If the magnetic oil drain plug on the intermediate transmission detects metal particles, will a cockpit chip light illuminate to notify the pilot?

• A. Yes
• B. Sometimes
• C. No
• D. Not immediately

Answer: (C)

The warning light won’t automatically come on because the magnetic oil drain plug is a passive device. It simply attracts metallic particles from the oil; it doesn’t send an electrical signal to the cockpit. A cockpit chip light is tied to a dedicated chip detector circuit that monitors wear and only lights if that sensor detects a threshold of metal. If there isn’t a sensor connected to the light, or if the detection system relies on other indicators, the presence of metal on the drain plug won’t trigger a cockpit warning. So, metal caught by the magnet does not automatically notify the pilot with a chip light. Maintenance inspection of the drain plug and oil is still required when metal is found.