Hi Answergirl!
A lot of people who have less than an average knowledge of the mechanical workings of a car will be under the impression that the oil light will come on when the oil level gets low, whereas in actual fact, the oil light is actually an indication of low PRESSURE rather than level.
In general , your oil light will come on when your oil pressure drops too low. I think it is about 7 ft/lb or thereaabouts.
This could simply be due to the oil pressure relief valve being stuck open allowing oil to be pumped straight back into the sump, or it could be due to a faulty oil pressure switch. In an old car of mine a few years ago, my oil light came on because a wire had broken from the oil pressure switch and was earthing onto the engine!!
Other more serious reasons are worn rings or bores, worn big ends, worn oil pump, the list goes on.
If your car hasn't been using any oil and isn't blowing blue smoke from the exhaust tailpipe whilst you're driving along then you can probably rule out the piston ring and bore wear, and if there is not a knocking noise coming from the engine when it is idling or under load (initial acceleration), then you can probably rule out big end wear.
I would have the oil pressure relief valve and oil pressure switch checked out first and then move onto the more involved checks which will very highly involve the need for the oil pressure to be physically checked and are probably better left to the professionals.
Let me know how you get on and we'll take it from there.
Best wishes
Geordie
Edited by geordie512 on August 3 2006 at 9:29am
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