Cold engine oil is quite viscous. This results in high oil pressure which causes the warning light to go out when the engine is started or immediately after. In a warm engine in hot summers, the oil is more liquid, and at a correspondingly low pressure, the control light goes out only at increased engine speeds.
Troubleshooting
If suddenly the oil pressure warning light comes on during a trip, then this is always a sign of alarm:
If it lights up for a short time during hard braking or when turning quickly, then the oil level has dropped below the minimum mark - check the oil level; top up if needed.
If the light is on all the time, then you should immediately stop.
Check the oil level.
If everything is in order with it, in the next step check: if there is a short circuit in the wire from the oil pressure switch to the signal light: turn on the ignition, disconnect the wire connector at the oil pressure switch.
The light should go out when the engine is not running; it is best to observe this assistant.
But if it continues to burn, then somewhere the wire has been frayed and has contact with the ground. It doesn't matter to the engine and you can continue driving.
Usually, when the oil pressure warning light comes on, it means that there is not enough oil pressure in the engine lubrication points.
In most cases, the reason for this is not a defect in the oil pump, but much more often a jammed pressure control valve (see engine chapter).
Sudden oil leakage due to loosening of a carelessly screwed oil drain plug cannot be ruled out.
If a defect posing a danger to the engine is revealed, in no case continue the trip. Vectra must be towed.
With a constantly flashing oil pressure warning light, a faulty oil pressure switch is often to blame. This can only be checked properly by replacing the switch.
Temporary check on the road: move the tab of the oil pressure switch connector in different directions. Did the light go out now if the engine was started for a short time?
Does the oil pressure light come on when you turn the ignition key? Turn the ignition on, disconnect the plug on the oil pressure switch and apply to bare metal.
If the warning light is now on, the cause is the oil pressure switch. Replace switch.
If the bulb does not light, then the defect is in the current-carrying wire or in the incandescent lamp itself.
Oil pressure switch (arrow) On the right side of the engine, the oil pressure warning light in the instrument panel indicates whether the oil pressure in the engine bearings is sufficient.
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