Technical Oil pressure warning light

[Jflores1410]

I have a 2012 500 sport and I've noticed every time I slow down or put my clutch in the oil pressure sensor will go on and then turn off quickly. What is the cause of this??

 

[PsFiat]

I have a 2012 500 sport and I've noticed every time I slow down or put my clutch in the oil pressure sensor will go on and then turn off quickly. What is the cause of this??

I'm no mechanic but doesn't oil pressure vary with the engine's revs? What you're experiencing sounds normal to me.

 

[Jflores1410]

Why would the warning light tell me to stop and turn off the engine? That's the only thing that comes out everytime I don't think it's normal..

 

[306maxi]

Have you checked the oil level? It's definitely not normal

 

[Jflores1410]

Yea the oil level is fine I've been checking it every other day

 

[306maxi]

I'd take it to the dealer then

 

[jrkitching]

It's definitely not normal

This needs checking out urgently. I'd avoid using the car until you've ascertained the cause. Hopefully it will just be a sensor problem but if the oil pressure really is that low, you risk permanently damaging your engine.

It'd be helpful if you could come back & let us know what the dealer says the problem is.

 

[306maxi]

This needs checking out urgently. I'd avoid using the car until you've ascertained the cause.

It'd be helpful if you could come back & let us know what the dealer says the problem is.

Also, considering the fact that this is an American 500, oil pressure is even more critical as they have the multiair system to think about.

 

[IJK]

I know technology has changed but when I was building fast mini engines u used to take out the old switch as it was rated at 8 psi and swap it with an 20psi switch AND a mechanical gauge. It was generally considered by all of the mini owners that if that light comes on at 8 psi the engines a write off.
Im sure it will be a faulty switch.

 

[jrkitching]

I know technology has changed but when I was building fast mini engines u used to take out the old switch as it was rated at 8 psi and swap it with an 20psi switch AND a mechanical gauge.

IMO all cars should be fitted with a mechanical gauge. If the 500 was, we'd already be halfway toward answering the OP's question.

Im sure it will be a faulty switch.

Fingers crossed.

 

[ahmett]

IMO all cars should be fitted with a mechanical gauge. If the 500 was, we'd already be halfway toward answering the OP's question.



Fingers crossed.

Well if the OP checked the dipstick and reported there was plenty of oil on the stick then surely it would not make sense for there to be low oil pressure?

 

[portland_bill]

As said above, needs checking at the dealer soonest.

Unless it is trying to stall, if the clutch is not pressed early enough.

 

[jrkitching]

Well if the OP checked the dipstick and reported there was plenty of oil on the stick then surely it would not make sense for there to be low oil pressure?

With sufficient oil in the sump, low oil pressure is indicative of a failing oil pump &/or worn bearings and unless attended to promptly, catastrophic engine damage will occur.

With a mechanical gauge, you soon get used to what is 'normal' for your car & hopefully will pick up any falling off in pressure before serious damage occurs, and certainly before a low pressure switch would be triggered.

You can also have a small sample of oil analysed periodically & build up a profile of engine wear. The oil is analysed spectroscopically for the presence of cadmium & other heavy metals which would indicate excessive bearing shell wear. It's not often done for cars, but for light aircraft engines many consider it's worth the money.

It's also relevant for diesel engines fitted with a DPF as it will indicate when the oil has become dangerously diluted. Probably not worth it on a car as the cost is comparable to a DIY oil change, but on a fleet of trucks the economics may be different.

 

[IJK]

With sufficient oil in the sump, low oil pressure is indicative of a failing oil pump &/or worn bearings and unless attended to promptly, catastrophic engine damage will occur.

Yup afraid so.

 

[Jflores1410]

We'll took my car to the Dealership just now. I'll find out tomorrow what up

 

[Wood]

So whatever happened with your low oil pressure warning? I know this is from 2013, so you probably aren't on here now? I am experiencing same problem.