Thread: Oil Sender Light Always On - 1995 LR

First you need to disconnect the oil pressure switch wire. You will find it on the engine near the oil filter, visible from under the front of the car. With the ignition on, disconnect the wire. If the light goes out you should replace the oil pressure switch as soon as possible.

THanks for quick reply.

What are the triggers that have perhaps caused this light to remain on?

What is the damage (if any) that I may have done to engine to get the vehicle home with light on?

What does it exactly mean when the light goes on - even though I have sufficient oil when I checked on dipstick?

Byte

Hello Byte

The oil warning light will come on when (1) the oil pressure switch is at low pressure or (2) the oil pressure switch is stuffed. It is NOT an oil level warning. That is what your dip stick confirms.

In the case of (1) you may have ruined your engine. In the case of (2) you simply need to replace this switch, so you can see more easily when condition (1) appears and wrecks your engine.

You should check the switch by following the advice in my first post. If you are unsure how to do this I suggest strongly finding a competent helper.

Originally Posted by Byte

THanks for quick reply.

What are the triggers that have perhaps caused this light to remain on?

What is the damage (if any) that I may have done to engine to get the vehicle home with light on?

What does it exactly mean when the light goes on - even though I have sufficient oil when I checked on dipstick?

Byte

The oil light only lights to warn of low(read no) oil pressure.
If you drive with this light on don't expect the motor to last, no oil pressure= no lurication

The best way of testing is to get an oil gauge fitted and test the pressure.
If thats not possible bee utey's is the next best step.

Originally Posted by bee utey

First you need to disconnect the oil pressure switch wire. You will find it on the engine near the oil filter, visible from under the front of the car. With the ignition on, disconnect the wire. If the light goes out you should replace the oil pressure switch as soon as possible.

If the light goes off ethier 1, a switch, or 2 oil pump in motor has stoped pumping.
Hopefully no. 1.

Thanks guys.

I have disconnected the wire - with the ignition on.

The light did go out and I will replace the oil pressure swith ASAP.

But, should this (light off) not happen in any case - even if the oil switch was faulty or not?

Is there any situation when the oil light can still remain on - even if the wire is disconnected?

What is the name of the oil gauge I shoudl acquire and where should this guage be fitted?

What pressure indicates good and what pressure indicates bad?

How would I know if I have wrecked my engine?

Byte

Can I suggest that you just buy a new sender and fit it and see if the light goes out which I am 99% sure it will.
You will know by now if you have no oil pressure as the tappets will be clacking away like mad and probably the engine will have seized.
After you find that (hopefully) the light goes out, you will only worry unnecessarily if you put pressure gauges on etc.

Regards Philip A

THanks Phillip.

I will order that switch first thing Monday.

What is the correct terminology for this sender?

But, I still need to understand the logic of disconnecting the switch and then seeing if the light will turn off or not?

Just by basic electronics, should'nt the light go off after you pull the wire regardeless of the condition of the switch?

Just out of curiosity, how long does it take an engine to seize when oil pump fails?

Would you be blowing smoke before it seizes or does the motor just stop?

I know I should'nt worry unesseccarily, but I am also curious to know if the oil light stays on with a new switch - does that imply oil prressure pump gone?

Byte

Originally Posted by Byte

What is the correct terminology for this sender?

Oil pressure switch

Originally Posted by Byte

Just by basic electronics, should'nt the light go off after you pull the wire regardeless of the condition of the switch?

Yes indeed however when there is oil pressure, ie engine running, then there should be no oil light on. Your wire-off test is to determine the correct function of the light and its wiring. By default it's then the switch that is likely at fault. This is not an uncommon failure.

Originally Posted by Byte

Just out of curiosity, how long does it take an engine to seize when oil pump fails?

About 5 minutes on average. Usually involves loud clattering, banging and seizing. You don't seem to have this problem.