Technical Oil light

[LaverdaJota]

Hi,

Oil light came on today - oil level fine, car runs fine.

Read a oil thread for a diesel Panda but mine's petrol 1200. Home serviced for the past 167,000 miles & never reset anything.

Dodgy sensor perhaps (my engine warning comes on from time to time if it's a cold day)?

Thoughts gratefully rec'd.

Nick

 

[koalar]

If you have a multimeter it's easy to check

It right next to the oil filter

The switch itself is quite easy to see if it's working

It's located on the bit the oil filter screws into

With the engine off it should read close to a short, less than an ohm block to its terminal

With the engine running it should measure open

There rare to fail but not unknown


With the ignition on the disconnected oil pressure cable should measure 5V or over, again using the block for the other meter lead

 

[koalar]

I would not drive the car until it's been tested

The light could be correct and oil isn't circulating, less than 5 psi

Blocked filters, bumped sump, running with low oil pressure is going to cause more problems

Or it could just be a faulty switch or wiring, which is more likely


Is this just after cranking

"my engine warning comes on from time to time if it's a cold day"

Earth strap is another possibility

 

[LaverdaJota]

Hi thanks for the prompt reply. The light just doesn't disappear with the rest as normal. I'll get on it with the multi-metre as you suggest.
Thanks
Nick

 

[LaverdaJota]

So go out to put it on the ramps and the light ain't on no more! A self fixing car - perhaps if I ignore the fuel light it'll fill itself up!
Nick

 

[koalar]

I would do some preventative checks

Clean the top of the battery negative post
Multimeter reading volts if it's got a range selection something around 20V
Measure between the top of the battery negative and the engine block while cranking

Also check around the oil filter for leeks
And next to it is the oil pressure switch look to see if this is weeping oil

 

[LaverdaJota]

Hi, I agree with the suggestion to check about. My thoughts are dodgy switch as with m/c you tend to get low pressure warning at tickover forewarning of 'issues'. As it just came on (& went off) I'd think switch.
From memory it's damp round the filter so probably this is coming through the switch.
As ever big thanks & will report back on what I find.
Nick