I've got about 120k and am getting an occasional and very brief flicker from the oil light.
The first time it happened was about 3 months ago. It happened several times over a few days. I was due for an oil change but the level was fine. After the oil change I didn't see the light again.
I thought that was curious since I always understood the light was low oil pressure and didn't see how an oil change could impact oil pressure. (I use 5w30 synth mobil 1 usually)
Over the past couple of days, the light is flickering again. I've noticed it shortly after startup a few times. More than anywhere else, I've seen it when going down the building parking garage (I normally park with the front of the car pointing down hill). Haven't seen it driving at speed though.
Is this a sign of a failing oil pump?
Any tests I can run to narrow down the problem?
I obviously don't want the oil pump to fail.
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Considering the numerous posts on oil consumption and oil burning for these engines, I would rule that out first by parking on a level surface and monitoring the oil level for a week or so. If that checks out I would then look at the oil pressure switch and its connections and then the oil pump, (in that order).
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true but...low level does effect the pressure (trust me, I know).
When the level is really low, the oil pressure sending unit cant get a proper reading.
probably not his problem though...
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Is the light coming on right after a cold start or is it flickering when hot and idling? The oil pressure will be higher right after a cold start than it will be on a warm/hot start and idling, so if it's flickeririg right after a cold start and shortly after only, I think it's a bogus indication. And if you've got no "interesting" engine noises, that's a good sign. Ensure the OUTSIDE of the LOP switch and the connector are clean and not contaminated with dirt, crud and any salt spray deposits. The light is put on when the light circuit finds ground, normally through the switch, but it can find ground due to the contamination. That happened to me with my Suzuki. BUT, obviously, the only way to know for sure if it's genuine LOP is to install a pressure gauge at the LOP sw. port. FYI the switch should put the light on at around 9 - 12 PSI. Unless you've totally ignored doing oil changes, I really doubt that it's an oil pump/regulator issue. The only way the oil level is going to affect the oil pressure is if the level is low enough (way low) to expose the pump pickup tube and screen, obviously, and of course this can happen with a change in attitude of the car, where the pump is sucking air from time to time. The only other way maybe, is if the oil pressure was low enough and close to the switch operating limit (and putting on the light), then a low oil level lowers the "head" pressure to the oil pump pickup.
Typically the light flickers shortly after a cold start.
In testing today, I noticed that it did it as I went down our 12 story parking garage with the clutch pushed in. That's typically when I see it. It was still intermittent. I do not get it while driving or in gear.
I have seen it on level ground shortly after startup. However, when I parked after lunch, I saw it flicker briefly when parked with the driver's side inclined down. The car was up to temp at that time.
No problems with oil changes - usually 5k with mobil 1 synth since new. The oil has never been low to my knowledge.
I'll check the switch - thanks for the help. Hopefully, that's it. The only thing that makes me think it may not be is the fact that it stopped after the last oil change.
As it's seems to be flickering when cold and warmed up, I guess I would go for a switch change first. (after cleaning the switch etc.) These things are known to "seep" oil as well. Ever thought about using a 10W-30?
My car does this RIGHT after start up for a second. I just ignore it now.
I havent notice a low level. I did however have a hole in my oil pan (it rusted) and it did it more then. I have since replaced the pan and noticed it less
I had this problem on my 2003 Maxima. Only for between 50 and 100 miles after an oil change. It's like it had to get used to the new oil. I know that is rediculous, but that is how it seemed. if I reved the engine over 3500RPMs it would fade out and then jump back on. After 50 or so miles, it would just go out.
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Rather than mess with the oil pressure sending unit - I got an oil change. That fixed it the last time, and it was due so I tried it.
Voila - no more oil light.
Also, at times when idling, the motor was very loud. Kinda sounded like a diesel. That's gone too
Now, to me this sounds like my oil level was low.
But, how in the heck could it be low and still show up fine on the dipstick? I know how to check my oil for crying out loud! I checked it several times and each time cleared the dipstick and re-checked. Car was warmed up when I checked it, flat surface, etc. I use mobil 1 synth.
Any ideas??
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But, how in the heck could it be low and still show up fine on the dipstick? I know how to check my oil for crying out loud! I checked it several times and each time cleared the dipstick and re-checked. Car was warmed up when I checked it, flat surface, etc. I use mobil 1 synth.
Any ideas??
Our cars have to be cold, ice cold, in order to get an accurate oil reading.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlasic
nm, I had written out a lot of stuff but its just easier to call you an idiot.
Yes, you can have a mechanic check the oil pressure by screwing in a gauge and checking the oil pressure. I bet it's low............. However, take Kevlo and others advice first, replace the sensor, then go from there. If it does in fact have low oil pressure I'd stop running mobil 1
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If you've been getting "diesel like sounds" at idle (and the flickering LOP light), then it's VERY possible that you do have LOP. Get the oil pressure checked with a direct reading gauge and if it is actually low, it sounds like you may have excessive bearing clearances/worn bearings which may be why you've got LOP. You may have a hard decision to make. As stated below, and many other times on this forum, you have to check the Maxi's oil level after it has sat "quite awhile" on level ground. Oil draining from the camshaft area of the head "smears" onto the dipstick making it almost impossible to get an accurate reading. You CANNOT do it...... like at a service station on a gas fillup!
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I don't recall EVER hearing the terms DEK and oil comsumption in the same sentence...ever.
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