So I was riding around today and after about 30 miles I pull into a parking lot and the oil light starts flashing.  The light wasn't flashing consistently, it was like the sensor (pressure sensor i assume) was just getting a signal hit and miss, on for a 1/4 second, off for a second, on for a 1/8th second etc...  The oil level looks fine in the window,  my last oil change was about 1000 miles ago.  It would only flash at dead idle,  any bit of throttle would shut it off.  Any ideas?  It was a particularly hot day here (95)  also its a higher millage bike 22K, at least high for a lot of ducs around.

I'm assuming maybe a dirty oil filter or screen?  Im not familiar with the pumping system on these bikes so I don't really know how to diagnose that.  Only mods are K&N pods+jetting, and exhaust.

Thanks guys and gals! 

If you've just washed the bike, or it's gotten really wet from sitting in the rain, the connector on the pressure switch can get water in it and it'll act flaky.

Conservative answer is to check the oil pressure with a guage just to make sure it's OK.

Generic pressure requirements, engine hot:
Idle @ 1100-1300 rpm: > 16psi
3500-4000 rpm: 59 - 88 psi
Never over 88 psi

You're probably alright, but it's best to make sure.

What oil are you using?

The oil pressure sending unit ( next to the drain plug) maybe going out. It is about a $35 part from Ducati, and  most dealer carry them.

Depending on oil, it could (probably not) have thinned the oil to lower pressure.


Edit: put that one it at the same time 

I do have an oil psi Gauge here,  but where is a good spot to connect it?  off the cooler?

You'd connect it where the oil pressure sender is.  Remove the sender and put on the guage.

But - I can tell you I just went through and issue with the EXACT same symptoms.  When the bike was hot, at idle the oil light would flicker once in a while just like you describe.  Give it some throttle and it was fine.

For me, I'd just had some changes made to the fueling that resulted in my idle being lower than spec.  It was low enough that the pressure light would trip.  I had the shop bring it to spec ~1100-1200 and the issue was resolved.  If your idle's below the 1000 mark that might well be the culpret

QuoteFor me, I'd just had some changes made to the fueling that resulted in my idle being lower than spec.  It was low enough that the pressure light would trip.  I had the shop bring it to spec ~1100-1200 and the issue was resolved.  If your idle's below the 1000 mark that might well be the culpret

good point, it is carb'd, so it should be an easy fix

Connect where the sending unit is.  The threads are the same as a VW if you need an adapter.

thanks for all the help guys,  I pulled the oil psi sensor and it had a crazy lose connection,  I do believe my bike idles right around 1000rpms as well.  I tightened up the connector and the light isn't tripping at idle in my garage right now. if it starts to flash again ill adjust my idle screw.  thanks again!   

No prob.  FWIW my flicker only appeared after the bike was good and hot say 10-15 miles worth.  To be on the safe side I'd knock around the hood for a few miles to get it hot and see if you're issues totally resolved after sinching down the sensor - if not you know what to do.

well I just road about 60 miles and every 10 or so id let her idle for a few.  looks like it was just the lose sensor!  that was so much easier than I thought.

Quote from: Speeddog on June 09, 2008, 11:15:15 AM


Conservative answer is to check the oil pressure with a guage just to make sure it's OK.

Generic pressure requirements, engine hot:
Idle @ 1100-1300 rpm: > 16psi
3500-4000 rpm: 59 - 88 psi
Never over 88 psi

You're probably alright, but it's best to make sure.

What oil are you using?

+1   Make sure.