Bad idling, oil pressure switch

[kriegheim]

Hi.

The oil pressure warning lights go off on idle, but not when driving. Its flashing like its discotime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nERrea1VxBA

Anyone seen this before?

[Cavalier342]

Never seen that happen before.

Have you checked the oil level when it's cold to make sure there's enough oil there? If there is, I'd say it's almost certainly the pressure switch itself. Maybe it's just clogged up which would explain why it doesn't seem to register the oil pressure at idle speed. Replace the switch and see what it does.

[HAIRIBO]

Mine did that on my 3litre! only ever after I'd thrashed it and the engine was really hot, So I'm going to plumb in an external oil cooler to keep tempratures down to see if this helps.

[Cavalier342]

It does say in the handbook though that sometimes the light can come on if the engine is hot. Not the Haynes, the handbook from my auto.

[planetc]

Could be low pressure at idle, could be a switch fault. Might even be a chafed wire. Replace the switch, check the wire and if it's still doing it then check the oil pressure with an alternative gauge. It could even be due to poor oil in this hot weather.

[Gaz]

Could also be the pickup pipe is partially backed with crap when the pressure rises it pulls the crap into the pick up

[btcctroy]

Could also be the pickup pipe is partially backed with crap when the pressure rises it pulls the crap into the pick up

Yes this is favourite, but check the sensor first