3200 Oil Warning Light

[Duncanofengland]

My oil warning light came on today. The oil pressure is good and the level is between the two marks on the dipstick.

Am I right to presume that this is a false indication?

Duncan

 

[CatmanV2]

What model?

C

 

[Duncanofengland]

2000 3200GT Automatic

 

[CatmanV2]

Probably best not to take an chances with a 3200. I understand that the automatics were far less prone to end float than the manuals, but might be worth getting it checked properly.
But if your pressure gauge is reading sensibly (i.e. going dead at off, down at idle and coming up properly on revving) then yes, it's probably just the low pressure switch playing dead

C

 

[allandwf]

Did they not do that if you hadn't opened the bonnet for a while? I seem to recall a discussion on this. The warning light is also rev related, so at higher rpms it requires to see a higher figure.

 

[CatmanV2]

Did they not do that if you hadn't opened the bonnet for a while? I seem to recall a discussion on this.

Seems so improbable, though. A bit like the mis setting of cam timing to reduce power....

C

 

[allandwf]

Seems so improbable, though. A bit like the mis setting of cam timing to reduce power....

C

I agree. Mine didn't do it, but some were adamant theirs did.

 

[MRichards]

I'm not certain what the problem is. Either the Oil Level Error light is coming on,or,the red light is coming on in the pressure gauge. Duncan seems to indicate the former problem. This has recently been discussed on this forum and no-one has volunteered information on the cause. The current wisdom is,check the oil level on the dipstick,if it's OK ignore the silly error message. I have this error message which comes & goes,apparently at random. One day,when I've nothing else to do I'll have a look at fixing it.

 

[alfatwo]

I'm not certain what the problem is. Either the Oil Level Error light is coming on,or,the red light is coming on in the pressure gauge. Duncan seems to indicate the former problem. This has recently been discussed on this forum and no-one has volunteered information on the cause. The current wisdom is,check the oil level on the dipstick,if it's OK ignore the silly error message. I have this error message which comes & goes,apparently at random. One day,when I've nothing else to do I'll have a look at fixing it.

It's the low oil level light your seeing, not low oil pressure, its a typical old Bosch sensor resistance failure , as they were never designed to last over 20 years or so... nothing to worry about

Dave

 

[Duncanofengland]

Thanks for your replies. I think that it's the low level sensor playing up, or possibly the gauge or wiring. I'll keep a check on the level for the time being. Maybe the indication will go away as mysteriously as it appeared.

Duncan

 

[RSM Masser]

Mine come on if I use a particular garage with a steep forecourt and if the engine is hot.
Can take around 5 minutes on level ground before it goes out, engine off.
A RPITA oil level is fine and it doesn’t seem to use as much as others suggest either.

 

[BigBob52]

It's the low oil level light your seeing, not low oil pressure, its a typical old Bosch sensor resistance failure , as they were never designed to last over 20 years or so... nothing to worry about

Dave

Hi Dave,
Just experienced the same thing on my 3200. Immediately stopped and then restarted - and it cleared. Checked the oil level again at home and topped up just in case - it uses very little but I always keep an eye on this. Light did not come back on again - and think it is the sensor. How difficult is this to get at and swap out? Is this another NLM?
Could it be the oil pump packing up?

 

[alfatwo]

I wouldn't bother... as it wouldn't be easy the change stuck below the alternator!

Its the sort of job you could do when next changing the cambelt maybe

Dave

 

[Lozzer]

Hi Dave,
Just experienced the same thing on my 3200. Immediately stopped and then restarted - and it cleared. Checked the oil level again at home and topped up just in case - it uses very little but I always keep an eye on this. Light did not come back on again - and think it is the sensor. How difficult is this to get at and swap out? Is this another NLM?
Could it be the oil pump packing up?

It's just having a laugh with ya, they're very good at it.

 

[BigBob52]

It's just having a laugh with ya, they're very good at it.

So I am learning...

 

[BigBob52]

The d@mn thing threw up a whole load of errors when I changed the potentiometer - none of those were worth a light! Total b0ll0cks but...

 

[BigBob52]

The d@mn thing threw up a whole load of errors when I changed the potentiometer - none of those were worth a light! Total b0ll0cks but...

Just read back on the thread and had the same problem as RSM Masser - with an idling warm engine on a sloping garage forecourt. The total dipstick [me] was reading on minimum too when I checked the level and promised myself to top it up ASAP at home with more of the real thing, The real dipstick read fine five minutes later. Looks like a warm sensor may only be alright on a level? The oil always looks good - no grittiness and warm-honeyed to the fingertips - the pressure guage only registered low on the slope and the guage red light went off immediately on restarting. It generally runs perfectly sweet on full pressure and is always kept topped up.. However, I will play safe and completely change the engine oil with spec ASAP. This is the best I can do until next 70000ml full service in March 2019 - plus cam belt, tensioner bearing and refurb water pump change - all of which others on the Forum have recommended and I now have in back-stock just in case! Otherwise, the 3200 is an otherwise absolute delight to drive and run - leaving me stuck only with the same stupid smile I had on my face this morning!

 

[MRichards]

Apropos my much earlier post,I had a look at it one day. The problem was an old car problem,bad connection in wiring. Clean up the connection,job done,restore stupid grin.

 

[BigBob52]

Apropos my much earlier post,I had a look at it one day. The problem was an old car problem,bad connection in wiring. Clean up the connection,job done,restore stupid grin.

Thanks. Will check visually and for continuity with a meter tomorrow.

 

[davy83]

They are all getting old these days and the wiring is not the best even when it was new.

Apropos my much earlier post,I had a look at it one day. The problem was an old car problem,bad connection in wiring. Clean up the connection,job done,restore stupid grin.