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Opel Corsa C 1.2 2003 - "Car key" indicator and oil lamp

MrDoimer 46899 16
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Why does my Opel Corsa C 1.2 lose power around 3,700–3,900 rpm with the key-shaped warning light on, and why does the oil pressure lamp flash when the engine is warm?

The oil warning was most likely caused by a faulty oil pressure sensor, not necessarily low oil pressure, while the power drop and key light pointed to a fault in the air-flow meter (P0100) [#16780586] For the oil lamp, the advice was to check the oil level and, if it is correct, measure the pressure with a manual gauge because the computer will not show oil pressure [#16756748][#16756780][#16760616] The air-flow meter diagnosis was supported by the fact that disconnecting the meter made the car run better, and replacing it fixed the engine response [#16789979][#16796856] One reply warned that a very cheap replacement part may be unreliable and suggested a used original unit instead [#16790300]
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  • #1 16756733
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    Hello, from yesterday I have Opel Corse C 1.2 2003. petrol.
    I have two problems:

    1) This problem has occurred from the beginning.
    In each run at approx. 3.7-3,900 I feel as if I have completely taken my foot off the gas, and then after 0.5-1 sec. when I press the gas pedal pushed to the floor. it 'goes' again, but with this power drop the 'car key' indicator lights up and goes out after 3-4 seconds.
    I will add that the car responds slowly to gas. I press the pedal "into the floor" and it takes about 1.5 seconds. it starts to spin on the turn.

    2) This problem occurred when I was driving about 80km / h to repair a high mountain. The oil pressure light went on and then went out. And from that moment in random moments it shines, but it is only "flashing" for 0.5 sec. He can hang on when I get to the lights at ease.
    The oil was flooded on Max in Saturday. On the blades, the mechanic could see that the engine from the bottom was covered with oil, but as the car stood all night, there was no sign on the sidewalk after the oil (and so the guy from whom I was selling).

    What can be? The fuel filter was replaced with the oil.

    Added after 5 [minutes]:

    This "car key" is control lamp no. 1:
    Opel Corsa C 1.2 2003 - "Car key" indicator and oil lamp
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  • #2 16756748
    sk700
    Level 31  
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    You have to read the errors and check the oil level. If it's ok, you have to measure its pressure, you will not think of anything in the dark.
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  • #3 16756771
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    I understand.
    Tomorrow I will go to my friend and I will read the mistakes.
    The oil just checked again from yesterday did not change its state (max).

    Will the problem with oil pressure show a computer?
  • #4 16756780
    sk700
    Level 31  
    Posts: 1347
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    No, necessary manual gauge measurement.
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  • #5 16760547
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    Only at the weekend I will be able to connect the car to the computer, and I do not want to pay for a mechanic.

    The case with the oil control now looks like this:
    Oil, how many there were. On a cold engine it's ok, when it warms up and I get to the headlights at low speed, the indicator lights up at low speed and shines. When I add a little gas it goes out and after a while it lights up again. I read on forums and in the best option it can be an oil pressure sensor. It is not very wet, but it is not dry.
    Firstly, I will replace the oil pressure sensor. Is the plastic element behind the green gasket should it be wet in oil after disconnecting the plug from the sensor? Does this already indicate its damage?
    If that does not help, I will go to the workshop to measure the oil pressure.

    I still have a small question - I know that 10w40 oil is now flooded. But I do not know what company. Does it have any meaning or no matter what company is pouring in and will it be ok? I once heard that oil should not be mixed.
  • #6 16760616
    sk700
    Level 31  
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    MrDoimer wrote:
    If that does not help, I will go to the workshop to measure the oil pressure.

    Get rid of it right away because it may well be the sensor's fault and it's possible that you're just blotting the engine.
  • #7 16780586
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    The oil problem is solved by replacing the oil sensor.

    Under the computer showed only the P0100 error, ie the error of the air flow meter.
    But the flow meter works, i.e. the computer shows that it gives the air dose well. This is how it looks on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears when dragging up to 6,000. rotation.
    I bet it is an EGR valve. Possible?
  • #8 16780747
    sk700
    Level 31  
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    What is diagnosed? The error description looks wrong.
  • #9 16780798
    carrot
    Moderator of Cars
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    Quote:
    over the weekend I will be able to connect the car to the computer, and I do not want to pay for a mechanic

    Probably a diagnosis of an elm and a smartphone
  • #10 16787448
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    sk700 wrote:
    What is diagnosed? The error description looks wrong.

    I was at the mechanic's diagnostics and he told me that there is an "Error in the air flow meter".
    I added this number P0100 because it also showed me the error with the "gas + brake" method.
  • #11 16787621
    sk700
    Level 31  
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    This is the google error code and car model. The flowmeter's errors are at least a few different, you had to take a picture, it would be immediately known what it was diagnosed.
  • #12 16789979
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
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    After disconnecting the meter it flashes until it's nice.
    Tomorrow, I buy a replacement for PLN 130, because Bosch or Delphi cost PLN 300-500 each :)
  • #13 16790038
    sebap
    Level 41  
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    So that you will not be surprised with the replacement.
  • #14 16790300
    tzok
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
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    Buy a used original, a replacement for PLN 140 is money thrown in the mud - it will work like this one now, or even worse.
  • #15 16796856
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
    Posts: 5691
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    tzok wrote:
    it will work like this now or worse.

