in the last week, my oil pressure warning light has been coming on every time i come to a stop. i was about a half quart low when it first happened. i added oil and have checked the dipstick every day now, but still the light comes on as i stop, goes off as i accelerate. the owner's manuel says 'after hard driving, the light may come on occasionally...' what gives?

funny thing, too, is that i just had the dash warning lights fixed a month ago. so for three weeks there was none of that on and off stuff.

thanks for any advice,
byron

'93 945turbo 121k, '84 245 195k (won't run - want it?)

The oil warning light in my 940NA does this but not often. Usually on hot days after the car has a long warmup. If the light only comes on under those conditions, I'd not be concerned. A heavier oil than the 10-30 I use might help but I don't like to do that.

If the light always comes on at idle even on a cold engine, the problem could be a faulty oil pressure warning switch or that o-ring in the oil pick up tube, or a bad oil pump. I've never had the o-ring or worn oil pump problem, even on some pretty high mileage cars. (I don't skimp on oil changes) I have had the oil pressure warning switch go bad, usually leaks.

The best test would be to swap in a mechanical oil pressure guage in place of the switch and actually find out what's going on with your oil pressure. Don't you wish there was an oil pressure guage? Otherwise you could try a new switch, they can't be too expensive. If the pressure is too low, your looking at more of a problem, o-ring, pump, bearings. Your mileage seems too low for anything major.

See the FAQ for information about testing the sensor as well as failure of the o-ring that seals the oil pickup tube.