So on my drive to work today - the oil light comes on for a sec. I stop check the oil level - it was a touch low - but nothing I would even worry about. After sitting all day the car starts fine no oil light, I pick up my daughter and I am literally 2 blocks from home when the light comes on and goes off again. I get home and check the oil level again, I add some oil to top it up. I take the car for a block and the oil light comes on permanently. So I get home, check the oil again - it is fine. I let the car sit for about 30 mins. I start it up again - no oil light, then after idling for about 4 mins the oil light is stuck on again. So is my oil pump going or is my oil pressure switch going? I am calling Eric @ Helix to discuss tomorrow.
A oil pump failure has no direct code Because you mention no engine noise specifically from the valve train.... Nathan gets the guess the problem prize!!!
There has been no change in the engine sound, I opened the hood and listened and there is no clattering or knocking. I really hope it's the sensor.
The only other slight possibility would be if the oil filter mount assembly internal bypass valve was sticking. But this would be very rare?
Ok - so I went to the dealer - bought a new sensor - $12.75. I also bought a couple oil filters and some oil while I was there. I changed the oil and filter. The car had not been started since yesterday @ 5pm. I drove it once I changed the oil. The total drive was approximately 4 miles. At mile 3 - the light flashes a couple times, then by the time I am on my street it goes solid. Again no change in sound in the motor, no increase in heat. I am really hoping it's the sensor - as it seems to occur after the oil has heated up - maybe the sensor thinks it has too little pressure? Anyways next up - sensor replacement.
It sure sounds like the sensor is the problem. If you really had no oil pressure you would be telling us about a totally new noise coming from your bonnet.
Just in case - I've already started looking at motors. What worries me is Dragon is barely 2 weeks away. I don't want this problem of oil lights hanging over me with a 16 hour drive looming.
Ok - changed the oil sensor today. After a 20 mile trip no light yet. Hopefully it is solved - I think my next mod is oil pressure and temp gauges. Thanks for the input.
Well here's your new problem. With all the work out you were giving that little oil light, make sure it didn't burn out. LOL
Nah - the light still lights if I put turn the key to the 'ON' position. It goes off once the car starts and oil starts to move.
Oil pressure switch failures are pretty common across all car platforms. At $12.75 they are making money on them, so they really are a cheap part. Typically they leak a bit or a spring or diaphram goes, and they fire at lower pressure than they should, then they permanantly go on the fritz. Matt
Agreed - a cheep part and easy fix, it was just a little disconcerting having an oil light flash. I have owned several cars before this one (from being brand new) - both Japanese and European, a couple of them have gone past the 100,000 mile mark with me and one even went close to the 250,000 mark. I never experienced oil sensor failure before. That being said I still love the MINI.
It is located on the oil filter adapter. The best access to it is removing the passenger wheel and inner well. But small hands can get to it top side.