    I bought (I have not read your posts) and is currently working very well.
    Is there no guarantee for him? Purchased in the intercars.
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  • #16 16798233
    tzok
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
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    The guarantee is theoretically, but what's after you as in return you get the same ... we'll see how long it will work, how it will last half a year, start to play in the photo ;)
  • #17 16807158
    MrDoimer
    Level 38  
    Posts: 5691
    Help: 271
    Rate: 124
    Ok, thank you for your help, best regards :)

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around issues faced by the owner of a 2003 Opel Corsa C 1.2 petrol vehicle. The primary concerns include a power drop at high RPMs (3,700-3,900) accompanied by the illumination of the "car key" indicator, and intermittent oil pressure warning lights. Users suggest checking error codes and oil levels, with recommendations to measure oil pressure manually. The owner plans to replace the oil pressure sensor, suspecting it may be faulty. After diagnostics, an error related to the air flow meter (P0100) was identified, leading to discussions about replacing the flow meter, with advice on choosing between original and aftermarket parts. The owner successfully replaced the flow meter and reported improved performance.
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FAQ

TL;DR: On a Corsa C 1.2, a warm‑idle oil lamp was fixed by an oil‑pressure sensor swap, and one member warned “we’ll see how long it will work, how it will last half a year.” Read codes and verify oil pressure with a manual gauge. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16798233]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Opel Corsa C owners diagnose flashing oil lamps, “car-with-key” warnings, and P0100 MAF faults without guesswork.

Quick Facts

What does the “car with key” light mean when my Corsa C loses power?

It indicates the ECU detected a fault during the power drop. First step: read stored errors, then test relevant systems under load. This thread’s advisors emphasized fault‑code reading before replacing parts. [Elektroda, sk700, post #16756748]

Why does my oil pressure lamp flicker at idle when warm?

In this case, a failing oil‑pressure sensor caused the flicker at hot idle. Replacing the sensor stopped the warning. If your lamp persists, verify actual oil pressure with a gauge to rule out true low pressure. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16780586]

Will the car’s computer tell me if oil pressure is low?

No. The ECU does not measure oil pressure directly. Use a mechanical gauge to confirm pressure. As one expert put it, “No, necessary manual gauge measurement.” [Elektroda, sk700, post #16756780]

How do I check oil pressure on a Corsa C with a manual gauge?

  1. Install a mechanical gauge at the oil‑pressure sender port.
  2. Warm the engine and read pressure at idle and 2,500 rpm.
  3. Compare readings to spec; diagnose pump, clearances, or sensor accordingly. [Elektroda, sk700, post #16756780]

Is it safe to keep driving if the oil lamp comes on?

No. Stop and verify pressure immediately. The advisor warned to resolve it at once, as continued running risks engine damage from oil starvation. [Elektroda, sk700, post #16760616]

What does code P0100 mean on this Opel?

In this thread, P0100 was read and the mechanic described it as an air‑flow‑meter (MAF) error. Confirm with a proper code reader and live data before replacing parts. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16787448]

My Corsa hesitates 0.5–1 s and cuts power near 3,700–3,900 rpm—could the MAF be at fault?

Possibly. The car ran better with the MAF unplugged, suggesting MAF involvement. Validate by logging airflow, trims, and throttle before committing to parts. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16789979]

Should I buy a cheap aftermarket MAF or a used OEM one?

Advice here favors a used original over a low‑cost copy. “A replacement for PLN 140 is money thrown in the mud”—some copies work worse than the faulty unit. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16790300]

I fitted a budget MAF and it works now—how long will it last?

It may be short‑lived. One expert cautioned it might only last “half a year.” Keep your old readings and be ready to replace with OEM if symptoms return. [Elektroda, tzok, post #16798233]

Could a stuck EGR valve cause my P0100 MAF code?

It can confuse airflow readings, but verify the exact code description first. The advisor noted multiple distinct MAF‑related codes and asked for precise diagnostics. [Elektroda, sk700, post #16787621]

Can I use a phone and ELM327 to read faults on a Corsa C?

Yes, basic DIY diagnostics with an ELM adapter and smartphone app can read codes and some live data. It’s a quick way to start. [Elektroda, carrot, post #16780798]

After replacing the oil sensor, my warning is gone. Should I still check for leaks?

Yes. In this case, replacing the sensor solved the warning. Inspect around the old sender for residual oil and confirm the new sensor is dry after driving. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16780586]

Is mixing different brands of 10W‑40 oil okay?

The thread raises this concern but gives no consensus. Use the same viscosity that meets your spec, and keep levels at MAX with regular checks if mixing occurred. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16760547]

What’s the quick path to diagnose the “car with key” light plus hesitation?

Read codes, log live airflow and throttle, and verify oil pressure if the lamp coincides with idle issues. Replace proven bad parts only. [Elektroda, sk700, post #16756748]

How did the original poster finally resolve the warnings?

Oil lamp: replaced the oil‑pressure sensor. Performance warning: MAF fault code P0100 found; a budget MAF improved running, with longevity cautions noted. [Elektroda, MrDoimer, post #16780586]
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