I've had my little fabia from new for 8 years now and shes is my baby!!! Today I had to call the AA as my red oil light has come on 3 times in 2 days when I'm sitting in traffic. The oil level in normal and the car appears to be running well apart from the light which screams 3 beeps at me every now and again. The nice man from AA said I need to get a 'oil pressure gauge' test done and may need a new oil pump? How much is this likely to set me back and how long does it normally take? Is it a big job? I love my little car and need her back as I need to travel 450miles in 2 weeks time for my finals in my dergee. I'm very poor and very worried. Please HELP!!!:(

I've read a few other posts and have decided to get a new 'oil pressure switch' and a Haynes manual and thought I'd have a go at changing it. Bare in mind that I'm a girl and know nothing about engines... do you think it's a simple thing to try before I take it to a garage?

Edited 17 December, 200817 yr by pinkfrisky

i would let the garage do it , get them to do the pressure test first , then fit the sensor if the pressure is ok , maybe also get them to do an engine oil change

from the sounds of it though , you have a pressure problem on idle when the engine is hot , so could be a pump/pressure relief valve fault

I had this back in the summer, it was the switch. Cost £10 and very easy to fit yourself: there is a guide around somewhere (with pics) if you do a search.

You'll need a socket set with extension bar (to get the plastic engine cover off!) and the switch can be difficult to prise off - you'll need a thin screwdriver or something similar to lever it off with. Apart from that - easy job.

Are you getting any loud banging noises from the engine. Basically, when that light goes on, assuming the pressure switch is working properly, it means the pressure is already very low and you need to stop straight away. But - my bet is its the switch.

When the switches go the tell tale is that there will be oil in the electrical plug. To get the plug off pull the plastic tag, push the plug towards the engine slightly and the pull it off. We have replaced quite a few switches on the 8 valve MPi model, what engine has yours got?

I have the 8 valve MPi model!!! I had the car serviced 12 weeks ago and had a complete oil change then. The car seems to be running normally apart from that light! The engine doesn't sound like it's ratteling or anything. I'll try to find the guide somewhere. If I did take it to a garage how much should I expect to pay for a pressure check?

Thanks for the advice by the way.

if the oil pickup is blocked slightly then oil flow will not be optimum, the only way to get that sorted though is remove the sump.

It'll be the switch, part number 047919081B at around £8.25 + VAT, which shouldn't take more than 0.3 - 0.4 of an hour to fit. Now if it was a 1.8 turbo engine, then I would be concerned about blocked oil pick ups and low oil pressure.

Ok, so I have bought the oil pressure swich now and have found a picture of where to locate it. Is anyone able to give me a step by step guide on how to replace it? I will be very greatful.

Thank you all for your help so far, everyone has been great! X:)

whereabouts are you?? maybe somebody local to you could pop round and do it for you?

I'm located in Gravesend, Kent

Take a look at this thread:

http://briskoda.net/south-east-skoda-meets/servicing-gravesend-area/119270/

There seem to be a few recommendations for garages in your area. You could try giving them a call asking 'how much to fit only, an oil pressure switch on a 1.4 8 valve Skoda Fabia.'

You may well find that the cost will be comparable to those involved in fuel and time in driving to Briskoda members location to get it fitted.