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Vauxhall Astra oil warning light
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No best answer has yet been selected by Markbon. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Measure the oil when the engine's been standing for a bit -- this gives the oil a chance to drain down to the sump.
Is this an oil level light, or an oil pressure light?
If oil level and the dipstick shows it's OK, then it's a dodgy sender unit.
If it's an oil pressure light, could be also a dodgy pressure sender, or more likely could be low oil pressure -- from very worn bearings (perhaps from no oil previously) or a knackered pump. I presume you haven't an oil pressure gauge as such? An oil pressure light should go out very soon after the engine starts, stay out while running, and ideally should stay on for quite a while after it stops (stop engine, turn ignition back on and watch light).
Get a garage to test the oil pressure, and don't drive it too much beforehand, as low pressure will not do your engine much good!
I've got an Astra and they can be a pain in the arse at times. I wonder if there's a problem with your oil pump, although drainage to the sump, where levels are monitored, should be automatic. Tough one. Does the engine run hot? I get some irregular dipstick readings and you can't rely on the first one, but I'd look more towards a fault with the sensor...
Crap answer, but just letting you know I feel for you man! .