17 replies to this topic

[MiniSprite93]

Ok, so this might be a really stupid question, but I'm genuinely not sure of the answer! How can I tell if my oil warning light functions properly, and is going to tell me when it gets low? Obviously being a mini, it does leak a small amount of oil, and I check the oil regularly, but it would be nice to have that piece of mind that if the leak got worse, and I missed it, I wouldn't be having to deal with an engine replacement!

When ever I turn the car on, the oil warning light comes on briefly, then turns off again, which I'm assuming is just a self test simply showing that there is current going to it, but is there anyway to test if the sender is correctly functioning, short of draining the oil? Or is this what the brief light signifies?

Cheers guys!

[mini-luke]

Yes, that's what the light before the engine is started means. However, the light comes on a too lower pressure to prevent engine damage, when it comes on it's likely already too late to avert damage. Check the oil regularly is the solution.

[Alex_B]

Yeah thats oil pressure you wont have an oil level light unless you fit one and i dont know if thats possible. and the light will go out when the minimum oil pressure is reached i think its set really low and if that light comes on it means something big is wrong anyway.

[miniaddict92]

Mine doesn't come on when starting only the battery light does . Mine keeps coming on then off when i drive but its not low at all im quite confused at the moment duno if its just bumps knocking the sensor about

[Alex_B]

I wouldnt be running it if it was me! i have heard its usually not the sender at fault but it might be worth changing it to see. But im a bit paranoid about oil pressure, i will be fitting a gauge at some point soonish :)

[Dan]

As said above, the lamp has nothing to do with oil level.

[DanFuke]

Does this happen to be the little orange light on the spedo?

I'm really hoping you guys say no as mine flicks on sometimes and had an oil service in late January lol

[HafMan]

Does this happen to be the little orange light on the spedo?

I'm really hoping you guys say no as mine flicks on sometimes and had an oil service in late January lol

I thought it was red. Mine flicked on once so I popped to halfords and got oil to do a swap

Edited by HafMan, 16 May 2012 - 05:35 AM.

[Wil_h]

As follows:

Orange light - Indicates low oil pressure (typically less than 10psi). will be on whenever the engine is not running and the ignition is on. If it flickers at tickover it's not so much of a worry. Other times it might come on is going round roundabouts. This is because the oil pick-up in the gearbox is on the near side, so when cornering all the oil moves away from it.

Red light - indicates initially that the ignition is on, it should go out soon after starting. If it comes on with the engine running it indicates a problem with the charging circuit, typically an alternator fault.

The only way to check the oil level is with the dip-stick.

[Cooperman]

As above. The orange oil light comes on with the ignition to indicate that current is going to it. When the engine is started and the presssure reaches 7 psi it goes out. If it comes on whilst the engine is running the pressure is at or below 7 psi, so there is a problem. If it comes on whilst cornering to the right then there is oil surge and the bearings will be damaged if this is allowed to happen.
It is possible to buy a 22 psi pressure switch as a replaement for the 7 psi one, but the safest solution is an oil pressure gauge although many still fit a pressure switch as well - I know I do.

[Dan]

As above if the oil pressure gets down to 7 psi for any substantial length of time while running, something is already very wrong. When using the standard switch, the warning lamp essentially means 'pull over now, the engine is about to seize and you might well crash badly as a result'. The 22 psi switch gives you more of a chance.

[Cooperman]

On my 1310 'S' I have a 22 psi switch and a large and bright orange light on the drivers dash panel. Never risk an 'S' engine!

[DanFuke]

I shall be checking my oil in the morning.
I also have lost all rear lights except my number plate light lol

[Cooperman]

I shall be checking my oil in the morning.
I also have lost all rear lights except my number plate light lol

Sounds like a live feed to rear lights has failed. Trace the fault with a circuit tester. Are the brake lights working?

[DanFuke]

Nope, no brake lights or tail lights.

Where would I find a live feed to them?

Sorry I am at work and trying to get everything ready so I can fix it before I go to college tonight :s