Expert: Josh Fields - 5/9/2006

Question
My 1986 bmw 325e oil preasure warning light(Instrument Panel) is on and off.So i Stop driving to work.After two weeks i tried to start it but battery is dead(brand new Battery) so i did jump it.so it start with the oil preasure light on after a minute or two light went off. do i need to replace the oil pump? and do ineed to replace the alternator. Please advise... Thanks


Answer
Tony,
 This could be difficult to decide which one is causing the light.  If the alternator is going bad, usually ALL the dash lights will glow (ABS, Parking brake, Oil, etc...).  So I dont think it's the alternator.

 Now, if you look on the side of the engine block, below the oil filter, you will notice a sensor screwed into the side of the block.  this is the oil pressure sensor, and sometimes they go bad.  I would replace this first.  If the light still flickers, then the oil pump is probably bad.  You can change this by dropping the oil pan, and doing it under the car.  It's a good time to check for wear and tear on internals as well.  Try to wiggle connecting rods, and if there is any movement, you might need new rod bearings, etc...

 Good luck,
 Josh