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- When the ignition is on, the oil pressure indicator receives voltage. While there is no oil pressure in the engine, its electrical circuit is closed by the oil pressure switch to ground; at the same time, you see a red illuminated symbol of a hand oiler.
- After starting the engine, the oil pressure increases with increasing rotation speed, the oil pressure switch opens the contacts, and the indicator goes out.
- Cold engine oil is quite viscous. This ultimately results in high oil pressure, which is why the oil pressure indicator goes out immediately after starting the engine. In a warm engine in summer, the oil is more liquid. Therefore, the oil pressure indicator may go out a little later, after increasing engine speed.
Possible malfunctions
If the oil pressure indicator light comes on suddenly while driving, this is a sign of a malfunction.
1. If the indicator lights up briefly during emergency braking or when driving fast on turns, the oil level has probably dropped below the minimum permissible mark. Before starting the engine, the oil level indicator on the control instrument should show this. Check the oil level and, if necessary, top it up.
2. The indicator lights up for a long time, you should stop immediately! After that, first check for a short circuit in the green wire going from the oil pressure sensor to the indicator: turn on the ignition, disconnect the wire plug from the oil pressure switch. When the engine is not running, the indicator should go out; it is better if an assistant watches this. If the indicator continues to light, then the wire insulation is damaged somewhere and it is shorted to ground. This is not dangerous for the engine, and you can continue driving.
3. The oil pressure indicator usually indicates that the engine's lubricating points do not have the necessary oil pressure. This is usually not due to a defect in the oil pump, but to a sudden loss of oil. Check, for example, whether the threaded plug has popped out of the oil drain hole. If a fault dangerous to the engine is detected, your Renault should be towed.
4. If the oil pressure indicator is constantly on, it is rarely the oil pressure sensor that is faulty. This can only be checked by replacing the sensor. Temporary check: move the tongue of the oil pressure sensor connector back and forth, it may be loose. Does the oil pressure indicator go out if you briefly start the engine?
5. The oil pressure indicator does not light when the ignition key is turned! Turn on the ignition, disconnect the wire from the oil pressure sensor and connect it to ground: if the oil pressure indicator now lights up, the oil pressure sensor is faulty. Replace the sensor. If the oil pressure indicator does not light up, the wiring is damaged, the combined instrument board or the indicator itself is faulty.