QuestionI have a 98 LR Disco I with about 188K miles on it. Love this truck! My question is:
I recently had some repair work done on my truck and had the oil changed at the same time. When I drove home from the shop, the oil light began to flicker mid trip. This has happened on occassion before when the oil did happen to be slight bit low, and I know these jewels are always leaking in some fashion. However, I pulled over and let the truck rest a bit before checking the oil level. It was a tad low so I added a minor bit to it (yes, I keep a container of oil in the truck - I have learned!). The light went off as it should have, and I was on my way. However, on a ride into work since this incident, the light flickered again, but occurred when I turned on my AC. When I turned the AC off, the light did not come on again. I checked the oil level later in the day after the car sat for a bit, and it was fine. I then ran an errand and tested fate by trying to mimic the situation again. But, the light did not come on at all. Any words of wisdom on this one??? This seems odd and wondering if there is a sensor that is related somehow that might be going out.
AnswerHi Susan,
just like to say "bravo" and encourage you to continue to question how your Disco works.
Your observations may indicate a link to your serpentine belt. Check to make sure it is not worn or loose. Sometimes a tensioner pulley can begin to fail and this causes slippage. The belt can be smooth and glossy and this translates into poor contact with the various components (water pump, oil pump, air compressor, power steering pump). It could also be old and cracked and again spells slippage.
If you are not familiar with this area, any local garage can check this out for you. Most will even have a replacement belt, if it is needed.
If you are near an Advance Auto parts shop, see if they can read any OBDII codes off your Disco. Maybe this will reveal a hidden problem. These guys (and gals) are most helpful and have been known to do this for free.
As for the sensor being triggered, you are absolutely right to take notice of it. If you find you are replacing oil too often, I suggest you address the leak before it gets worse. It's a good thing to carry a quart of oil and coolant for those rare emergencies but it can be annoying if the emergency is every week or so.
Besides, it's ok to let your Disco marks it's territory but in moderation! :)
Best of luck,
JohnMc
