Oil indicator and SERV lighting intermittently

[mikeh]

I first noticed this a week ago when the SERV light lit and the trip computer displayed "oil" followed by a row of dashes, knowing it was last serviced at 132k (now on 136k) I moved the car to a flat and checked the oil just in case it was also used as an indication of low oil level. Oil was close to min mark, but ok. Start the car up and I get Oil OK.

Since then it is displaying more and more frequently, but not all of the time. I've also checked for fault codes, and there are none.

The service previous to the last was at 112,600, so I don't think it's a case that they've forgotten to reset it?

 

[MarkCup]

If oil is on the minimum level it needs more. Top it up and see if that cures it.

Remember, the oil light means low oil pressure, not low oil level, so everytime you see it, cross your fingers.

 

[d4vy]

Had this when oil was low, when I first brought car. Went out when topped up.

 

[mikeh]

The trip computer displaying 'oil' followed by a load of dashes is almost certainly oil level, as it displays this before starting the engine, so there is no oil pressure

I was being stupid and was confused by the "SERV" light thinking it was a service indicator - it was indeed an oil level alert, made obvious by the fact that I only usually got the error when parked up hill. I guess the oil level sensor is on the front of the sump then

Topped up now, only needed less than half a litre to take it to "half way".

Do the F4Rs usually consume oil? I am not surprised by the rate in which it has dropped, which is around 200ml in 1000 miles given it's mileage, but it would be nice to know if they have a tendency for it anyway.

 

[MarkCup]

Not really...mine's now done 125k miles and between oil changes (I do mine every 6k) it doesn't consume any, despite it living a fair chunk of its life on track.

Best you just keep an eye on it.

 

[jon_r]

If the oil light comes on on the dash as well it could be the oil pressure switch is giving up the ghost. It's £8 to replace from Eurocarparts and there's a guide on here somewhere.

 

[mikeh]

Just as a little update, both the de-phaser wheel and oil filter seemed to be leaking, since doing them the oil level hasn't dropped a bit