Do we have a major problem?

loubie_lou

Hello All.

Just after some advice for a friend. We were about to make a trip to the shops at the weekend. When she tried to start her car......and nothing. When she tried to turn the key it would not turn over or fire up but we could here a clicking sound coming from the battery area.

She then went on to tell my dad (who tried to have a look at the problem for her) that the oil warning light had been flashing for a few weeks. He had a look at the dipstick and it was virtually empty!

The car is a Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.2 X Reg. Could this be the reason the car is not starting? My dad said it will not start because of the lack of oil (a safety mechanism the car has), is this correct?

What will be the damage for driving for a few weeks with very little oil running around the engine? I was driving with her last week and the engine sounded fine. We had a look under the bonnet too and there was no burning/strange smell.

Or could it be a case it is just a flat battery?

Don't worry she has been told and will be buying some oil to put in the car tonight before it goes anywhere!

Any ideas?

Thanks

TiTheRev

Lack of oil may cause the engine to seize, but if the car does have a failsafe that stops it starting when too low (not heard of it), then you may be saved. The symptoms of a clicking when starting is either battery or starter motor, which at 9years old, either is possible.

Hope the oil solves the problem, if not you may be looking at a new engine...

flang

Sounds like the starter motor or battery if it doesnt crank.
The clicking sounds like the fuel pump relay which is normal (you just dont hear it normally)

RichOneday_2

That happened to me due to a faulty oil light and cost a new engine.

Having said that I did have a very big bang while driving not just a failure to start.

anewman

Should check oil on the dipstick, not wait for the light to come on. And if the light does come on you should pull over immediately as your oil level is well below the bottom of the dipstick.

TiTheRev

anewman wrote: »

Should check oil on the dipstick, not wait for the light to come on. And if the light does come on you should pull over immediately as your oil level is well below the bottom of the dipstick.

Not technically true, the light comes on on newer VWs before it's too late, so you have chance to find a garage that sells the correct top-up oil.

ArsenalFC

Should be ok as the car has a fail start for low oil mechanism. Top up with the correct oil and attempt to restart after.

loubie_lou

Does anybody have any suggestions as to the correct oil she should buy?

Thanks

Inactive

loubie_lou wrote: »

Does anybody have any suggestions as to the correct oil she should buy?

Thanks

Look in the handbook, it should be in there.;)

mummytofour

If you go to halfords they will look it up for you!

Pete268

Hi,

It should be 5W30 Semi Synthetic to Ford Specifications.

I recently found the Ford Formula E 5W30 Semi Synthetic that the Ford dealers sell (and use on services etc) was much cheaper at the Ford dealers parts department than the equivalent Castrol Magnatec semi synthetic or even the Halfords Own brand semi synthetic stuff in Halfords.

Obviously with the oil so low, the importance is getting the stuff into the engine as quickly as poss so if a Halfords or other car accessory shop is more local it maybe worth paying more this time.

Pete