Engine oil check light

[Sonatine]

While out driving the red Engine Oil check light up by the rear view mirror came on. Starting the car a few hours later it wasn't on. Should I be concerned?

[gromgsxr]

check oil level and top up if needed

[Sonatine]

Looked a decent level and after a spirited drive today it didn't come on again. I'll keep my eye on it though.

[Sonatine]

It's back on again

It's going in to get looked at but the mechanic said it sounds bad I.e. the engine is toast. It could be some other things too he said. I dunno if this is just him scratching his chin with the £££ signs in his eyes or the adventure is over before its started.

I'd normally say 'stay tuned folks' but it's more likely going to be 'if you don't want to know the results... look away now'

[jmc330i]

Mechanic will be thinking the oil pressure light, which would be bad news.
The light on the check panel by the rear view mirror is simply the oil level. If the oil is ok on the dipstick, the oil level sender in the sump is probably gummed up.

[Sonatine]

Right now I'll believe your every word and be able to sleep better ha!

Seriously though, appreciate the input.

[jmc330i]

Read the section for check panel....
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... heck_Panel

[Jesus325iTouring]

Right now I'll believe your every word and be able to sleep better ha!

Seriously though, appreciate the input.

I drove my Touring for 5 years with the check control oil light flashing, just a broken connector I never fixed.

Make sure your connections are ok, if they are, it,'ll just be the level sensor shot. Either way, your engine isn't toast.

[Sonatine]

Well my garage got the light off by doing some wiring. But now the brake light check is on

They said a new engine oil sensor is £160. Is that about right? If anyone knows the part number for this I'd sure appreciate so I can source it elsewhere if possible.

[jslot]

If they fixed the wiring why do you need a new sensor?

I've never had it but apparently the sensor can get bunged up and can just be cleaned. I'm not sure but I think it is just basically a float in a tube, remove it and clean it with petrol / solvents. You never hear on the forum of this sensor breaking, which to me tells me if you do need to replace then a second hand one will be fine.

These cars are simple and easy to work on, and this forum is brill for how tos and advice. Don't be afraid to get stuck in yourself. You will save a lot of money and get a great sense of satisfaction☺

[Sonatine]

Fair point. It was a noisey phone call and can't remember how they exactly explained it. Was almost like they unconnected it or cross wired? I'm really not technical. I had asked what if it should genuinely come on in the future but their fix might prevent it and the answer was to check the levels manually.

If I thought I could do it the I would, but lack the tools and space. Fixed my sticky electric windows and that was very satisfying when done.

[Cloggy Saint]

Sounds as if the one thing you really need to replace is your garage.

[jslot]

Find out what they have done, if they have just bridged the wires so the warning light won't some on.

You don't need much tools or space! At least pretend you may do the job yourself, ask a few questions here, have a look at some photos on the net and compare to your car, work out what spanners / sockets you may need, at the very least it will give you a bit of knowledge when you go to your mechanic.

Do you have a mate or a family member who has some basic tools and a bit of curiosity, so that you can look at stuff together, an 8 pack of beer is cheaper than 15 mins of a mechanics time.

For example I saw that you have a broken mechanism in your seat, removing and taking apart a sport seat is fiddly but but very DIYable. Do a bit of a search on here and on Google and take your time.

The money you would save doing just a few jobs yourself will buy you most of the tools you need very quickly.

I take it this isn't you daily car, so you can take you time?