How to change the oil pressure switch on a Land Rover Tdi

For some time now the oil presure light on the dashboard hasn’t been coming on when the ignition is switched on.

So having ruled out that the lamp itself was at fault, it could only mean one thing – the oil pressure switch on the oil pump was faulty.

It takes about 5 minutes to change, and this is how you do it.

What is an oil pressure switch?

The switch indicates that the oil pump is producing enough oil pressure – therefore keeping the engine well lubricated.

The oil pressure light comes on when you switch the ignition on, and should go out as soon as the engine is started. The oil pressure light on a Land Rover Defender looks like the photo below. Discoverys and Range Rovers have a similar “oil can” symbol.

The oil pressure light on a Land Rover Defender

In the event of low oil pressure, the switch will activate and the light will appear on the dashboard to indicate low oil pressure. You should turn the engine off immediately if you see the “oil can” symbol light up on your dash board. Failure to do so will seriously damage your engine!

Changing the oil pressure switch on a Land Rover Tdi engine

The switch itself costs about £4, from any of the usual Land Rover aftermarket parts dealers, like Paddocks.

Changing the switch is the same for all 200tdi and 300tdi engines in the Land Rover Defender, Discovery and Range Rover.

Part Number

The part number for the Tdi oil pressure switch is: PRC6387

You need the following tools for the job:

Adjustable spanner
Small container to catch some oil
Old rag to clear up any oil

Note: Its worth checking the light bulb in the dash first, in case its as simple as a blown bulb!

1: The easiest way to get access to the switch is from under the vehicle. So the first thing to do is chock the wheels to make sure it doesn’t move anywhere.

2: Slide in under the Land Rover just behind the drivers side front wheel. Shuffle a bit towards the front of the Landy and you will be faced with the view below.