Narrative:

We were in cruise at 9;000 feet. [While] enroute; the number 2 engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. We looked at the gauges and they showed indications within the green arc. We ran the checklist and due to the conflicting information between the warning light and oil pressure gauges; I called company. I told maintenance the situation and they said this aircraft has a history of a faulty warning light; most people just continue the flight. It has happened twice in the last month. I let dispatch know we were diverting to [a nearby alternate]. Dispatch was helpful; giving me the weather and letting them know we were coming. We were already direct the airport and within about 5 mins of landing.I decided to keep the #2 engine running because we were within 5 minutes of landing. I didn't want the added risk of shutting down an engine that close to the field. The engine gauges were all indicating normal (green arc). Maintenance said there was a history of a faulty warning light. [First officer] continued the approach. The warning light remained on. The flight attendant and passengers were briefed for a normal landing. We taxied to the gate.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Dash-8 Captain reported diverting to an alternate after the #2 engine oil pressure light illuminated.

Narrative: We were in cruise at 9;000 feet. [While] enroute; the number 2 engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. We looked at the gauges and they showed indications within the green arc. We ran the checklist and due to the conflicting information between the warning light and oil pressure gauges; I called Company. I told maintenance the situation and they said this aircraft has a history of a faulty warning light; most people just continue the flight. It has happened twice in the last month. I let Dispatch know we were diverting to [a nearby alternate]. Dispatch was helpful; giving me the weather and letting them know we were coming. We were already direct the airport and within about 5 mins of landing.I decided to keep the #2 engine running because we were within 5 minutes of landing. I didn't want the added risk of shutting down an engine that close to the field. The engine gauges were all indicating normal (green arc). Maintenance said there was a history of a faulty warning light. [First Officer] continued the approach. The warning light remained on. The flight attendant and passengers were briefed for a normal landing. We taxied to the gate.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.