Hey all! I have a 2000 BMW 323i with a 5-speed and 85K. Except for the window problems I haven't had any complaints. Recently though the Oil Pressure indicator in my car comes on during start-up. When I turn the engine on it idles perfectly and then after about 15 seconds the light comes on yellow (the one at the top of the dash that looks like an oil can). The light stays on for 10 seconds and then goes out. It doesn't matter if I am moving the vehicle or not. No difference between 20F and 95F outside temperature. It happens all the time. I've had the car's oil and filter changed twice since it started. I've also had the alternator belt replaced. Any ideas? Could it be the sending unit? Or maybe the oil pump is putting out enough pressure until the oil gets hot? Thanks for your help!
Help! Oil Pressure Indicator at Start
- Thread starter alkiou
- Start date
Mine started doing the same thing this weekend. I've had the car for about four months now, and have a little over 10,000 miles on it. I've not yet changed the oil because at start-up the "oil service" indicator says I've got another 3800 miles before that service is required.
When I start the car, the oil indicator starts out red (as part of the system check I guess) then changes to yellow and stays lit for about 10 seconds... then the light goes out altogether. Yesterday, the light came on after I turned off the car, and just stayed illuminated -- even after I got out of the car and set the alarm. Weird? Is this just an indicator letting me know I'm closing-in on my recommended oil servce deadline? I'd think if it were serious, the light would be red, not yellow. I'm going to dig out my owners manual to see what it says, but I'd appreciate any feedback from the group as well.
When I start the car, the oil indicator starts out red (as part of the system check I guess) then changes to yellow and stays lit for about 10 seconds... then the light goes out altogether. Yesterday, the light came on after I turned off the car, and just stayed illuminated -- even after I got out of the car and set the alarm. Weird? Is this just an indicator letting me know I'm closing-in on my recommended oil servce deadline? I'd think if it were serious, the light would be red, not yellow. I'm going to dig out my owners manual to see what it says, but I'd appreciate any feedback from the group as well.
Just read in the manual that "yellow" oil indicator refers to Oil Level. If the indicator comes on after switching off the engine, add oil at the earliest opportunity, such as the next time you stop to refuel.
Is it normal to have to add oil before having an oil change? I'd like to go the remaining 3800 miles before changing my oil -- so I stick with the recommended BMW program.
Is it normal to have to add oil before having an oil change? I'd like to go the remaining 3800 miles before changing my oil -- so I stick with the recommended BMW program.
Adding a little oil of 15K miles is normal. In the ideal world we would all experience the exact same oil consumption, but it there are too many variables. Mine appeared to have used no oil in the first 7500 miles. I have seen others post that they had to add 1/2 quart after 7500 miles, which is still not an indicator of problems.
Manufacturing tolerances, followiing break in guidelines (or lack of following!) will influence oil consumption. Could also be a bad sensor, but probably not. Top off the oil and see if that fixes it.
The way things have been going, it could also be a software problem. [fake]
Manufacturing tolerances, followiing break in guidelines (or lack of following!) will influence oil consumption. Could also be a bad sensor, but probably not. Top off the oil and see if that fixes it.
The way things have been going, it could also be a software problem. [fake]
Done! I checked my oil this afternoon and noticed the level was at the extreme low end of the dipstick. I added 1/2 a quart of Mobile 1 synthetic oil (5W-30) to bring the level back to the middle of the two notches on the dipstick, and that seemed to do the trick. No more yellow light.
Learn something new every day. ;-)
Learn something new every day. ;-)
you might want to add more oil than that. the gauge being in the middle is ok but not even close to being 80% healthy for the engine. get it up a little past 75% and you will be fine. Waiting for the inspection lights to tell you when to change your oil is ok but you have to use your driving habits as a reference. As we all know, city miles are different from highway miles. I try to change mine between 3-5000 miles and i run a quart of tranny oil to lube up the valves so it doesn't sound like crap on a cold startup.
