Oil Light

[Keithnag]

I have a 2000 323it with 130,000 miles. The oil light just started coming on at start up. I generally comes on about 8-10 seconds after engine starts and stay on for about 5 seconds. I have replaced the lower o-rings on the filter housing and the oil presser sender. This did not seem to effect the occurance. When the light comes on, how do I determine whether this is a pressure or a level signal? Any suggestions on what this might be?

Always used 5w-30 Mobil 1 with no problems (located in North Carolina).

Thanks.

[Jeron]

How long does it stay on when you first start the engine before it first goes out. Its strange that it goes out and then comes on again for only 8-10 seconds.

I've never dealt with the level sender but it sound like that may be your problem. You can test the pressure sensor by testing it for continuity before and during the light. It should be closed when the light is off and open when on.

[Keithnag]

When I first start the engine, the oil light is only on while cranking. Once the engine fires the light goes off instantly. About 8-10 seconds after firing the light comes on and stays on for about 5 seconds. It never comes on again until the engine is restarted. When the oil light comes on it does not seem to matter what rpm's the engine is at. I tried it at idle and at 1500 rpm and the same thing occurs.

At inital firing the oil pump begins pumping, could the level sensor be seeing this inital dip in the oil level and thinking the oil level is low?

Any help or incite would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Jeron]

Originally posted by Keithnag

At inital firing the oil pump begins pumping, could the level sensor be seeing this inital dip in the oil level and thinking the oil level is low?

The level sensor shouldn't be triggering in that situation. I would probe the pressure and level sensor to see which one is triggering the light. The only mechanical possibility I can think of is the pressure regulating valve in the pump.

Also, try checking the level immediately after shutting it down.

[grafhky52]

what color is the light, if red then a pressure related problem. if yellow than a level problem. there could be a few things if pressure related. ie. loose oil pump gear.

[Jeron]

"loose oil pump gear", it's splined?