T6.1 too much oil warning - how worried should I be?

[rodrigoluk]

My 16k miles, 98kw shuttle is showing the too much oil warning every 100 or so miles. This happened the day I picked it up and the VW vans place took into the service section. I think they took some oil out, which is half-way+ from checking the dipstick when cold. I can't smell diesel in the oil. Seems it needs the software update, which they will do next time I take it to the (about an hours drive). I also know that opening and closing the bonnet resets the warning. Question is how worried should I be?

 

[Pete C]

You need to check the oil level yourself when you get this warning. If the level has risen, then your oil is being diluted with diesel, which is not good for the engine.
If the oil level has not risen, then it’s more likely to be a software issue.

Pete

 

[rodrigoluk]

Hi Pete,
Thanks for the reply. To clarify, you mean to check the oil after the engine has been running for a while and after stopping and waiting for a few minutes? Basically, check the level of cold vs hot oil in the sump, right?

Thanks!

 

[Howzat]

I usually leave for 30 minutes after a run before checking oil.

 

[Pete C]

If you get the warning then check the oil level once it has been allowed to stand for 20 mins.

Don't worry about hot or cold, just give it long enough for the oil to drain back into the sump.

Take a picture of the oil on the dipstick each time it you like - saves you having to remember where it was the last time you checked.

Pete

 

[rodrigoluk]

Thank you for your help. I will do that!

Kind regards,

R.

 

[rodrigoluk]

Just to close the thread...took the van to the workshop and they told me they did a software update. I've now ddiven 300+ miles and no oil warning so far. Fingers crossed it stays like that.

 

[EmH]

Just to close the thread...took the van to the workshop and they told me they did a software update. I've now ddiven 300+ miles and no oil warning so far. Fingers crossed it stays like that.

Hiya, I’ve just picked up a secondhand (2020) T6.1 Transporter from the VW dealership. About 60 miles in to having it (about 5 miles of city driving and 55miles of 60mph) the warning message came on for oil level too high. Sounds super similar, but would be good to understand if the update you had has now fully fixed it? The garage said to me over the phone that the oil level is probably just a bit high and will burn off after a few hundred miles?! I’ve now driven it about 180 miles and the warning light goes off after the bonet being opened and closed, but comes on again about 50-60 miles later. Any suggestions?

 

[rodrigoluk]

Hiya, I’ve just picked up a secondhand (2020) T6.1 Transporter from the VW dealership. About 60 miles in to having it (about 5 miles of city driving and 55miles of 60mph) the warning message came on for oil level too high. Sounds super similar, but would be good to understand if the update you had has now fully fixed it? The garage said to me over the phone that the oil level is probably just a bit high and will burn off after a few hundred miles?! I’ve now driven it about 180 miles and the warning light goes off after the bonet being opened and closed, but comes on again about 50-60 miles later. Any suggestions?

Briefly, the software update and oil level check I had on mine, sorted out the issue. Get it to the dealership to sort out. It's under warranty so don't wait.

 

[Ian09]

Hiya, I’ve just picked up a secondhand (2020) T6.1 Transporter from the VW dealership. About 60 miles in to having it (about 5 miles of city driving and 55miles of 60mph) the warning message came on for oil level too high. Sounds super similar, but would be good to understand if the update you had has now fully fixed it? The garage said to me over the phone that the oil level is probably just a bit high and will burn off after a few hundred miles?! I’ve now driven it about 180 miles and the warning light goes off after the bonet being opened and closed, but comes on again about 50-60 miles later. Any suggestions?

I’ve had exactly the same issue with my T6.1, had the software update which fixed it. There’s a few threads on here that explain the issue better than I can, something about the way euro 6 diesel engines work and fuel dilution.

 

[DXX]

I’ve had exactly the same issue with my T6.1, had the software update which fixed it. There’s a few threads on here that explain the issue better than I can, something about the way euro 6 diesel engines work and fuel dilution.

Just because the warning light doesn’t illuminate doesn’t make everything OK. If the oil is black / brown (no water emulsification) and the oil level is rising without anybody adding oil it is due to fuel dilution.
Fuel dilution at just 2% will damage an engine / turbochargers.
Have a search, the info’ is posted. If you suspect fuel dilution you have three choices;
1. Stop running the engine and take an oil sample for professional analysis - takes approx’ 5 days to get the results (£50 approx’ if you do it yourself) and change the oil / filter if needed based on results.
2. Change the oil and filter without analysis no data to show level of contamination or products of wear.
3. Take the sample for analysis and then change the oil / filter anyway to keep the van on the road.