Hi

This should hopefully be a straightforward issue, the oil light (like a gravy or custard pot) comes on briefly when I have to break heavily. Then goes off.

1) Does this simply mean oil is getting low?
2) Or could it mean break fluid is low?
3) Can anyone top up normal oil or should I get garage to do it?
4) What type of oil?

Sorry so many questions but all important here, for me. I'm not technical, just a lay person, but wondering if I can avoid having to take it into a garage and incurring unneccessary costs.

Reanswolf said:

Hi

This should hopefully be a straightforward issue, the oil light (like a gravy or custard pot) comes on briefly when I have to break heavily. Then goes off.

1) Does this simply mean oil is getting low?
2) Or could it mean break fluid is low?
3) Can anyone top up normal oil or should I get garage to do it?
4) What type of oil?

Sorry so many questions

Click to expand...

Hi

Been a while since my mk2 188's

Ok.. back to basics

With the car OFF :

Turn the key to 1st position

What dash lights show

Probably ..

Yellow fuel blinks
Yellow emissions : engine block icon

Red Battery :a box
Red oil : a can or drip..
Red Brakes : (0) symbol

When you put your foot on brake and release handbrake

The (o) should go off

Handbrake back on

Start engine

Red battery will go off instantly
Yellow engine '' '' '' ditto

The red oil symbol should take a second or 2 to go out

Hope that is clear


Low fluids:

Brake fluid.. same light as handbrake (o)

Oil.. same RED engine light that took a second or 2 to go out


If yours is a 1242cc FIRE prtrol engine then its not super fussy

SEARCH on here will tell you the specs



Brake fluid similar.. only Standard spec available

Brake fluid...SHOULD NOT BE LOW

It works like 2 linked syringes ..as you squeeze fluid out of one.. it fills the other

It should only keep a stock level..

Its either leaking..BAD

or you brakes have worn to the bare minimum
GET IT CHECKED..!!

Custard pot - gravy boat

Yes thats an oil can..

I always found if really low.. it would flash on sharp cornering..

Either way.. check it and top.up

Simple DIY task

Thank you so much Varsecrazy, as usual mate.

Did you sort out the 55mph whine?

Reanswolf said:

Thank you so much Varsecrazy, as usual mate.

Click to expand...

Oil keeps changing with engine spec

Look on europarts website with your reg..or model

You know where to fill after checking dipstick ?

Thanks Varsecrazy, I checked the system as you said, initially just turning key, then foot on brake and hand-brake off, then engine on etc - all the warning lights came on and off exactly how you predicted. So I think its just low on oil.

The wheezing sound I previously posted - yes mate only about a month ago though, when my exhaust started blowing and it had to be renewed, that happened as the bracket strap which held it had broken again (I reckon this is due to all the speed-bumps near me - and yes I do slow down for them, but obv not enough -) - anyway there must have been a slight hole in the exhaust as the car stopped making that sound at 55mph onwards instantly upon changing the exhaust.

Thanks again for your help! I donate a tenner each time, though I know its not much.

What oil grade are you supposed to have ??

Europarts says 5W-40 or 10W-40.

I see you can buy it in 1-litre or 4 or even 5-litre tubs.
If I am just topping up do you think 1-litre is ok just to pour in?

Sorry again, I am technically & mechanically moribund & never fix or mess with cars but that is why I come on here for guidance -. Or is a bit more technical than that and I need to get garage to drain it etc?