Hi all.

I've tried extensive searches and have been surprised at the lack of info.

My oil pressure warning light does not work. My mechanic (a real German car/Mini guy) tested the sender and oil pressure etc and all is well. So the next thing to do would be to replace the bulb in the speedo cluster.

How is this done? Where might I find info?

Thanks

(BTW, The car is an '03 R50)

 

There are no "bulbs" in the speedo cluster. All lighting come from LED's directly mounted (soldered) on the circuit board.

It is very unlikely that the LED has failed, but there is a procedure for testing the warning lights. This is from my recollection and might not be exactly right. With ignition off, press and hold the trip reset button for 5 seconds. Still holding the button down, turn the ignition to position 1. The display should say "test". Release and press the button again and the instruments will go through a test cycle of flashing warning lights and moving the needles. If you see the oil light turn on, then your problem is elsewhere.

Edit: if my procedure didn't work, try the one described here:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f..._obc_functions
and select test #2

 

Thanks rkw. I happen to be sitting in my car and ran the test (you're correct in your instruction).

And sure enough, the unlikely has occured. No oil light. I think it may be time for an aftermaret pressure guage.

Thanks again!

 

Ouch. The oil light is pretty important. I would see if I could open up the speedo and get at the circuit board. If you have a friend who is handy with a soldering iron, they may be able to replace the LED for you. (Or if you're good with one, you can try yourself!) If you're not sure, best to let someone else handle it--you don't want to damage the circuit board, after all!

I wonder if the speedometers are coded to the vehicle? If not, you may be able to get a used speedo and just swap the whole thing in. Maybe.

 

I assume soldering a new LED into the PCB would be simple enough in itself, but it's also likely it could be other components in the signal path.

Since I choose to pay someone to work on this car for me, I'm left assuming an aftermarket guage, such as a Miller (?) Wold be the less intrusive and more cost effective solution.

 

Soldering a new LED is simple only if you have experience working with surface mount components. Given the consequences for messing up, I wouldn't try it for first-time SMT soldering! Anyway, as you said the problem could be anywhere in the signal path.

 

I have experience soldering (2 channel audio is my other passion), it's tearing the dash apart and tracing the problem around that I'm interested in avoiding.

I assume installing a guage is a bit more straightforward.

 

Just checking back in to say that once I ran the bulb test (key to position 2 while holding the odo reset, then release odo button) I found that the light did work.

It was the oil pressure sensor at the filter housing. Even though it tested OK, it wasn't working. This sensor is a $12 part.

 

Glad to hear you have it sorted!