low oil pressure vs level
08-11-12, 10:08 AM
#1
low oil pressure vs level
This is a noob question, but is the "low oil pressure" message the same thing as a low oil level?
I'm asking because yesterday I had to do a panic stop and the "low oil pressure" flashed for a second and then turned off. When I got home, I checked my oil level and it was a little low, so I added in .5 of a quart. Im just about due for an oil change and my car has never had any oil problems before.
Am I looking at a bad oil pump or was I just slightly low on oil?
I'm asking because yesterday I had to do a panic stop and the "low oil pressure" flashed for a second and then turned off. When I got home, I checked my oil level and it was a little low, so I added in .5 of a quart. Im just about due for an oil change and my car has never had any oil problems before.
Am I looking at a bad oil pump or was I just slightly low on oil?
08-11-12, 10:20 AM
#2
Driver
Join Date: May 2011
Location: State of Euphoria
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If the light has not returned then yes it was your low oil level that prompted it. That's how it works on my bimmer. If the oil level was fine and the light stayed on then it would mean the oil level sender/sensor is defective and needs replacing.
08-11-12, 10:26 AM
#3
Typically it's the same when you have a low oil level. With the lower amount of oil, it will slosh around in the pan when you brake or turn. This may starve the oil pickup for a second and thus oil pressure will decrease briefly as well. The sensor will detect this low pressure and flash the light on your dash. Same as you experienced....
It shouldn't be a problem unless you're burning oil or getting the warning light under normal driving conditions.
It shouldn't be a problem unless you're burning oil or getting the warning light under normal driving conditions.
08-12-12, 10:58 PM
#5
Post, It's on top of the oil filter housing. single wire coming from the passenger side of engine down to oil filter area. It's rare, but the pin on that connector has been messed up before from engine work. most people doing engine work on that engine will swing entire wiring harness (including pressure sensor wire) to driver's side of vehicle. .5 quarts low shouldn't cause either light.. If your car has even a half decent oil change history, i wouldn't worry about it. May never see it again. If you do, let us know.
The following users liked this post:
firestart9 (11-27-22)
11-27-22, 09:26 PM
#6
Intermediate
ttt for anyone with more experience/stories. Got low engine oil light today.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KSwag0525
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
4
07-27-17 01:53 PM
