GrandlandX Oil Pressure Warning

Sounds nasty! Low oil pressure and clattering noises are never a good sign. Given you've already checked the oil level and replaced the sensor, a faulty oil pump is a prime suspect. It's like the heart of your engine isn't pumping blood properly. Before you panic about bearings though, double-check the engine oil itself. Is it the correct grade? Has it been changed recently? Blocked oilways can also mimic oil pump failure; it's like a blocked artery restricting the flow. And just to be 100% sure, did you use a genuine oil pressure sensor, or an aftermarket one? Sometimes the cheap ones aren't worth the plastic they're made from.

Good shout on the oil grade and change! I did use the correct grade (5W-30, as per the handbook), but it's probably been about 15,000 km since the last change – I've been meaning to do it. Could that really cause such a drastic pressure drop? As for the sensor, it was an aftermarket one, a brand beginning with 'Q'. Could a dodgy sensor really cause the light to stay on even if the pressure is actually okay?

15,000 km is pushing it a bit for an oil change, especially in a diesel! Think of the oil as the engine's lifeblood; old, sludgy oil won't flow as easily, potentially starving the engine. And those 'Q' brand sensors? Let's just say quality control isn't always their strong suit. It's possible it's giving a false reading. However, given the mechanical noises you're hearing, I'd strongly suspect the oil pump is failing, or you have excessive wear. Continuing to drive it could cause serious damage. My advice would be to bite the bullet and get it to a trusted workshop for a proper diagnosis. They can check the actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge and inspect the oil pump itself. Better safe than sorry!

Thanks a million for the advice! I took it to my local garage, and you were spot on – the oil pump was indeed toast. They replaced it, along with the oil and filter, and the noises are gone, and the oil pressure light is off. The aftermarket sensor probably didn't help matters! The total bill came to 755€ which hurt, but it's better than a completely wrecked engine. Lesson learned: don't skimp on oil changes and avoid cheap sensors!