Intermittent Yellow Oil light
- Thread starter eddo1
- Start date
The difference is caution vs. danger. I think the sensor is not a level sensor, but a pressure sensor. At least I would hope so. If I were designing the software that interprets the pressure, I would indicate yellow if the pressure was below a certain level, but above critical level. I would also turn off the yellow light after a timeout because it is not critical but warrants a brief reminder to the driver that something is up. I would indicate red if the pressure dropped below the critical level and leave it on unless the pressure went back above that critical level.
I think it's indicative of the oil level (which could also indicate pressure). When I first bought my car, it burned through about two quarts of oil before my first oil change. The yellow light came on AFTER I turned off the engine, and stayed on for several minutes. On guidance from my dealer (and some cool guys on this site) I topped off the oil and the light never came on again. Since then, I check the oil level more frequently (about once every couple of weeks).
OK, if TheBry is right, modified as follows:
Modify my design to replace "pressure" with "level" and add the following: Also, indicate yellow only after a run/stop cycle if the yellow conditions exist, but always indicate red if ignition is on and red conditions exist.
BTW I am a nerd but you would never know it (I don't fit the stereotype nerd look). [headbang]
Modify my design to replace "pressure" with "level" and add the following: Also, indicate yellow only after a run/stop cycle if the yellow conditions exist, but always indicate red if ignition is on and red conditions exist.
BTW I am a nerd but you would never know it (I don't fit the stereotype nerd look). [headbang]
I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read you are concerned about your oil light. If you and your BMW center would like our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117 or email us at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com, and mention Reference #200521500525 so that we can help you more efficiently.
Ok, topped off the oil yesterday. Took about 1/4 quart of oil. But that yellow light still comes on SOMETIMES for 15-30 sec after I start the car. Then it goes away for as long as the car is on. I hope it's not a sign of oil pump failure. Maybe somthing is clogged inside. Have you guys added anything to the oil to clean up the engine. I heard some people used auto-Rx for cleaning? Any experiences?
Mine 323CI does the same thing. intermittently...yellow for a few secs then goes away. i was told there are 2 sensors ( one on top and one below ) and one could be acting up. I checked my oil, it read full. I have 167,000 miles on my CI and it purrs like a kitten and looks like new. Since the yellow light goes off within a few seconds at idle or just above after starting my car (intermittently) I am not overly concerned but, i am monitoring it. Don't Panic.
