SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Fri 24 Dec 2004 00:08
SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light - swhwebster
Ref:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=16...9

I have a 99(T) Seat Cordoba Vario, with the 90hp TDI engine. When starting up the engine from cold, the oil pressure light briefly flickers on (for a milisecond) after cold starting, then goes off. Once warm this process only reveals itself if the car has been parked for over an hour. The car uses no oil. Its just had a new VAG oil filter and Castrol oil, fitted by VAG main dealer. The codes where read by VW, with the only note being 'low oil pressure at startup'. The cars done 62k, its a one owner full MDSH car (I am second owner). This only started this week, its previously been fine. VAG dealer has suggested a faulty pressure sensor? I have trawled the web - the only info I've found is as per the above 2002 link. Has anyone else had this problem? I asked the dealer about the return valve - they where adamant that was not an issue. The car is under warranty, I am keen to know if this is a common fault, or if this could possibly be an oil pump or start of a more serious issue? Only other fault with this car is the extensive dashboard rattle...... :-(

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 24 Dec 2004 01:01
SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light - mfarrow
If it's only on for a second or so then I'd leave it. If you're really concerned, try to let the engine idle for 10 seconds to get oil circulated before you put strain on it by driving off. Even that's probably OTT.

I have a similar problem whether hot or cold on the Escort. I'm sure the light would stay on all day if it could.

As long as it goes off and doesn't come back on again, you're OK. If it starts flickering when returned to idle, then you've got worn bearings.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 24 Dec 2004 09:31
SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light - Peter D
Are you suggesting that this has only happened since the service. The filter for this car contains a one way diaphagm valve which stops the filter from emptying itself. If it has onlt done it since the service check the oil grade and viscosity used were correct and change the filter. This is of course assuming the sensor is not at fault. Merry Christmas. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 25 Dec 2004 21:50
SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light - DL
But the filter always remains full - it is the right way up on these engines.

I'd replace the sensor, should only cost £15 absolute tops.

Use a genuine part.

But I'd tend to agree with other posters, it's nothing much to worry about.
--
groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 25 Dec 2004 22:37
SEAT/VW 90 BHP TDI - Oil Pressure light - GrahamF1
Technical manuals say that you should allow the light to go out before you raise the engine speed above idle - or risk damaging the turbocharger.

Other than that, if its only on for a second or two then I wouldn't worry about it.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.

Insurance group finder and how to save on insurance

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide