Oil Indicator Failure

[dannyp1]

Had the words "Oil Indicator Failure" flash up on my dashboard this evening.
The gauge on the right hand side on the dashboard went a bit crazy. Gauge was at the top "5" then dropped to "0". It did this about 5 times, up and down very fast.
Drive was unchanged, car didn't feel or sound any different in any way whatsoever.
Stopped the car. read the manual. doesn't really say much about this.
Played with the on-board computer thingy, which didn't tell my anything or have any messages to tell me.
Oil level on on-board computer was at correct highest level at lunchtime today.
Re-started the car and no more messages flashing at me. car drove me home with no problem whatsoever and had no more messages.
I did have my eyes on the oil Gauge on the righthand side of the dash all the way home:
90 mph = 4.5-5
80 mph = 4-4.5
70 mph = 3-3.5
50-60 mph = 2.5 - 3
and during even mild acceleration the gauge always went up to 4.5-5.

I have had the car two weeks and I have no idea if this movement on the oil gauge is normal or not.

I park the car on a slight slope, which i understand the onboard oil level measurer does not like .....what about the dipstick? does the slop effect that when i measure the oil level? engine has cooled down now after 2 hours on the driveway...level on the dipstick was at the minmum level.

Help please.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Could be a dodgy connection on the oil pressure sender, or the sender itself that caused the flickering.

You can't really equate oil pressure to speed. Some readings at different revs would be better. Also, pressure varies somewhat when hot or cold. These are the figures I get: when hot, at tickover, 1.5bar or thereabouts. Once over about 3000 rpm, 4.5bar or more. I use 10W-40 oil at the moment, so you might get slightly lower figures with 0W-40.

You must have the car level to use the level gauge or the dipstick. It is quite sensitive to this. A small slope will make a big difference.

Hope all this helps.

 

[dannyp1]

re oil pressure gauge: ok, so it does fluctuate up and down when you drive normally. good. thanks.

re dipstick. ok needs to be on level ground.

re "Could be a dodgy connection on the oil pressure sender, or the sender itself that caused the flickering." - good, glad u didn't say the engine's gonna fall out...pppphew!

I have the OPwarranty so I will call OPC tomorrow and have a word.

It helps big time, thanks.

 

[dannyp1]

OPC @ Hatfield have fitted a new "oil pressure switch"
This took 1.5 hours and was covered on warranty. []

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It's a very common problem. The sensor is on the right hand side of the engine compartment, on the cylinder head, pointing vertically upwards, about half way back. You need small arms, a short spanner, and a gorilla grip to get it undone, but it's a do-able DIY. Part number 996.606.203.01 - £38.77 inc VAT.