Abstract: A fluid level detector for determining the level of fluids in motor vehicle components such as engines and transmissions includes a cylinder mounted in parallel to the surface of the fluid. The cylinder has a diameter which spans the fluid range to be monitored and includes a first, open end and a second closed end. A piston is disposed within the cylinder and is biased towards the first end where fluid is admitted to the cylinder interior and can be moved towards the second end under the influence of an actuator. When moved, the openings in the cylinder are blocked by the piston to thereby trap the fluid in the cylinder. As the piston continues to move towards the closed end of the cylinder, air above the fluid surface is exhausted through an orifice. Once the air is exhausted from the cylinder, fluid exits the orifice resulting in an increase in operator effort required to move the piston.