Need some wisdom on low oil level light

[DenverA4]

I have searched and read quite a bit, but some things are confusing. My son has a 2004 1.8t. Oil level was at bottom of hash marks on dip stick when "Low" level indicator with oil can logo came on. Not low pressure. Added oil to half way then all the way up hash marks but light is still on after several start/stops and long drive. No other warnings, weird noises, or CEL. My questions:

1. Is it true that there is a hood open/closed sensor that can cause that light to go on if its faulty? Most posts say "I heard somewhere..." so I can't tell if that is actually true or urban legend.

2. If the level sensor in the pan is bad, will the "Low" in the cluster be replaced with "Sensor" or just sometimes? Seems odd, but somebody posted pictures of that.

3. Any possible cause besides sensor, wires/connection to sensor or the mythical hood sensor issue I may be overlooking?

Thanks.

[erikj]

Don't know about #1...but my good sensor is completely detached and I don't havr any warnings.

The "low oil" sensor light is on when the oil level is low, there is a wiring problem, or the sensor fails.

I had one of the sensor wires break way down in the neck of the connector. It looked like it was still attached, but really wasn't, and replacing my oil sensor didn't do anything. I would check the wiring first before replacing the sensor.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[imnuts]

The only reason that I could see the hood sensor setting off the oil level warning is due to faulty wiring. I've never seen that as a cause of a level alarm. I would check the sensor and wiring. If you replace the sensor, go with OEM, as there are several stories around here of people replacing the sensor multiple times when saving a few pennies going with an aftermarket sensor.

[yasiu_k]

If you replace the sensor, go with OEM, as there are several stories around here of people replacing the sensor multiple times when saving a few pennies going with an aftermarket sensor.

+1

[DenverA4]

Thanks. I will check the connection first then pick up an OEM sensor. The theory behind the hood sensor is apparently that if you have your hood open for 30 seconds it will reset that sensor because the car thinks you opened the hood to add oil. That would be super strange, but there are people out there who swear by that. Reminds me of the urban legend about some Mercedes models that tend to pull to the right, including my CLK. On the forums people believe MB did that on purpose so that you won't drift into oncoming traffic if you fall asleep. Just trees apparently.