You don't have a low oil light. You do have an oil pressure light.

Air and pollen filters won't cause this, but if you've changed the oil filter replace it with a genuine one.

Whatever the cause, it don't sound good. Low oil pressure will damage the top end in minutes.

 

Nope haven't touched the oil filter - but after topping up the oil that error message went away. Though I already topped it up (about a month ago I think) after the warning came up previously.
Could this be an indication of something more serious or an oil leak somewhere?

I also have ABS errors that need sorting so is it worth getting a local specialist in to look at it and investigate both issues?

 

You could change the oil and fit a genuine filter, this will ensure there's no oil pressure problems due to lube. The tapping sounds like poor oil pressure in the top end, needs sorting asap as chopper indicates. A controversial subject but this seems the situation where an engine flush with full flushing oil, not additive, may clean and restore oil pressure. As far as leaks go they should be evident on inspection both in the engine bay and under the car. Otherwise its a check on pump and strainer and or worn parts.

 

Take the oil filter out ASAP, if its blocked, engine flush twice, and two oil and filter changes.
If the oil filter is blocked most likely the turbo WILL be damaged.
What oil have you been using and what service intervals?

 

Sounds like this is turning out to be fun.
How much would you expect to pay for a flush, change and new oil filter at a local independent? Or is going to the local ATS place and using a 20% off voucher the way to go?

Would I be able to do this cheaper myself? It would mean buying A few bits to drain it etc but I have a jack and a pair of stands. I assume it's fairly easy to do? Just don't want to mess it up!

Just seen your post Dave, don't think I have a turbo! 1.6 petrol SE 58 reg 308, using Sainsburys 3W30 oil to top up(cheap but not long until service) but only had it since May 11 from Available Car and was a Motorbility car previously and given the *** smell I've finally managed to remove I'd suggest it was barely loved before me.

 

You'll need, 3 oil filters and 13.5 litres of oil to do this correctly.
Check the oil filter first though. you'll know if its blocked, there'll be a lump of oily jelly stuck to it.

 

If this might be heading towards several oil changes and flushes is it worth taking to an independent who would be more experienced than me and have the tools etc to hand?

 

Just thought I'd follow this up so you guys know what I've done.

They've confirmed what I've known for a while, I'm going mad and hearing things.
I got it into a garage yesterday, but they've only just looked it and apparently nothing is wrong. They suggested it could have been the new filter changing the engine noise, but I swapped this back and it still had the same noise so clearly not that but they confirmed nothing was wrong and I won't damage the engine by driving it when asked directly. They said they started the car, warmed it up, stopped and let it cool then tried again as well as raising the car up when checking it over for any problems.
Is it worth getting a 'summary' of their analysis or something to cover me if I drive off and knacker the engine because they missed something and it really is as bad as you guys potentially thought from my description? I've got 2 years finance left to pay so could do without expensive repairs!

The low oil pressure light hasn't returned since I topped it up last Friday and may have been because I was start/stopping for testing it, and a check on the oil level before I took it to the garage showed it's right in the middle between the marks on the dip stick.

I think I'll ask the garage I normally use to service it to give the thing a full flush and oil change when it goes in for the annual service next month anyway with a new original filter and new sump washer to be sure.

Now I just have to sort my ABS out...