Range Rover says ‘oil level not available’ when checking the oil level

What should you do if the Range Rover dashboard says ‘oil level not available’? First of all, make sure you are checking the oil level when the engine is cold. If it still shows this warning/error, it could be due to a faulty oil level sensor, dirty or malfunctioning gauge or other issues.

As an experienced Range Rover owner, I know these vehicles are built to last and handle just about anything. But, as I have come to learn – Range Rover and just about anything with a Land Rover badge means complications and headaches…

But even the most reliable vehicles can have their quirks and issues, as I recently discovered when my Range Rover Sport 2013 started displaying an error message that said: “oil level not available.”

What models are affected?

• Land Rover Defender
• Range Rover Discovery
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Range Rover Vogue

Symptoms

• The most obvious symptom of this issue is the error message that says, “oil level not available.”
• Other symptoms can include a low oil level, a malfunctioning oil level gauge, or a check engine light on.
• Make sure you are checking your oil level when your Range Rover is cold, don’t start the engine; either press start/turn the key, then check the services menu and oil levels.

Make sure the engine is cold before checking the oil level

Before reading on and scaring yourself with the possibilities of having to part money at a local garage or doing the work yourself… please make sure you check the oil level on a Ranger Rover when the engine is cold.

Push in the break, and click the menu on the steering wheel…

You will see the Main Menu, select ‘Service Menu’…

Select the ‘Oil Level Display’…

It will then display the digital ‘Engine Oil Level’…

I know mine is slightly high, but the oil level sensors tend to be fairly temperamental. Every 100-200 miles, I check it, and if it hasn’t moved up or down, I know it’s time to change the oil level sensor.

After doing these simple steps, when you have let the Range Rover engine go cold after 15-25 minutes, and it still says ‘Oil Level Not Available‘, then move on below to try the ‘brute force’ method most Land Rover garages will perform.

If it still does not work for you, then read on to the diagnostics, symptoms, and how I fixed mine in the past.

Thankfully it isn’t difficult to fix if it is a faulty oil level sensor. Fingers crossed, it isn’t anything to do with the ECM!

How Land Rover garages perform ‘brute force’ oil checks

The Service Manager inspected the vehicle in front of me by checking the oil level through the in-dash Service Menu. Although he performed this task similarly to how we do it, he did so in a slightly different manner. He informed me that there is a method that only technicians are aware of to obtain an accurate and precise oil level reading using the same Service Menu.

• Open the hood completely up.
• Leave the driver’s side door open.
• Access the ‘Service Menu’ and select ‘Oil Level Check’.
• The oil level screen/graph will appear, press the cancel button twice.
• The following time when you select ‘Oil Level Check’, it forces the system to give an exact oil measurement even if the engine is hot.

Most likely causes of ‘oil level not available’

• The most likely cause of this issue is a faulty oil level sensor.
• Other possible causes include a malfunctioning oil level gauge, a low oil level, or a problem with the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM).

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

In many cases, this issue can be fixed without the help of a mechanic. However, it will require knowledge of Land Rover Range Rover engines and the right tools.

How to fix your issue!

• First, locate the oil level sensor or gauge and check if it is loose or damaged.
• If the sensor or gauge is loose or damaged, remove it and replace it with a new one.
• If the sensor or gauge is not the issue, check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Once the sensor or gauge is replaced or the oil level is corrected, the error message should no longer appear. This was a fast fix for me.

Potential alternative causes

Not to annoy or worry you, but if any of the above doesn’t shine a light on your problem, it would be worthwhile looking into either a clogged oil filter, something as simple as an oil leak or a malfunctioning oil pump.

• An oil leak
• A clogged oil filter
• A malfunctioning oil pump

Summary

In conclusion, a message saying “oil level not available” on your Range Rover can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can often be fixed without the help of a mechanic. Whether the problem is caused by a faulty sensor or gauge, a low oil level, or something else, it’s important to take the necessary steps to diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Remember to always consult your vehicle’s owner manual, and if the problem persists or if you have any doubts, never hesitate to seek the help of a professional mechanic.

Overall, the Range Rover is a reliable vehicle, but like any other vehicle, it can have its issues, and we have to be prepared to tackle them. Happy driving!

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