Oil light staying on...

[NICONick]

OK, so recently when I start my car my oil light has been staying on a little longer than usual. Doesn't stay on for long at all maybe 30-40 secs after start up and then sometimes it goes off right away...

Why is it doing this? Normal? I don't think I've ever noticed it before...

[locoluna825]

When its on it means theres not enough oil pressure yet. which could mean three things. 1. You have none to very little oil in your engine2. your oil pressure switch is begining to go bad.3. your oil pump is taking a s***.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Make sure you have oil in it, then try a new sender unit, don't run more then 5 seconds if light stays on.

[King Ranzo]

^ those guys just answered your question.

Usually when the oil light goes on you need an oil change or are low on oil. If you have plenty of oil and got an oil change less than 3k miles ago, you could have a bad oil light, oil pump, or sender. Best to give us info on recent oil changes and your current oil level.

[NICONick]

Oil changed last month and oil level is fine....

[King Ranzo]

Check your sender. If your sender is fine, check the light. If the light is fine, check your pump. If your pump is fine, you might just have a problem, but it's probably the sender. I suggest replacing it.

[OutToWinPAHC]

-Check the oil level again on the dip stick, make sure its there.

-Check coolant make sure there is no oil floating in it.

-Check the connection and terminals on the oil pressure sensor located next to the oil filter. With battery disconnected clean the terminals, and see if it helps. Start the car, if the light is still on after 2-5 second shut it of and move on.

If you have oil, you have one of 2 problems. The oil pressure switch is bad, or you are not making oil pressure and need an oil pump.

I would then replace oil switch. Its a simple NC 2 wire switch that opens when pressure is near 10psi. Since the light is on, the circuit is working. So replace the switch, verify there is oil in the car again. Start the car, if the light is still on after 2-5 second shut it off because you need an oil pump.

[locoluna825]

Yea I would deffinitly change oil pressure switch out for a new one First. its only 12 dollars at your local parts store and not hard to change. Just did mine while doing the oil change.

[King Ranzo]

Check both sides of the dipstick. If one side is lower than the other, the lowest side is always right. If both sides are at a good level, check the sensor.

[dana541]

buy a mechanical gauge.its a full proof way to tell whats really going on with the oil pressure.i have never trusted those lights.i like to see numbers.

[King Ranzo]

buy a mechanical gauge.its a full proof way to tell whats really going on with the oil pressure.i have never trusted those lights.i like to see numbers.

True dat.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Dont buy a mechanical gauge. Electrical senders FTW. Mechanical uses tubing that can leak.

But go back to what I said, but dont rule out the oil pick up being clogged too.

[locoluna825]

But go back to what I said, but dont rule out the oil pick up being clogged too.

I didnt even think about the pickup...

[OutToWinPAHC]

Any word papi?