tedsmart Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Hello all, On a drive today I noticed that the oil pressure light came on when the Defender 110 with a 300tdi engine in, was idling ( when I came to a stop ) soon as i press the accelerator pedal the light goes out is this a sign that the oil pump is going? or an electrical fault? theres plenty of oil in her! Cheers ted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Low oil pressure warning light coming on at idle can have many causes - here are a few I have experienced over the years in the order in which I would check them (easiest/cheapest first): 1. Very thin (old or wrong grade, contaminated with fuel etc): Have a look at it. (bypass this section if oil/filter are recent) 2. Filter blocked: (bypass this section if oil/filter are recent) I know there is a bypass valve for a blocked filter so that needs checking too. 3. Knackered oil pressure switch: I have only experienced this once, but it's an easy one to check - just change the switch. 4. Knackered pressure relief valve: The spring can break or weaken and the valve seat or ball (or plunger) can get worn, damaged or gunged up. I have twice known gunged up ones and once a broken spring. 5. Knackered pump: Obviously if the pump is worn it won't make the required pressure. Strip and check. 6. Knackered engine: If the mains are badly worn then once the engine is hot and oil thinned it is possible that the pump can't keep up. Hope this helps. Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildchris Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 It could be a few things, basicaly the light is telling you your oil pressure is low, on tick over the engine isnt turning so fast so the pump is spinning slower not creating as much pressure. it could be wear in the pump, wear in the engine bearings (big ends, mains, cam bearings). When did you last change your oil? it could just be a faulty oil pressure switch or bad connection to it? Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 tweak the idle speed up to 750 to 800rpm or fit a new oil presure switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 My mates 300tdi was doing this recently, oil pressure switch appeared to be weeping oil, so he changed it and no more light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quagmire Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Does it do it when the engine is cold? Or only when its warmed up? See point #6 by ThreeSheds... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somethingwitty Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Ive been through several oil px switches in the past few years, inc genuine ones; however these all failed completely... it does sound like an engine related snag along the thin oil / blockage / worn bearings / faulty px release valve. That said my first port of call would be replacing the switch - its cheap and easy! Even better get a gauge in place of it of a mate and see what the true pressure is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedsmart Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Just ba quick one to thank all for thier input. Fingers crossed after thinking the worst it seems that the oil pressure switch was faulty! I replaced it and gave it a good drive and no light!!!! Thanks again ted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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