Oil pressure light

[muttleypup]

I have a 1987 single cab with a 1Y engine fitted. The oil pressure light doesn't come on when ignition is switched, is there any way to test it or do i just assume the bulb has blown? Have searched other threads on here and common problem seems to be light on, not off! If bulb needs replacing i guess it's instrument cluster out and take PCB off to get to bulbs? or am i missing something simple

[mbcamper]

I've found that the edge connector at the back of the instrument cluster can cause issues like this. Try wiggling it to see if it fixes the issue. Failing that take it off and inspect the flexible Pcb on the cluster; it might be lacking some all important copper!

[muttleypup]

Hi, thanks for reply. i've already had the dash out earlier today so edge connector been off and on again and wiggled! Will remove it again tomorrow and have a good look at PCB, to be honest i stopped fiddling too much as got hands like shovels and small electrickery bits aren't my thing hence wondering about bulb replacement

[mbcamper]

The bulb (red light) is actually a LED and less likely to fail although not unknown.

It might be that the edge connector PCB is tarnished and can be cleaned up very carefully. You might find that the conductive material has dropped off in which case you've got a bigger challenge to fix it. There are kits available from Brickwerks, but not cheap. I've also seen some DIY fixes too which are fine too.

[muttleypup]

Ok well i'll have a proper look at it and fingers crossed a gentle clean is all it needs. Am i right in thinking PCB has to be removed in order to replace the LED? I know they are reliable but it is 30 years old!!

[kit]

I fitted an electric oil pressure gauge when mine packed up.

[marlinowner]

Need to test the oil pressure switch before pulling the dash apart.

[kevtherev]

Yes the switch should be closed with engine not running
So you should get zero resistance on a multimeter
When the engine runs the switch opens and the light goes out

[muttleypup]

I don't have a meter but have already removed the wire from the switch and earthed it and the light still doesn't come on. It's not the led as i swapped it over with the charging light, charging light still works, oil light doesn't. PCB at the harness multi connector doesn't look too clever so i think the problem may lie here. I think i will do as Kit did and fit a gauge

[kevtherev]

That's what I did.
I fitted a mechanical gauge so no electrics to give me spurious readings.
simpler and cheaper

[muttleypup]

Hadn't considered mechanical one as figured it'd be a pig to feed the tube from engine all way to dash without kinking it and keeping it our of harms way whereas a wire is easy to do and cost-wise electric gauge kits on ebay with TIM gauges for under £30

[muttleypup]

fitted electric pressure gauge and all good. registers high on startup but once warmed up quickly settles at a 'healthy' 20psi at idle and up to 60-70 when driving. Figures are prob not 100% accurate as electric gauges can be a bit iffy but as least i have an idea what's going on now.

[kevtherev]

Betterer than nowt imho

[muttleypup]

Yep my thoughts exactly, at least i should get some warning of impending doom!

[kevtherev]

Yep my thoughts exactly, at least i should get some warning of impending doom!

..and ignore the false prophets of VW buzzers?