For the first time since I have had the car (a few days and ~250 miles) the oil pressure dropped to nil on the gauge coupled with the oil pressure warning light at idle. As soon as the car accelerates the pressure shoots back up to the normal range on the gauge and will stay there until coming to a full stop. I checked with the previous owner and he stated that the car would do this to him periodically but he always just checked the oil, which was always fine, and had the engine inspected for any leaks and found none. I drove the car about 30 miles today without this issue, but on my work commute 2 blocks, it started.

Oil being run is 5W30 synthetic per spec. Oil level is fine, no leaks. There is absolutely no pressure issue while driving and there are no abnormal sounds from the engine. From what I can gather it will either be: a) oil pressure sensor, b) oil pressure relief valve, or c) oil pump.

I tend to not think the oil pump as the engine makes no knocking or rattling sounds while having the indicated zero pressure. Accelerates fine, runs fine.

The oil temperature was showing less than normal during this incident and the coolant temperature never increased from normal. The ambient temperature was about 95 degrees.

I will pickup the sensor from the dealer tomorrow morning and put it in and go from there, but what are some thoughts? I have never had this issue with our other R53 MCS.

 

How many miles? If you're lucky, it's the oil pressure sensor. If was me, I wouldn't drive the car until you know..

 

The car has ~113,300 miles. I will drive the other car to pickup the sensor, but I will have to drive it a short distance to a shop to have it put in.


I just started the car after it was allowed to sit and cool (almost 5 hours) and the oil pressure was normal with no lights.

 

Bad switch or plastic plunger is cracked inside the oil filter housing.

The bad deal is if the plunger is cracked you're buying the entire housing $$$

I would not drive it period until you KNOW that you have oil pressure.

 

The oil housing is just the metal cup that holds the filter correct? The plunger is in that part?

 

The oil filter housing (I think) is the part that the metal cup screws into.

 

I just unplugged the sensor and there is oil on the electrical contacts, so oil is leaking out of the sensor. Failed sensor. Should be an easy fix. Oil pressure reading normal currently.

 

Same thing happened to me. Oil pressure switch leaked through the plug and into the connector. Replace the connector and clean out the wiring harness really well.

 

I changed the pressure switch/sensor and the problem initially remained, but then I checked the connectors really well, and so far no pressure drop. Car is running well.

 

I fixed this by changing to a factory oil filter, the Napa one that was put in it did not snap in the housing at all. I would always use a factory oil filter or one you are sure works correctly.

Check your oil pressure with a separate gauge, if it is normal it is most likely the sensor, if it drops to almost 0 on idle like mine did, it could be the wrong filter, or just replace the filter anyway since it's a cheap and easy fix.

 

I have seen this issue once or twice before and replacing the oil pressure switch 12-61-7-513-068 seems to resolve them. When replacing it may also be a good idea to check the connection at the sender to make sure there isn't any damage that may cause an issue as well. Otherwise, glad the issue was resolved!