after replacing oil pan gasket,low oil level light stays on, but oil level and pressure are normal?
After replacing the oil pan gasket, the "low oil level" light stays on. The oil pressure is normal, and so is the level in the engine. they said replace the "oil pressure sending" unit, they took the old one out and it was fine, could they have damaged the "low level" sensor and not know what they did? (they are two separate sensors?)
thank you,
Bob Hemp
thank you,
Bob Hemp
My car has 75000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Bob: Thanks for your inquiry. Oil level and oil pressure are measured using separate sensing systems. If the level sensing feature stopped working at the time the pan gasket was replaced, either the level sensor was damaged, not reconnected, or the wire harness and terminal were damaged. There is a possibility that the wire harness was just never re-connected to the level sensor so check that first. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a warning light diagnostic – oil level and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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If the oil pressure warning light has come on but you have confirmed that the oil level is correct and the engine is running normally with no unusual noises or high temperatures, the problem may be a defective sensing unit. You may wish to have the oil pressure tested with a gauge.
What does it mean when the oil light comes on? When the oil light on your dashboard comes on, it might mean your vehicle has low oil pressure. This drop in oil pressure could be a sign of a few things: you are low on oil, your oil is dirty, or you have an oil leak.
If your oil light stays on even after changing your engine oil, you`re going to want to check the sensor first to rule out a malfunctioning sensor as the cause. Dirt and other particles can make their way into the oil pump, causing the sensor to falsely identify oil issues.
The oil can symbol means the oil pressure is low. If the symbol has a wavy line below it, that means the oil level is low. When this is the case, topping off the oil should make the indicator light turn off.
A faulty oil pressure sensor can falsely trigger a low oil pressure condition, which turns on the oil light. If the oil pressure sending unit is damaged, it can also cause the oil pressure light to blink on and off.
Unless the oil or filter is changed, this oil messaging system will not reset, and the oil light will continue to display. Also, this light can come on if the oil pressure of the engine drops.
Generally speaking, you have about 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light turns into a legitimate problem.
The oil level sensor is located inside the oil pan. Its primary job is to measure the amount of oil inside the pan prior to the engine being started. If the oil is low, it will trigger a warning light indicator on the dashboard, or will illuminate the check engine light.
Any red warning light that your vehicle displays is an indication that your vehicle needs maintenance as soon as possible to avoid serious damage. When the oil warning light comes on, it is a sign that the engine oil pressure has dropped to a low level, which is dangerous.
A faulty oil pressure sensor or oil pressure switch can falsely signal a low oil pressure condition, causing the oil pressure warning light to turn on.
If it is low, you`ll need to top it off with fresh oil. Once you`ve added oil, crank the engine and see if the light goes off. If it does, get the oil changed soon and have the mechanic check for leaks that might have led to the low oil condition.
If your engine is low on oil but there isn`t a leak, that means it`s probably being burned inside the engine. A bad PCV valve is a frequent culprit in the case of burning oil–but what is it, exactly? A PCV valve is designed to let air escape when the pressure in the crankcase is too high.
It`s very likely that your car is low on oil. When you turn a corner, tho oil in the oil pan moves away from the oil pickup tube. When the oil level is low, the oil pickup tube becomes completely removed from oil, and starts to make no oil pressure, causing this light.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
after replacing oil pan gasket,low oil level light stays on, but oil level and pressure are normal?
ANSWER : Bob: Thanks for your inquiry. Oil level and oil pressure are measured using separate sensing systems. If the level sensing feature stopped working at the time the pan gasket was replaced, either the level sensor was damaged, not reconnected, or the wire harness and terminal were damaged. There is a possibility that the wire harness was just never re-connected to the level sensor so check that first. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a warning light diagnostic – oil level and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
lost all oil pressure, replaced the oil pump, low oil sensor, oil pressure sensor, oil pan gasket,
ANSWER : The fuel pump will not stay on if you loose oil pressure. This is why it is shutting off. The loss of oil pressure may be from bad crankshaft bearings or camshaft bearings. The engine oil pan should be removed and the oil pump needs to be checked to ensure that you put in the pick up tube seal to the pump and connected the pump to the block. Then remove at least one main bearing cap and inspect the bearings for excessive wear and crankshaft damage. If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help diagnose the issue with your oil pressure firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.
Low oil pressure light comes on when idle. Check engine light is on as well. Both came on after getting an oil change 3 days ago.
