Should my oil light be on before starting?

[Mags]

Just refitted my dash and I thought my oil light should be on before starting, the gen light comes on and goes out when starting but the oil light doesn't. Before I start tracing wires I just want to check I should get both Gen & oil lights on before hitting the starter?

Thanks, Mags

 

[Moseley]

Yes it should - the oil light is basically just a low oil pressure warning light. So when engine isn't running, there is no oil pressure and it should illuminate. It'll go out once you start cranking as it'll rebuild pressure at the switch.

 

[dustrat]

Before you go tracing wires back check to see if the wire to oil pressure warning light is live when you switch ignition on.This wire should be live.If it is live check to see if bulb is OK. If bulb is OK and every thing was working before it looks as if you have put wires on wrong and it might be that you have put an earth on warning light by mistake.check earth wires to see if any are alive. If so change wires over. If that is the problem check your dash lights to make sure they are working ,if not check fuse and replace if blown.I had simular problem a few years ago.
Robert
:idea: :idea:

 

[Mags]

Thanks, thats very helpful.

 

[Mags]

Sorted, dodgy bulb holder, cleaned it up and all working now, thanks.