Low oil level indicator lights up

[dhan]

When I start my car, the low oil level indicator is lit up. But, if I shut the engine off, and start it right back up, the light is out. I have changed my oil and filter, and nothing leaks. Anyone have any ideas ?

[Guest F14CRAZY]

I would proceed to replace the oil level sensor. It's on the front side of the oil pan. Nic Walker has recently found that it seems to be a dealer only item, however. gmpartsdirect.com would be the best place to get it if you can wait at least a week.

[Guest imported_barra]

There have been several postings about this warning light. Mechanically inclined people ( like F-14 ) have connected oil pressure testers to find that it is the light not the engine. That is not always the case but I haven't heard anyone reporting loss of engine after the light came on.'

[Guest wally888]

Have same problem/synptoms on my 90.

Was told here, the symptoms are a bad sender in oil pan.

A replacement at O'Reilly is $29.99 (BWD S4151) or so they stated. I would make sure it is correct!

[harry yarnell]

Also check the wiring at the sensor; I've seen squirels (lawn rats) chew these leads in half.

[Guest wally888]

Harry,

Does the oil need to be drained to remove?

Maybe only a little drains out?

[harry yarnell]

yes.

[Roadster90]

Harry,

I am interested in the removal procedure as well. Above, Walley may have had 2 questions I think.

I think the first and second question could be combined into one question something like so:

Is it necessary to drain all of the oil out to replace the low oil level sensor, or is it necessary only to drain a little bit or portion of the oil out to replace the sensor?

The difference between the two operations to me is the possibility of replacing the sensor in the driveway instead of having to take the car to a service center.... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest themousepolice]

Mine started doing this just this past weekend too. I had just changed the oil and filter the previous weekend, no drips, no runs, no errors, detected. Dipstick says it's full, but the low oil light does not come on with each start up, maybe every other.

[Guest wally888]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine started doing this just this past weekend too. I had just changed the oil and filter the previous weekend, no drips, no runs, no errors, detected. Dipstick says it's full, but the low oil light does not come on with each start up, maybe every other. </div></div>

Guess yours is only half broke!

Still wondering how much oil will leak/drip upon removal?

If it weren't cold and I wasn't lazy, I'd go look to see how high above the pan bottom.

[dhan]

I fixed my problem without replacing the oil level sensor.

I called the local Buick dealer to see if they had the part in stock, and the service manager told me a quick fix. All you need to do is tap on the front of the oil pan, and lightly tap the oil level sensor plug itself (outside the pan). It fixed my problem. I have driven the car several times since, and the low oil level indicator does not light up anymore !

[padgett]

Yes, it's fixed: instead of being stuck in the LOW position, now its stuck in the OK position.

[Guest wally888]

Gee Padge, wish I'd thought of that answer!

My 90 acts the same as his, sometimes works but usually not.

[Guest CL_Reatta]

Might want to make a little note not to go to that place to have any parts that need fixing replaced <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Guest wally888]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yes. </div></div>

Harry, yes what?

When I got my 1 st. Reatta, about 1993?, I removed the level switch by mistake (only for an instant) and as I remember, only a little oil drained?