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Random Oil Light '91

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Old Mar 26, 2008 | 10:17 PM
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Default Random Oil Light '91

Ok guys so 91 ls400 155 on the clock.
Today for the second time ive ever seen it the Low oil light came on for like 5 or 10 seconds and then went off i was doing about 85 on the hwy when it happend the first time i was doing about 120 hehe but slowed down immediately afterwords.

Any ideas as to what this could be? Thanks.
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Old Mar 26, 2008 | 10:35 PM
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I have exactly the same problem. '90 with 306k.

Traveling at high speeds (75-80+) the oil light seemingly randomly comes on. It doesn't even seem to have to do with being on a slant etc, it just comes on for a few seconds.

The oil level is not low, there are no leaks and it doesn't happen at lower speeds.

I am assuming that the sensor itself is simply dirty after so many years. It's not a very expensive part to replace, but does anyone have directions on replacing the oil level sensor?

Thanks.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:48 AM
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Could this have anything to do with oil pressure?
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:16 PM
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Hello,

the oil light is really sensitive.
My light turns on when the oil level is in the mid of the dipsstick area, but only in right corners.
The oil light only works at a certain oil temp.

Chris
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:16 PM
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Same thing just happen to me 15 mins ago coming home from school. '92 LS4 with 205K miles. Happens while going 80+ and goes away after a few seconds. Any Clue what's going on?
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 05:19 PM
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Not sure i know the first time i did it i was heading down a hill doing 120 or so down a hill so i my guess maybe is at higher speed you just get a certain point where there is enough oil beeing cycled through the engine that it gets low enough to set off the light. because if you look in your owners manual is specifically states the light is for "low oil level" not oil pressure.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by hobojoe
Not sure i know the first time i did it i was heading down a hill doing 120 or so down a hill so i my guess maybe is at higher speed you just get a certain point where there is enough oil beeing cycled through the engine that it gets low enough to set off the light. because if you look in your owners manual is specifically states the light is for "low oil level" not oil pressure.

That is likely -- that the pump is pushing so much volume it leaves the sump/pan much lower than normal. Which triggers the sensor. I'd say if your oil is of appropriate level don't worry with it. You can change the sensor out just to try and see if that remedies it, if you say its cheap.. otherwise I wouldn't say it is a problem worth spending any money on.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 07:04 PM
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each time my oil light comes on I am a half quart low on oil I wait 5 minutes to check the dip stick to make sure all the oil has drained to the pan. I just add a half quart and it never comes on again till I run low a half quart about every 5,000 miles.
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 11:45 AM
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My experience is the same as Bill's. 1/2 quart every 3,500 or so miles...never occurs under 75 mph, and usually on a slight grade. (91LS with 192K)
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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Interesting.. I'll have to consider myself lucky to not burn any oil that I've noticed. 230k, and she doesn't burn it, considerably amazing imo.

I do change every 3k, but its never low at the change. I think burning a little oil is not that unhealthy to be honest.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 08:24 PM
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just for you guys how often does this happen i was driving the other day to and from denver about 50 miles each way on hwy and hit no higher than 90 but my light came on probably a total of 10 times that trip unlike any other time ive taken it out. thinking the sensor might be bad because the oil level keeps checking out.
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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 06:09 PM
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Hobojoe,
Did you check the oil level after a few minutes to make sure it drained into the pan and did it come up to the full line????.
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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 06:42 PM
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Bill yes that i did and its totally fine
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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Checked Today while i and a master tech where going over my car, it is about half a quart low but is due for a 3000 mile change in about 200 miles, the quote for labor on replacing it is 170.00 not to bad buttt for all you who have this problem you might just wana live with it because the sensor is 499.99 and thats a non lexus/toyota brand one!
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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I recommend using www.auto-rx.com to clean your engine and oil contact sensors.
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