I have a mk2 fiat punto W reg and tonight on my way home from work the oil light flashed up after i had pulled up at traffic lights, thinking the worst, i went to pull over, but as soon as i put my foot on the accelerator the light went off. I'm guessing this would indicate a drop in pressure. It seems to be ticking over at the right speed when the car is stationary and i dont really know where to go from here. I've been told that it could be a number of things (oil pump, filter, pressure gauge) but it has a full tank of oil, i filled it up friday just gone (10w/40 prt synthetic).

Any help or ideas would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Rich

You don’t say what engine is fitted so I have assumed it’s 1.2 8v or 16v…
I think it probably safe to say you have oil pressure, however I would carry out a check with an oil pressure gauge to be sure, it should be 4,0 bar at 4000 rpm.
Provided the oil pressure is good (which I’m sure it will be) that will rule out the pump, I would change the oil and filter 10w40 semi synthetic should be fine. At the same time fit a new oil pressure sensor/switch, as it’s probably at fault, quite cheap (£10ish) and you have to remove it to carry out the pressure test anyway.
All of this should take between 2 & 3 hours labour at the very most.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

thanks alot, gettin it checked over tonight my girlfriends dad tonight, will let you know what goes on

Hey, thanks for the help guys. Found out what it was, i'd been a twonk and put too much oil in....on to my next question. Anyone know what size socket it is for the sump plug(?) to be removed. its the same as the gear box oil, i know that much.

Thanks people

12 mm allen key I think, as least you found the fault