Oil Level Warning Indicator: Description and Operation

Warning lights should never come on while driving. On the other hand, they come on when the ignition is switched on to show that they are working. Once the engine starts, all the warning lights should go out except the handbrake on light, assuming the handbrake is on of course.

Low Oil Level:

The low oil level warning light (some markets only) is activated by a control module. When the ignition is switched on (position II), this reads an oil level sensor at the front of the engine oil sump.

If the engine is started and the oil level is low (2 mm over the MIN mark on the dipstick or lower), the control module activates the warning light. This stays on until the oil is topped up.

The sensor contact is normally closed (NC). If you suspect there is a fault in the oil level sensor, this can be checked by checking the oil level manually with the car parked on a level surface. If the oil level in the engine is 4 mm over the MIN mark on the dipstick, but the warning light is still on, this means there is a fault somewhere in the leads, control module or oil level sensor.

The oil level warning light will also come on if the oil pressure is low (along with the low oil pressure warning light).