JackStrong Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 (edited) Hi, My oil light has just come on. Bit worried as it only had a service ~3000 miles ago in March. Im going to go buy some oil, so how many litres should I put in ? (note. upto im aware upto dipstick level ) Thanks Edited August 8, 2013 by JackStrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Don't drive it anywhere, if the oil light is on there could something seriously wrong, what's the oil pressure like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStrong Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 (edited) Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Edited August 8, 2013 by JackStrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Oil pump failing, or crap in the sump at the pick up? I'm sure someone with greater knowledge will comment further soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 What's the oil level like on the dipstick ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 oil light mean no oil pressure, your pumping air. Do not drive it anymore until you put some oil in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 What's the oil level like on the dipstick ? This. Oil light, assuming it's correct, comes on when you have pretty much no oil left and are doing damage to your engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Not enough oil in the sump: simples: Oil level should be checked weekly when cold. I doubt if there will be any oil showing on the dip stick if the oil light is coming on. Alex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Uh oh, that doesn't sound good. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but the Zed holds about 4.6/7L of oil and the difference from L to H on the dipstick is 1.8L. So if you are below L you are running at only 50% ish oil. This will be a vicious cycle as that oil will get hotter than normal and not work as efficiently. Get some more in fast and hope that you haven't done any short / long term damage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Centrifugal force pushing the oil away from the sensor. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Centrifugal force pushing the oil away from the sensor. Pete I'm no expert, but that shouldn't happen at road speeds with a full sump? If you were tracking or racing, then this can happen which is why people get baffled sumps to prevent this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob22 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Top up ASAP, Why does the light come on late though, surely car manifacturers could make a sensor that comes on when you need it without being so low you'll do damage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lincolnbaggie Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Pretty sure the warning light senses pressure not volume. Might just be a dodgy sender or oil pump. I'd definitely get it checked out though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStrong Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 Well reluctantly I drove very slowly to the halfords down the road, only 2 miles away. Put ~3 litres in and its now half way between the notches. " So if you are below L you are running at only 50% ish oil. This will be a vicious cycle as that oil will get hotter than normal and not work as efficiently. " Yeh when putting oil in it was fuming out the top. Seems ok now Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Leave it overnight and double check the oil level in the morning and top up as required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lincolnbaggie Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Hi, My oil light has just come on. Bit worried as it only had a service ~3000 miles ago in March. Im going to go buy some oil, so how many litres should I put in ? (note. upto im aware upto dipstick level ) Thanks Youve either got a leak or the garage bodged your service. I'd go back and have a word with them..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 probably best to do an oil changeas you will have reduced the properties of the oil by over heating it as you said yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStrong Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 Yeh i could pretty much bet the garage did something! never taking it there again already Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sempiternal Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 (edited) IMHO as this car should be treated 110%. Is if your not too mechanically minded take it to another garage (plenty you can get recommended here) i use a motorsport garage here in Redditch! and get them to do a oil change! and visually check for any signs of leaks ofcourse this only if your not up to doing it! if on the flip side you know what your doing as above dont drive the car get it up on your ramps get some new oil in there have a good look about, obv im not about to type a service how to but again imo how ever you do it, id go with a fresh oil change! Edited August 8, 2013 by Sempiternal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Centrifugal force pushing the oil away from the sensor. Pete I'm no expert, but that shouldn't happen at road speeds with a full sump? That's right but once the oil drops below a certain level then centrifugal force on hard cornering can be enough to expose the sensor to fresh air. For some cars this can happen when you go up steep hills (I have experience of this ) and I would imagine it can happen when going down a steep hill, just depends there the sensor is mounted. Hard braking (yes, been there too) can also trigger the warning light if there isn't enough oil . Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbeast35 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Centrifugal force pushing the oil away from the sensor. Pete I'm no expert, but that shouldn't happen at road speeds with a full sump? That's right but once the oil drops below a certain level then centrifugal force on hard cornering can be enough to expose the sensor to fresh air. For some cars this can happen when you go up steep hills (I have experience of this ) and I would imagine it can happen when going down a steep hill, just depends there the sensor is mounted. Hard braking (yes, been there too) can also trigger the warning light if there isn't enough oil . Pete this^ especially if it takes over 3l to fill up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Mcgoo Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Put ~3 litres in and its now half way between the notches. Oh dear. :-( that doesn't sound promising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Start saving for a new engine, or buy a lottery ticket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveparkin Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Seems normal. Forgot to mention, the oil light only comes on when going around sharp corners, at normal speed, so just above the limit Centrifugal force pushing the oil away from the sensor. Pete I'm no expert, but that shouldn't happen at road speeds with a full sump? That's right but once the oil drops below a certain level then centrifugal force on hard cornering can be enough to expose the sensor to fresh air. For some cars this can happen when you go up steep hills (I have experience of this ) and I would imagine it can happen when going down a steep hill, just depends there the sensor is mounted. Hard braking (yes, been there too) can also trigger the warning light if there isn't enough oil . Pete Its not oil surging away from a sensor if its the oil pressure light - its oil surging away from the pump pickup and therefore the pressure running low/the pump picking-up air and triggering the oil pressure light. The usual words of wisdom are that if the oil pressure light comes on during driving, then damage has most likely been done. Also if its 3000 miles since the service, it is possible that if the car uses a bit of oil or develops a leak it could be as low as you found, so it might not be the garage's fault. This is why it should be checked every week, 'cos the consumption can quickly change if for example a leak starts. As others have said, get the oil changed ASAP, as its likely run too hot, then hope for the best, check the level regularly and watch the pressure gauge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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