hi guys,
the check oil light is randomly coming on. the oil level is okay. are there any key sensors that may be playing up?
check oil light
Moderator: martauto
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49359
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
The 'key sensor' is the oil level sensor! You don't say what E30 you have, but if it has an oil level warning LED, it must be a six cylinder model, and the sensor will be found in the top of the sump, right under the alternator.
You also haven't said what year your car is - a simple sensor was fitted to early E30s, replaced by a double sensor, which checks both the static and dynamic levels on later cars. If yours is the early type, it can require the oil level to be pretty much on the 'full' dipstick mark to keep the light off under hard driving, and the later version also likes the level well up.
If you're satisfied that low oil level isn't the problem, the sensor should be removed and cleaned. It's just above the full oil level with the car level, so you should be able to remove it without draining the oil. Seal is an 'O' ring, so should be removable.
Cleaning involves something like a baked bean tin full of petrol, into which you dunk the sensor. After several minutes, lift it up, let it drain, and repeat several times, changing the petrol when it gets too black.
You also haven't said what year your car is - a simple sensor was fitted to early E30s, replaced by a double sensor, which checks both the static and dynamic levels on later cars. If yours is the early type, it can require the oil level to be pretty much on the 'full' dipstick mark to keep the light off under hard driving, and the later version also likes the level well up.
If you're satisfied that low oil level isn't the problem, the sensor should be removed and cleaned. It's just above the full oil level with the car level, so you should be able to remove it without draining the oil. Seal is an 'O' ring, so should be removable.
Cleaning involves something like a baked bean tin full of petrol, into which you dunk the sensor. After several minutes, lift it up, let it drain, and repeat several times, changing the petrol when it gets too black.
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linke30
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2017 11:00 pm
hey brian, sorry was rushing earlier! its a 90 320i.
thank you for your help mate. ill try and get on that tommrow afternoon!
thank you for your help mate. ill try and get on that tommrow afternoon!