Your Mini Cooper has a pretty tender engine. And when it's running with low oil pressure, it doesn't sound really good. If you see the oil light illuminating on the dash of your vehicle, it's best to stop the engine and think of what may have happened.
Oil pressure light highlights
- Common reasons:low oil pressure, low level of oil, pump issues
- How to fix:check oil level, take the car in ASAP
- Possible consequences:engine failure
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?Not recommended
- DIY repair:Impossible
- Repair price range:$150-$1,000
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The reasons for low oil pressure light
Before you try to solve the problem, it's important to find the actual reason for it. Here are several of the most possible reasons that cause the oil light to come on the dash in Mini when the engine is idling:
1) Low oil level
Pretty common thing - you just need to check the level with a dipstick. If it's lower than the MIN mark on the dipstick, add the required type of oil. Driving with such a condition is not recommended under any circumstances.
2) The oil pressure sensor is bad
In many Mini and BMW engines, the oil pressure sensor is a pain in the neck of the owner. The broken sensor may not throw a code in the ECU but it may send wrong readings to the control unit. Only replacement will help you cope with this.
3) Idling at low engine speed
Usually, your Minin should idle at about 800 RPM. If it idles at lower engine speed, it may be that the RPM isn't enough for proper lubrication. Literally, the engine doesn't just spin the oil pump in the proper way. Idling at low engine speed is possible when there are problems with ignition (coils or plugs) or fuel supply (fuel pump or injectors).
4) The oil cap is loose
Loose oil cap will create additional problems for the engine and the lubrication will most likely be affected. It's one of the easiest things to check when you have the oil light on the dash of your Mini.
5) Oil viscosity is incorrect
Your Mini engine is pretty sensitive to the viscosity of oil. If the oil is thin or too viscose, the pressure in the engine will not be optimal. It means you will most likely see the oil light on the dash and the engine may get damaged very soon.
6) Oil pump
When the oil pump loses its efficiency, the engine may fail to develop the needed oil pressure when idling. When you press the gas pedal and get the RPMs to 2000 and more, the problem disappears because now the pump is working more efficiently. Checking the pump isn't that easy, so you will need help from professionals.
7) Engine wear
It's not uncommon for Mini engines to show the oil pressure light when the engine is pretty old and is about to die. If your engine has more than 200,000 miles on it, it's quite obvious that it may not be as good as new. Also, if it shows the oil pressure light, chances are it's about to die.
What should you do when you see the oil light in your Mini?
If the oil light comes on the dash when the engine is idling, you should do the following:
- check if the engine works at proper RPM - about 800 revs;
- turn off the vehicle and check the oil cap - it should be tightened properly;
- check the oil level using the dipstick under the hood of your car;
- use the scanner to see if there are any other codes in your ECU and other control units;
- if you can't locate the problem, take the car in for s proper inspection.
Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, it's not a DIY repair. You may try to find the reason for this problem on your own. Also, you may even try to replace the oil pressure sensor on your own if you have the proper knowledge and tools for that.
But I would recommend going to a good repair shop or to the dealership to have the problem investigated and inspected properly.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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