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Re: OIL light stays on 200 1985

posted by  someone claiming to be Don Foster on  Thu Jun 3 02:36 CST 1999 [RELATED]

Buzz --

Possibilities include:

  • A defective or intermittent switch, as you suggested.

  • Sludge in the pan (though this usually causes loss of pressure AFTER running for a few seconds, as the sludge is sucked up 'n blocks the screen).

  • Poor quality filter (for example, FRAM) lacking the check valve -- use a genuine Volvo or Mann filter.

  • Frayed oil switch wire at or near the switch, touching ground.

  • Crumbling wiring harness, grounding the oil switch wire.

  • Failing oil pump (almost unheard of).


A very good diagnostic is to remove the oil switch and substitute a real (mechanical) oil pressure gauge on a 10' hose so you can monitor it while you drive.

How long is "a long period of time"?

Can you hear any hammering, knocking, pounding, or tapping during this time?

Does it change with the season (summer to winter)?

What oil do you normally use, and how often do you change it and the filter?






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