Expert oil pressure warning light

I had a similar scare with my Expert some time ago. You mentioned oil contamination – what color is the oil, and does it seem thicker than usual? Any signs of oil leaks around the engine? Have you noticed any unusual engine noises, especially when the oil pressure light comes on?

The oil appears darker than usual, almost blackish, which is what made me suspect contamination. It does seem a bit thicker too. I haven't spotted any obvious oil leaks, but I haven’t been under the van lately. Regarding engine noises, well, it's always a bit noisy, being an older van, but nothing distinctly 'wrong' that I can pinpoint. Could this be oil sludge building up somewhere?

The dark, thick oil definitely points to contamination, possibly sludge. Given your mileage and the warning lights, it’s beyond a simple top-up. I'd strongly advise getting it checked by a professional ASAP. Continuing to drive it could cause serious, and expensive, damage. A proper diagnosis is crucial; don't risk guessing.

That's exactly the kind of cautious advice I needed to hear. I took it to a workshop, and you were spot on - severely exceeded maintenance interval! The oil was indeed heavily contaminated. They flushed the system and replaced the oil and filter, all for 165€. Expensive, but better than a ruined engine. Lesson learned!