GTi's oil guage having a mind of its own

paul001 · Post by **paul001** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:38 pm

My GTi's oil guage has a mind of its own ie when I turn the ignition on the guage will read variable positions on each turn.

One of my tutors at college suggested the oil pressure switch had failed so replaced that and still the variable readings

help!!!!!

mountainmanUK · Post by **mountainmanUK** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 12:24 am

The first few seconds when you first turn the key.....the oil gauge displays the LEVEL of oil in the sump. Once you start the engine, it registers the oil pressure.
First thing in the morning, it will read much higher than later in the day, as all the oil will have drained back into the sump!
Simples!!

Dave

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 12:57 am

As above, but the guage is dual purpose on a time delay not switched by the ignition. Of course ignition must be on and engine started to have oil pressure.

When the guage is illuminated through the back needle strip, it is reading level, after the time delay and providing the engine is running it will 'jump' to reading oil pressure and the back light will go out.

The level reading becomes erratic with age so best to use the dipstick to be sure of level instead. The pressure readings in my experience continue to operate reliably.

kiwi · Post by **kiwi** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:41 am

Well my 19TZS and TRS have both got Oil Gauges fitted and to be honest I dont take notice of it prefering to check the traditional manual way of the Dipstick.

Given to rely on my eyes rather than a Electronic gizmo thats unreliable at the best of times and having a New Engine why you think I choose the manual system?

Thats after 20 years of BX ownership and that not let me down yet...