Mk 2 Golf - Oil light on

Faulty oil pressure switch ?

Can the mk2 be scanned with VAG-COM, could be worth a scan to see if any error codes are present ?

I would check the engine earth lead first, remove it and clean the ends and the places they touch and bolt it back on tightly, also check the connections at the battery and battery lead to body, check that the alternator is tightly bolted on and if possible check that the places it bolts on are clean, likewise check all the alternator connections. I can't remember on those, but some cars have a multi way plug to connect all the engine electrics, again if you have one that would be worth looking at.

Nope. The 1600 is a boggo carburated and clockwork model. AFAIK there are no fault code readers for the K-jet or Digifant cars either.

Erm, no.

The MkII Golf doesn't have an ECU.

Ahh back to when cars required mechanical knowledge hehe

If it's a '90 spec Mk2 it'll have two multiplugs, earlier I think had one, but it could be the other way around.

Easy way to check is to have the engine running, connect a jump lead to the battery earth, put the headlights on and then touch the other end of the jump lead to the engine block. If the headlights become brighter you've got a knackered earth strap somewhere.

Oil pressure switch, battery voltage, instrument panel earths, engine earth strap, battery connections.

Oil pressure guage to check there's actually some oil pressure. Once that's been checked then there's the pressure switch if it's OK. If not, then its either worn return spring/plunger, oil pump or bottom end.

HOWEVER you say the lights dim. That has me worried. I'm kind of wondeinring if the engine is starting to lock up.

I'd imagine the driver being flung forwards hard at the same time might also be mentioned.

Thanks for all your replies. I checked the earth strap using a jump lead as suggested and it seems ok.

Gulp, what does that mean?

David

Conor is thinking the engine is starting to seize. Does your car have a rev counter, and if so, what does it read at idle while the oil lamp is on? Is the engine running well?

I don't know how I forgot this, but the Mk2 Golf has *two* oil pressure switches - one on the head and one on the block (on the oil cooler on GTis). Normally if the head isn't getting oil it'll make the light blink like f*ck, don't think it goes quite as mental when the block is oil starved. Weird that. Anyway, check 'em both.

The rev counter will drop as well anyway if the feed voltage drops.

I did wonder about that. I suppose the counter will be fed from the same supply and regulator in the instrument pack, so you're probably right.

FWIW, I reckon it's just a dodgy ground (or said regulator!)somewhere causing the instruments to give a false reading. No mention of near-stalling or any nasty noises. One sure way to test would be to get a oil pressure gauge temporarily plumbed in.

All in all I think a seized engine's the least likely cause

Thanks very much to all who have replied. My Golf does not have a rev counter so I couldn't check the engine speed. I did use a jump lead to check the earth strap with the car started from cold but there was no difference in the headlights which appeared bright. The dimming really only occurs when the car is warm and moving. I will try pulling over and checking with a jump lead again when I see the problem.

David

I'd suspect an instrument panel fault, or a fault with it's connections, then.

I'd agree.