2006 Focus MK2, 1.6 Duratec, 111k miles.

Car was sat in an airport car park last week for 7 days. Upon returning, the oil pressure light came on a couple of minutes after starting the car and pulling away. Immediately pulled into layby and checked oil level, all fine.

I know it was ill advised, but I was roughly 200 miles from home, so continued driving the car home. After about 20 minutes of mostly motorway driving, the light went out and remained out for the remainder of the several-hour journey home. No unusual noises from engine, no knocking, grinding, whirring. Engine temp appeared normal, no smoke, no oil burning smell.

Again, probably ill advised, but the next day I fired the car up, drove it 20 minutes down the road and back again. Exact same scenario: light comes on shortly after pulling away, goes off about 20 minutes later and remains off.

Any ideas what could be the cause, or where to start investigating? Busted oil pump? Oil sensor? Blocked oil pickup (I know this is an issue on Ecoboosts with a wet belt, but is it a known problem with Duratecs?)?

It's a 20 year old car and if it's toast or uneconomical to repair, well so be it. But I'd like to fix it if at all possible and reasonable, because otherwise it still runs pretty well.

Welcome!
I suggest the priority is to check the actual oil pressure after starting and when hot with a pressure gauge.

If that isn't possible, another option would be to check the wiring and/or change the sensor and see what difference if any that makes 

In the olden days, the rubber diaphragm went stiff or leaked but how they work today is unknown to me.

Sounds like a blocked oil filter.

pull the bung out of the oil pump housing - at the rear near the crank pulley using hex headed tool - its the pressure relief valve - the spring might have gone what hers did - there was a later modified pump

her's managed to get the light out if the revs went to 1600rpm and would stay out 

 

 

 

There's several positive ways to proceed above but I assume whatever is causing the problem needs fixing promptly as there is an obvious danger if the pressure is low for any length of time...

Seems it was the sensor/switch.

With the help of a mechanic friend we checked the oil pressure. Nothing untoward going on there.

Bought a new sensor for £8. It's ***** awkward to get to on this car, but with a variety of bars, ratchets and sockets, we eventually pulled the old one out and got the new one in.

300+ miles of driving later, no sign of the light since. 🤞

4 hours ago, donny_mike said:

300+ miles of driving later, no sign of the light since

Is that because your mechanic friend also took the bulb out of the dashboard at the same time ? 🤣