Oil pressure warning light - Polo

doxy

I was driving home from work today and the red flashing oil pressure warning light came up on my dash. I pulled into the nearest mechanic (about a mile up the road) but he was up to his eyeballs and could only give it a quick look for me. He checked the oil level and checked to see the oil was circulating when the engine was revved, just a quick visual inspection. He said the oil level was fine and appeared to be circulating ok and that I was most likely looking at a faulty oil pressure switch but couldn't confirm it 100%.

I drove the rest of the way home, 15 miles and noticed nothing unusual apart from the flashing light, no strange noises, the car didn't struggle at all. I rang a few mechanics but not surprising they told me that they wouldn't be able to look at it until next Thursday.

Problem is I really need the car tomorrow to drive to my parents place for xmas! Would the fact the car travelled 15 miles without any problem indicate that my problem is the sensor/switch and not something more serious?

Plug

You won't know for sure until an oil pressure test is carried out. 15 miles on low oil pressure is bad but just hope for a faulty oil pressure switch...

George Dalton

What year Polo and which engine?

doxy

George Dalton wrote: »

What year Polo and which engine?

It's a 2001 1.4L petrol, I've had a look online and apparently they are known for their sensors giving trouble, so I'm really hoping that is the case with mine. I was thinking the fact it made it 15 miles home without any strange sounds or performance issues would mean it's most like the sensor and not a more serious problem?

George Dalton

They are also known for actually having oil pressure problems. If I were you I wouldn't drive it until you get it checked out.