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Oil warning light in my car
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Tonight my oil warning light came on and I had to stop several times to top it up, even though it had been completely topped up about a week ago. It was dark so I couldn't check the level on the dipstick.
I must have put nearly half of a 5 litre bottle in but still the light came on again and stayed on. I carried on driving home (about another 4 miles) because I'd gone out in a hurry and forgot my phone and didn't really want to stop and leave my car and walk along a dark, unlit road.
Question is, do warning lights come on when you have too much oil in as well as when there's not enough and if so, can having too much oil in cause any damage. The car drove/sounded alright.
I must have put nearly half of a 5 litre bottle in but still the light came on again and stayed on. I carried on driving home (about another 4 miles) because I'd gone out in a hurry and forgot my phone and didn't really want to stop and leave my car and walk along a dark, unlit road.
Question is, do warning lights come on when you have too much oil in as well as when there's not enough and if so, can having too much oil in cause any damage. The car drove/sounded alright.
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Your oil could have been very low or you may not have put in as much as you think. When it's light out tomorrow, check it properly with the dipstick.
I once put too much oil in my engine, but the light wasn't on, just the white smoke everywhere. I had to pull over and call the AA, who told me not to drive it. He towed me.:o
Not normally. Sounds like a faulty warning light. The light will come on well before the level is to low.
Check the dipstick in the morning and get it checked out by a garage. Have you had a filter/oil change recently?
White smoke is water, blue smoke is oil
The smoke was definitely white and there was loads of it. It was definitely the oil because I put too much in and set off on my journey. The AA bloke lived in my town and as it was after 6pm he towed me back to his house and drained it for me. It was fine after that, except for a little smoke for a mile or 2. If it was blue, it was a very white shade of blue:eek::D
There will be a page or two that will explain the potential issues when the corresponding warning lights are lit.
Too little oil, oil temperature, oil needs changing....it could be any one of a few things. Is the light on continously or does it flash....Your handbook will explain all.
If in any doubt, take it to a local garage....
You say you topped it up last week, is this something you have to do often ? Do you see signs of an oil leak in the engine bay or does the car regularly smoke blueish smoke?
As for how much to put in, from no oil showing on the dip stick to getting to the upper mark on the dip stick should definitely be less then a litre on a small engine car.
It was about 3 weeks ago, possibly more, when it was last topped up and it was nearly empty then and took about 3 litres. (A man did it for me so it must have been right)
It's had a small leak for a few months - it was pointed out at the MOT but I was told it was not very bad and just to keep an eye on it. I've had some major financial outgoings and just can't afford to have my car done unless and until it's absolutely necessary.
Thanks for all your responses so far. Well, all but one of them.
For the time being keep an eye on it but I would definitely get it looked at when you get a chance. If you get the engine bay cleaned it should be easier to spot a leak.
Just happened to have a screwdriver with you eh.;)
In your handbag was it.:)
I have a fully equipped toolbox in my car and always have had,, So would also have had a screwdriver handy
Of course I did, it was in the boot along with my socket set, spanners and WD40... who doesn't carry a basic toolkit in their car?
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OP hope you get your problem sorted- random lights are a worry...
Take it to a garage, but beware halfrauds gave me a bill of £1,300 so i took it else where.
Sorry, but this is not true.
The "mayo" is caused by the oil mixing with water (condensation) in the filler cap due to using the car for short journeys, therefore not allowing the engine temperature to get high enough and consequently producing condensation.
Yes, I have checked the dipstick. It seems OK but to be absolutely honest I'm not sure because it's one of those short little blobby ones, rather than the ones that have 2 lines with "full" and "empty" or some such on them. Also there was a small puddle of oil under the car but I'm sure that this was due to me spilling a bit due to putting the oil in in almost total darkness last night.
The warning light is now off and I've driven around a bit to get the termerature up and there was no sign of smoke coming out the back.
I haven't seen any sign of "mayo" though, which is a good thing. Also, I think I said before I had a brand new turbo fitted about 2 years ago, so I would have thought that the gasket(s) would be OK.
I suppose I'd better resign myself to some more smart arse remarks from certain posters, but thanks to most of you for your helpful suggestions and advice.
Yeah, me too.