So just driving home tonight, cars oil light starts flashing away and telling me to change oil. Manual states this is meant to mean oil is exhausted (like that term) which probably means some diesel mixed in from regenerations and the oil degradation meter has decided it is time for an oil change and amazingly done what it has supposed to it seems! Done 12500 I think since last oil change in October 09, well short of 21000m/2years for service. I take it it should just be an oil change and nothing else?

Apparently the light is meant to stay on for 1 minute with message on dash, but I was repeatedly getting it the whole journey which was annoying. Parked up at home will call dealer tomorrow.

How far can you drive it with the light on? Have borrowed a car for tomorrow, as I can't be bothered driving to work with it flashing at me.

No further than when the engine seizes up, I'd have thought.

I'd get it sorted ASAP!

Charnwood Fox said:

No further than when the engine seizes up, I'd have thought.

I'd get it sorted ASAP!

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Wouldn't image it would seize immediately since there is still some oil, even if not quality stuff sitting in the middle of the range on dipstick. Prolonged driving I guess would see engine damage.

Booked in at dealers- but not till next week. I guess this is just the warning and I can continue on driving?

"Some oil"

I'd certainly top it up, even if the change is only a week away. Why risk damage for the price of a can of oil? New engines always use a little oil in the first year or so, then the consumption settles to practically zero.

Ulpian said:

"Some oil"

I'd certainly top it up, even if the change is only a week away. Why risk damage for the price of a can of oil? New engines always use a little oil in the first year or so, then the consumption settles to practically zero.

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The oil level is fine- it is in the middle of the dipstick. The manual tells you that you must not top up- it is quality not quantity.

Found a new bit in the manual over the page which I ignored :bang: which states that it is safe for 500km so 300miles from when the light comes on. Anything more risks damage and warranty forfeiture.

I would not like that to happen to me if I was say heading to England on holiday. Quick detour to a Fiat dealer!

Why shouldn't you top it up, as long as you use the correct oil.
What's the reason for this instruction I wonder - there has to be a reason?

I have always topped up when my oil level is that low, but you have to be very careful not to overfill of course.

Ulpian said:

Why shouldn't you top it up, as long as you use the correct oil.
What's the reason for this instruction I wonder - there has to be a reason?

I have always topped up when my oil level is that low, but you have to be very careful not to overfill of course.

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I don't know. 2 things spring to mind- could the new oil fool the system into thinking it was better quality or could people think sod it just chuck in a litre and hope for the best? Both are unlikely to be fair.

My oil level is fine and I wouldn't see the need to top up the oil anyhow- it is in the correct range on the dipstick.

Booked in now to be seen. Hopefully they put the right oil in giving other folks times on this forum!

Ulpian said:

Why shouldn't you top it up, as long as you use the correct oil.
What's the reason for this instruction I wonder - there has to be a reason?

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Mainly because of people not understanding what the flashing light and message means.

Many still see the oil pressure light flashing and assume it relates to low oil pressure and simply tip a load of oil in without checking the level, and/or assume that putting in 'fresh' oil will correct the issue and make what's in there last longer.

Obviously if the level is low, you need to top-up- it's just a statement to prevent owner's filling-up for the wrong reasons.