Oil warning - red light 300 tdi

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phelps69

Member
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48
Hi everyone

Came back from a recent laning trip where I bent one of my rear trailing arms so the axle moved towarsd the front of the vehicle a couple of inches. With the aid of a mates winch, I managed to bend it back to drive it home.

The red oil light (oil can) has come on and is flickering/staying on, on my 300 tdi. I can't see any leaks or oil on the drive. I use it off road mainly, but it is always serviced properly. Had the vehicle 4 years and never noticed it before

Could this be a dodgy switch, sensor? Anyone had any experience. Its a 200 tdi, with 300 tdi engine/gearbox (not that that makes any difference)

Appreciate any feedback, cheers Scott
 
Dodgy switch, sensor or oil pump - whatever it turns out to be, don't drive it until you're sure you've sorted it!

Make sure the sensor wire that goes onto the oil filter housing is still attached and is getting a good connection too.
 
I havent had the chance to get underneath it just yet. I drove it for about 20 miles when the light was on, as my mmate has a reasonable knowledge and said as it was flickering it probably was something loose. Whether they were wise words or not I am not sure

I'll check the oil sensor switch first as thats the most obvious place to start. If thats on OK, would you change it anyway? Assuming I have a new one and its still one, where do I go next?

Thanks
 
phelps69 said:
I havent had the chance to get underneath it just yet. I drove it for about 20 miles when the light was on, as my mmate has a reasonable knowledge and said as it was flickering it probably was something loose. Whether they were wise words or not I am not sure

I'll check the oil sensor switch first as thats the most obvious place to start. If thats on OK, would you change it anyway? Assuming I have a new one and its still one, where do I go next?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Have you checked the oil level? Apologies if it appears blindingly obvious.
 
Like I say, I havent had the chance to do anything yet. If you could help me with the things to check, and in which order, I'll do them and come back to you with the results

Thanks

Scott
 
1. Oil level. Open the bonnet, take out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back in then out and look at it.

2. Electrical terminal connection on the oil pressure switch. Visually inspect it to check for damage, deposits preventing an electrical connection, or frayed wires.

3. If both the above check out, replace the switch.

4. If the problem persists, either purchase an oil pressure gauge (and sender) or send it to a garage who can hook one up temporarily.
 
Thanks Paul, I'll come back to you with the results when I get the chance to look at it. Thanks for your help
 
A friend of mine had a tdi with a similar problem, flicking on tickover

On a strip down the camshaft bearings were worn

not sure if that helps!
 
td5driver said:
A friend of mine had a tdi with a similar problem, flicking on tickover

On a strip down the camshaft bearings were worn

not sure if that helps!
Click to expand...

Probably more of an effect of low oil pressure, than a cause. Still illustrative though.
 
paul_c said:
1. Oil level. Open the bonnet, take out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back in then out and look at it.

2. Electrical terminal connection on the oil pressure switch. Visually inspect it to check for damage, deposits preventing an electrical connection, or frayed wires.

3. If both the above check out, replace the switch.

4. If the problem persists, either purchase an oil pressure gauge (and sender) or send it to a garage who can hook one up temporarily.
Click to expand...
Agree with all of the above but do not spool up the turbo unless you are certain oil is getting to the bearings.
More likely it is the switch that is defective. If the oil pump was not generating enough pressure you would get rumbling from the big end bearings when under load.
 
terryds said:
If the oil pump was not generating enough pressure you would get rumbling from the big end bearings when under load.
Click to expand...

Only after they was fooked :( the bearings are also the first in line to get lubricated so may just have enough to get by, its the res of the ststem thats at the most risk (Turbo, camshaft etc)

You should have really checked the oil level straight away as thats the no1 reason for oil lights coming on :)

Problem is you may have done some damage now especially to the turbo :(
 
Ok chaps, changed the oil pressure sensor switch and the light went out for ages, then comes on very lightly on a flicker. when I rev, it goes out. I am going to change the oil and filter and go from there. I think I have sorted it though, the old swtich didn't look that bad, but not sure exactly what I am looking for in terms of a knackered one anyway. I just thought for £4, whats the point of messing about cleaning etc.

Keep you posted, thanks for your help thus far
 
phelps69 said:
Ok chaps, changed the oil pressure sensor switch and the light went out for ages, then comes on very lightly on a flicker. when I rev, it goes out. I am going to change the oil and filter and go from there. I think I have sorted it though, the old swtich didn't look that bad, but not sure exactly what I am looking for in terms of a knackered one anyway. I just thought for £4, whats the point of messing about cleaning etc.

Keep you posted, thanks for your help thus far
Click to expand...

You are contradicting yourself here, if the light is coming on at all then it's not sorted.
 
Its probably that the new oil pressure warning switch is either a slightly different rating, or manufacturing tolerances make it come on at a slightly different pressure. So you have looked at the switch and still have an oil pressure issue. If I asked you what the oil pressure at various revs and coolant temperatures is, could you tell me? If not, then you need to have a garage look at it, and/or fit an oil pressure gauge.
 
Thanks for your responses, any ideas how much oil I need for the oil change. 5Litres enough, or will I need more. thanks, Scott
 
I need to change the oil and filter anyway, so I'll do that and then check the pressure as instructed by all. I am off to Salisbury this Saturday and dont want to be having any nightmares
 
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