hi all, got a 2012 Fiesta 1.4 TDCI with an intermittent low oil pressure warning message coming up intermittently.  We noticed it only comes up after its been sitting for some hours, example first thing in the morning. it never comes up after work for instance.  oil level is fine. the message appears for just a second, in fact although its been coming up for some time (months) we never managed to read it properly! is it likely a faulty sensor or something worst?

Could be the wrong oil. Change the oil to the correct grade

I presume you've discounted this?

 

On 10/17/2023 at 1:08 PM, DaveT70 said:

Could be the wrong oil. Change the oil to the correct grade

def correct oil spec in it, ford spec, fully synthetic castrol mangatec 5w30. i also use high quality oem spec oil filters

Is it high mileage?  The pump might be getting weak if so.

On 10/17/2023 at 1:09 PM, orangecurry said:

I presume you've discounted this?

 

well it's a little different that this case as it did not start after an oil change, it is not on constantly and the can light is not on on the dash. that said its due for an oil change in a couple of months so i might expedite  it a little, make sure there is no problem with the oil filter. Im also thinking about throwing a new oil pressure switch as it is really cheap. is there an online workshop manual for these engines that i can use?

4 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Is it high mileage?  The pump might be getting weak if so.

no, quite low milage, around 30k miles

1 minute ago, Mad85 said:

no, quite low milage, around 30k miles

I'd say 30k is extremely low for 10 years old.  If it's done a lot of town traffic instead of motorway cruising that will put more wear on the engine internals.

If it was a worn Oil Pump I would not expect it to show itself first thing in the morning because that is when the Oil is at its coldest and thickest, therefore the pressure should be higher than when it is hot and thin.

Have you tried booking into a garage for them to put oil pressure gauge on to see what the pressure is? Just basic common sense if it's been going on for a while. Or you could just wait and see what damage occurs? 

13 hours ago, Tizer said:

If it was a worn Oil Pump I would not expect it to show itself first thing in the morning because that is when the Oil is at its coldest and thickest, therefore the pressure should be higher than when it is hot and thin.

Interesting thought.  But isn't thicker oil also harder to pull up the pick-up pipe once it's fully drained back overnight...like trying to suck McDonalds milkshake through a straw? 🤔

Given that it's been going on for so long, it doesn't sound like the usual dodgy filter fitting.  And these are dry belt so there isn't really anything to be slowly clogging up the oil pump.  The mystery continues...

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

Interesting thought.  But isn't thicker oil also harder to pull up the pick-up pipe once it's fully drained back overnight...like trying to suck McDonalds milkshake through a straw? 🤔

Could be, the OP did not say if is just immediately when starting or during the journey first thing in the morning.

I would have thought that assuming the Engine is turning over at the same speed and so will the Pump then the Pressure will higher for thicker Oil, but the Engine will need to work harder to maintain the given speed.

Anyhow, I would just connect up FORScan and see if the Oil Pressure can be monitored on that car, especially if it is occurring intermittently during a journey.

On 10/20/2023 at 1:38 PM, Tizer said:

Could be, the OP did not say if is just immediately when starting or during the journey first thing in the morning.

I would have thought that assuming the Engine is turning over at the same speed and so will the Pump then the Pressure will higher for thicker Oil, but the Engine will need to work harder to maintain the given speed.

Anyhow, I would just connect up FORScan and see if the Oil Pressure can be monitored on that car, especially if it is occurring intermittently during a journey.

Its always first thing after starting in the morning. message shows for literally less than a second and goes away.  Its also not a constant thing, so it might not do it for a week. As we have had it from new and know exactly that it has always had high quality oil and filters, i would be very disappointed if it had some sludge blocking the pickup.  

Car sounds and pulls fine.

Anyone knows where the oil pressure switch is on these engines? is the setup similar to the 1.6tdci?

2 hours ago, Mad85 said:

Anyone knows where the oil pressure switch is on these engines? is the setup similar to the 1.6tdci?

Exactly the same, just above where the dipstick tube enters the block.

Oil quality isn't the only consideration for causing sludge.  As it's very low mileage, has it had an oil change at least every 12 months?  The sump is a poor design on these (and the 1.6).  Meaning there's always a bit of old oil left behind after an oil change.  Sludge keeps building up in the bottom of the sump and that immediately contaminates the new oil each time.  The best way to reduce it is with regular oil changes and making sure the oil is hot when drained.

Thanks, yes well aware of the sump design issue as was the case with my old 1.6tdci Focus.  I make sure to drain oil when its very warm, i even use vacuum pump to suck oil from the filter housing and down the dipstick.  I guess i can check the oil pressure by attaching a pressure gauge instead of the switch

Hi I have had my 1.4tdci fiesta come up and say low oil pressure 

when I came off the motorway and stopped at traffic lights

but it hasn’t said it when I’m driving around the town