2003 is a bit more challenge than an earlier car because some of the works is through CAN. My coolant temperature for example is a 2 wire resistive circuit to the ECU. For the life of me I couldn't see how the cluster gage picked up the temperature. Heated the sensor and the cluster Gage works. Has to be over CAN. On to the next challenge. Any Ideas for the tachometer? It appears to be CAN

[78F350]

I just checked the diagram for the '03 and the wiring for the oil level is the same as early cars. Pretty sure you are correct about the tach signal on CAN.
I have a recently removed (bad) engine that I can test the sensor on when I get time. May be a few days....

[obthomas]

78F350

Thanks for the testing offer. I will wait your results. Meanwhile can I get your thoughts on another challenge?

The cluster is acting fairly normal with key on. Most everything seems to work, even the tach zeroes. However, all of the signal (idiot) lights turn on as expected but then stay on. The cluster seems to be waiting a signal to proceed. I have looked at an engine run signal and can't find one so it is still a mystery to me why the cluster won't go one more step and extinguish the idiot lights. Worst case it could be another CAN issue. My ME7 is still active and maybe It needs to see something to send a CAN signal. Any thoughts are appreciated. Two heads are better than one. Thanks

[obthomas]

got the cluster working.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by obthomas

got the cluster working.

Did you figure out what makes the idiot lights go out? I'm traveling this weekend and plan to test the oil level sensor Tuesday evening or Wednesday.
Rocking in Charlotte NC right now on a long lay-over.