Oil Light and No Oomph

jaymoe

No, thats not the title to my autobiography but the problem I am having with my car (the current issue)

Since Tuesday or Wednesday I have had the oil light on. First of all it was flickering and now its on constantly. When it first appeared I checked the oil level and it looked fine. To cover myself I bought just a litre to get me to work as it was 4am and checked the oil level again once I had finished in daylight and again it seemed fine. I have been driving it to and from work (roughly 45 mile round trip) and since yesterday on the motorway I am struggling to get it avbove 65mph. A couple of times it has chugged on an A-road but there apears to be a lack of power. I have bought one of those diagnostic computer things in the hope it might pick up a sensor issue but it says no faults. Can someone please let me know if it sounds like a particular thing. The car is a 2014 Ford Focus, petrol.

TIA

Alter_ego

Are you talking oil Pressure light? Stop running the engine and you may save it.

daveyjp

Which petrol engine?  Ecoboost?  If so possible blocked oil pump strainer.  Don't drive the car any further.

AdrianC

"The oil light" is usually oil PRESSURE, not level. Low level causes it to come on when there's so little that it's trying to pump fresh air around the engine.

DiddyDavies

If you have a low oil pressure indication (assuming that's what the oil light you are referring to is) and no sensor faults showing that it's very likely that you do have a low oil pressure problem, possibly a blockage or a knackered oil pump.
Until you can get the car into a garage for them to ascertain the problem, you shouldn't start, let alone drive it until then.
If it is a genuine oil pressure problem, driving it for the past couple of days may already have scrapped your engine.

jaymoe

Not being a mechanic or knowing anything about cars this advice has been really helpful so thank you all. Yes its an ecoboost and I have rang round garages but seen the common thread of not driving it I have a mobile mechanic coming on Monday to diagnose the problem. Fingers crossed I havent done the engine, could do without that!!! 

TadleyBaggie

The "oil" light or it used to be known, the "new engine needed" light.

bhjm

a warning light - its red - what does it mean to people? like a red signal - if its free just continue to drive....

you don`t need to be an mechanic - its 
common sense
its normally teached in the driving school
been written in the manual

ontheroad1970

How helpful.  

English is normally TAUGHT in the primary school.

bhjm

ontheroad1970 said:

How helpful.  

English is normally TAUGHT in the primary school.

well, fair point for those who raised in an english speaking country
how is your 1st, 2nd, 3rd foreign language ?

CoastingHatbox

The OP has just had a good expensive educational experience. There is no need to rub salt in the wounds.