Club 80-90 Forums

Hi, sorry for the stupid question in advance!
My oil light came on and off yesterday. Upon checking the levels one side of the dip stick shows low and the other side shows above minimum?? I put it in the other way round with the same result? I obviously don't want to over fill the oil but fear there is not enough??

I guess it was a stupid question??

not stupid, probably just slipped under the radar.
Seems that it needs topping up but might be worth doing an oil and filter change though.
When was the last time it was changed?

I find these vans (well the petrol ones, I ain't had a Diesel one) are quite fussy about being on level ground when using the dipstick. They also only need a relatively small amount to go from low to maximum, so take your time adding any. Suggest you aim for gradually filling it until the dipstick shows about halfway between min and max. Cleaning the dipstick thoroughly between filling / checking seems to help (tissue works well). Check it at least weekly.

The oil warning lamp is for poor oil pressure
It is not an indicator of the level.

Poor oil pressure is caused by
poor quality, or wrong grade oil
worn oil pump
Low oil level (way below the minimum)
faulty oil pressure switch

Thanks guys. It seems a bit boggy to drive too so maybe an oil change is due! It's just difficult to tell when one side shows high and the other shows low no matter how or which way I check it. I think it's due a service as we have only had it 6 months.

Berthafunbus wrote:It seems a bit boggy to drive too so maybe an oil change is due!

Some more information on that ^^^ might be worthwhile ?

Dirty oil shouldn't affect the way it drives, as for amount, they take 4.5ltrs with filter (assuming it's a WBX) so put that much in and wherever it comes to on the stick that's the level you need to keep it at.

Thanks for the info. I think ill do an oil change anyway. It was driving really rich and flat spots. I had the exhaust re-fitted with new gaskets. It drove like new, however the problem is back again! Frustrating to say the least...

need to put the engine type of your van in your sig.
its ok just found it.

That may be the wrong engine actually! It's a 1.9 DG petrol now!

You both should put your engine type in your sigs !

If the oil low pressure light is coming on then DONT use it untill you have found out why.

best case scenario its a faulty oil pressure switch, check and or replace.

worst case scenario there is not enough oil circulating around your engine, this will be destroying your engine every second that the light is on ...total engine seizure is minutes away... my sister could never grasp this, even after the second new engine I fitted for her.

If it was mine, the first thing I would do is to change the oil and filter, using the correct amounts as mentioned previously, if the light comes back on then change the switch, if it still comes on the you are into more money required, a new oil pump and possibly a full rebuild as your main bearings may be badly worn.


worth sorting asap... good luck