Amber warning Light

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

after completing an oil change of the engine and the gearbox, the amber light on the speedo above the red ignition light is on constantly at idle and flickers whilst traveling. Can any of you suggest what this may be ?

Thanks

Kyle

[bmcecosse]

What oil did you use? And is there plenty in the sump? Did the light never come on before the change? As ever though, I suggest the urgent fitment of an oil pressure gauge so you KNOW what the pressure is.....

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

I use Halford's 20/50 classic motor oil. The engine is in reasonable health and I have had no problems lately apart from dodgy set timing. Sorted the timing out and all was fine until I changed the oil today. The oil is just below full on the dip stick. It only came on about a minute after starting her up after the change. it is on constantly at idle but flickers when in motion

thanks

[bmcecosse]

It should be fair enough oil ... The possibles are - faulty switch (very uncommon and why now) and stuck open relief valve (very very uncommon -and why now). I suppose it could be a filter problem - although exactly what, defeats me at the moment. Did you change it ? You really DO need a gauge - even just a temporary one in the engine bay...

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

I did not change the oil filter

[bmcecosse]

Well -I don't think it's relevant here - but really you should.....

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

I will change the filter and the switch as I have both to hand. It is strange that it has started now straight after an oil change and the engine is in near perfect running order, only 56,000 from new (Genuine) Could over filling it with oil cause the light to come on after a 10 min journey?

[bmcecosse]

No!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

What engine size is it and yes, the filter should have been changed.

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

1098cc

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

I went out for a 30 min run this morning. For the first 10 to 15 mins the light did not light up; however, for the last 15 mins the light only came on when idling and with the clutch pressed. There was a slight flicker when changing gear, but when accelerating at 30 MPH all was fine. I think I will drain the sump and replace the filter and see what happens. Could it be a batch of poor quality oil?

Thanks for you support

Kyle

[DaisyMayFozz]

Mine did this- changed the oil and suddenly the light was flashing, flickering, everything , The oil pressure switch had gone so I replaced and all was well. You mention you are going to change it and I recommend doing so.

[brucek]

Almost certain to be the oil pressure switch - esp if the filter/oil hasn't been changed for a while, the build up of gunge can sometimes seem to stop the pressure light from working properly. With new oil circulating around they sometimes just give up. Try replacing the switch and see if the problem goes away. In any case the switch is designed to work when the oil pressure drops to something like 5psi which, if that were an accurate reading of the real situation would mean that your engine would be way past saving and would need some major rebuilding work. As Roy said earlier, much better to fit an oil pressure gauge (in the hole where the pressure switch goes) so you can actually see what the engine is doing whilst it is working. In the greater scheme of things, they don't cost much but can save you pounds if you detect a drop in pressure before it wrecks the engine. Capilliary type is best but electric better than not at all. Good luck

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

Oil filter replaced and engine sump drained and replenished with new oil. light is on a bit more than it was before! The engine sounds a sweet as it usually does and I lifted the filler cap and oil is clearly evident and is splashing around nicely at the top. Should I put it down to a faulty switch? Can I still use the car until the switch arrives? How easy is it to remove the old switch, it looks like a bugger of a job to be !!

Thanks folks

Kyle

[brucek]

Even more convinced that it is the switch now. It is a bit tricky to remove as there is not a lot of space there but with patience it's possible

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

I'm worried to use it while it is like this as I am going away to blackpool on Monday which is around about 90 miles there and back from home. What do you think ? Sorry for all the questions but I am quite the novice !! ha ha

Thanks

Kyle

[lambrettalad]

personally i would ignore it and enjoy Blackpool .if you have just done a 30 min ride with no problems I'm sure it wouls have shown if anything was wrong.

[KyleMorrisEvans92]

That's great. thanks, I will go on a longer ride later just to be sure

Thanks again

Kyle

[bmcecosse]

I would NOT run it! You said you had another switch? It's an easy job to change it. And you could easily have popped on a temporary pressure gauge today to see what the pressure really is !

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It could be something much more serious and the engine may fail at high speed - believe me it is very scary on the motorway when power falls and the oil lamp is shining - I have to say the switches are generally very reliable. These engines can and do wear out at 56,000 miles. The fact that the warning lamp comes on at hot idle is disturbing.