I've got an 05 1.2 HTP Fabia with the BMD engine that's suffering from an intermittent oil warning light and buzzer.

 

The oil level is fine and the oil has recently been changed when it had a new timing chain.

 

I have searched but found nothing specific but I did read that the problem could be the oil level sensor?

On in inspection though the engine doesn't appear to have an oil level sensor....well not in the sump itself or on the timing chain side of the engine?

 

Any help much appreciated.

 

 

I don't think it will have a level sensor, and even if it did, I don't think that would generate the same warning you're seeing.  The warning light/buzzer is an indication of low pressure, not low level.  There is a good chance this is a false warning, caused by a dying oil pressure switch, but ideally don't use the car until you've established this to be the case.

 

Oil pressure switch is the single-pin connection on the right hand side of the front of the engine (as viewed standing in front looking into engine bay) , I seem to remember the connector is green.  I'll see if I can find a picture.  Edit: Actually, on BMD, it appears to be on the right hand end of the head, judging by this page/image

 

Often, a failing/failed pressure switch leaks oil onto the electrical connection pin, so have a look at that as a first step.

Thanks for the quick reply Wino.

 

It's definitely a false warning as the previous owner told me it's been like this for quite a while.....on some journeys it's totally fine with no light or buzzer.

 

I just wanted to check all the electrical connections before buying new parts so now I know it's not got an oil level sensor I will just change the oil pressure switch tomorrow and hopefully that will cure the fault.

 

Thanks again.

Edited 5 December, 201411 yr by Big_Burd

No problem.  But do go cautiously with your conclusion that it is definitely a false warning.

 

One scenario that could explain an intermittent warning is if debris exists in the sump, which gets sucked up onto the pick-up gauze restricting flow, but only enough to trigger the warning under certain conditions of oil temperature, rpm, cornering forces etc. Just a for-instance, not trying to worry you.

 

Was the timing chain change done because there was a problem, or pre-emptively? Who did the work? 

The chain was changed when the head was rebuilt

 

The light/buzzer is totally random so I don't think it's the oil strainer that's blocked as it can come on a couple of times within the space of a few miles and then not at all for at least 20 miles including steep inclines/descents and sharp corners.

 

To be on the safe side though I'll get the oil pressure checked while I'm changing the oil pressure switch.

Visual check of the switch pin may be sufficient to condemn it, and so provide some reassurance that the alarm really is false.

Head was rebuilt... what happened to the head to need it rebuilding? Why was the owner selling a perfectly fine car?

Low oil pressure means lack of oil getting where ots needed. Whats the top most part of an engine so the last place oil gets too? The head. So often the fiest part to suffer from lack of oil.

Id be tempted to go more along the lines of fitting new oil pump or oil pressure relief valve... but ive never even seen one of these engines. Just speaking out of other experiences

(Could just be coincidence. But oil is there for a reason and its pumped around the engine for a reason. And there is a pressure sensor for a reason)

Edited 5 December, 201411 yr by fletch101

I recommend you read this: http://pierro777.free.fr/DOCVAG/SSP260_The 1.2Ltr 3 cylinder petrol engines.pdf
It has all the information about 1.2 engine, list of all the sensors and how the ECU determines what it does. 

Your engine does indeed have the oil level sensor. I have the same problem as you. In 3 days I will check with my friend what's going on when I change the oil. 

@DataLog Mk1 Fabias in the UK were all supplied on fixed service schedule without the oil level sensor, to the best of my knowledge. Elsewhere they may well be fitted to some or all cars sold. 

Have you seen the one on your car? What type (and colour) of warning light/sound are you getting? 

13 hours ago, Wino said:

@DataLog Mk1 Fabias in the UK were all supplied on fixed service schedule without the oil level sensor, to the best of my knowledge. Elsewhere they may well be fitted to some or all cars sold. 

Have you seen the one on your car? What type (and colour) of warning light/sound are you getting? 

No, I didn't check it. I'm pretty new to actually fiddling with a car, although I did read my fair share about the engines. 
In the link I mentioned, they did claim that there is an oil level sensor. Maybe that's just plugged in Skoda. This is a WV article and it's about AZQ engine in general (both 6V and 12V). 

There are certainly some 1.2 engined Mk1 Fabias that have the sensor, if you look at 'ETKA-like' websites, there are different part numbers for timing chain covers to suit cars built with and without level sensors. 

 

If your car is on variable interval servicing, or was on that from new, it will have the oil level/temperature sensor.

Edited 22 December, 20205 yr by Wino