ANSWER : It is possible that they put in the wrong viscosity oil. In rare instances, a defective filter will also cause low pressure. If there is too much oil, it will aerate and cause low pressure. Be sure the oil level is really not above "max". The P2187 code will appear if the oil fill cap is not tight but it will also appear due to a myriad of causes because that code only "generally" identifies a lean running condition. Consequently, numerous parts would have to be tested including the O2 sensor, gas cap seal, manifold air leaks, any vacuum leak anywhere including PCV and EVAP systems, exhaust leaks, and fuel system faults such as failing fuel pump, clogged filter and more. Since the car has relatively low mileage, you would not expect a failed oil pump, although the pressure sensor (or switch) could be bad. However, the occurrence of the oil pressure warning light is quite coincidental to the oil change, thus I would suggest bringing the car back and asking them to redo with a new filter and double check the viscosity of the new oil that they use. If the problem persists after that, you will have to test actual operating oil pressure (at idle for instance) as well as the oil pressure switch. Finally, if the oil pressure warning light comes on continuously, unless the warning circuit itself is malfunctioning, that means the oil pressure is too low to operate the engine without damaging it. Anytime the light comes on for more than literally an instant, you should shut down the car and thus an issue like this obviously has to be repaired.
If you’d like, a YourMechanic certified mechanic can come to your home or place of business to inspect the vehicle and perform an oil pressure light is on inspection to diagnose the vehicle and suggest potential repairs.
Hello Ben, my oil pressure is came on. Slight oil drip. Mechanic changed oil, replaced sending unit. Light came on after a day.
ANSWER : You need to have the oil pressure checked to see if the oil pressure is within specifications before you condemn the engine internal problem with oil pump or crankshaft and bearings. You may want to get the dealer involved now and let them take care of getting the light diagnosed.
low oil pressure light on at idle
ANSWER : You should have the oil pressure tested at the pressure sender port. If the pressure drops below specification at idle then you know the problem is in the oil pump or excessive leaks past the engine crankshaft bearings or camshaft bearings from wear. I’d suggest getting car looked at by one of our mobile experts who can diagnose the low oil warning light and help you fix it accordingly.
Oil pressure light won’t turn off
ANSWER : Hello. There could be an oil leak somewhere, or a problem with the car’s oil pump not working properly. It is also possible that the new oil pressure sensor that you just put in is defective and needs to be replaced. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic complete an inspection to determine why your oil pressure light is on.
Fit a modified AUDI TT oil pump to the car, replaced the oil pressure sensor, but oil pressure light still on! 2005 Volkswagon
ANSWER : Hello – I would first put a real oil pressure gauge on the port for the oil pressure switch and see what real pressure looks like before driving it. Low oil pressure light switches trigger at only about 5 psi, so if the switch/gauge are working correctly, you’ve got real problems (worn connecting rod and crankshaft main bearings most likely) with this engine. I recommend a low oil pressure inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Check engine light and oil light comes on before oil change?
ANSWER : Hi There,
As you may know, these lights are designed to come on at specific mileage intervals that are preset by the factory. When your mileage exceeds a certain amount relative to the last oil change, this will trigger the lights to come on. Typically this will include the oil light and the check engine light as there are also other basic service items that are checked during oil changes. I would recommend obtaining an owner’s manual for your car if you do not already have one. This will usually indicate the specific service intervals and recommended maintenance items for your vehicle at the various mileage intervals.
As you may know, these lights are designed to come on at specific mileage intervals that are preset by the factory. When your mileage exceeds a certain amount relative to the last oil change, this will trigger the lights to come on. Typically this will include the oil light and the check engine light as there are also other basic service items that are checked during oil changes. I would recommend obtaining an owner’s manual for your car if you do not already have one. This will usually indicate the specific service intervals and recommended maintenance items for your vehicle at the various mileage intervals.
The tire pressure monitor will also come on when the air pressure in the tires has reached a specific threshold relative to the tire design specification. Tire pressure is also impacted by the outside air temperature. For every 10° drop in air temperature outside your tires will lose about 1% in PSI or inflation. As you may know, as the temperature of the air changes the density of the air changes as well causing the tire pressure to be impacted by this. When this happens, the sensors in the wheels will detect this change in tire pressure and cause the tire pressure light to come on. Aside from replacing faulty tire pressure sensors, another way to help prevent this type of fluctuation in tire pressure is by the use of Nitrogen in your tires rather than regular air. As you may know, air is approximately 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen and the rest is water vapor and some other small concentrations of gases. Nitrogen is much less likely to migrate through tire rubber than oxygen. This will maintain your tire pressure much more consistently during large temperature fluctuations.
