Calling all mechanics. Oil light comes on and off when driving.

[weirdichi]

1992 Toyota Corolla 4speed Auto
152k miles

About 6 months ago, the oil light would come on even after a clean oil change. The light would be come on until the RPM hits 1.5 or above. A month ago, it would be on and go off when 2.5k RPM was hit. Now it's about 3.5 to 4k RPM before the light would go off.

My friend says might be bad oil sensor (cheap) or a bad oil pump (expensive). Anybody have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[Pepsei]

get it fix as soon as possible if it is something like a bad oil sensor, then that's good because it is cheap.

if it is bad oil pump, better do it now or buy a new car.

 

[boggsie]

Originally posted by: weirdichi
1992 Toyota Corolla 4speed Auto
152k miles

About 6 months ago, the oil light would come on even after a clean oil change. The light would be come on until the RPM hits 1.5 or above. A month ago, it would be on and go off when 2.5k RPM was hit. Now it's about 3.5 to 4k RPM before the light would go off.

My friend says might be bad oil sensor (cheap) or a bad oil pump (expensive). Anybody have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Replace the sensor. If it the light goes away, you are done.

If not, then the oil pump.

 

[Rudee]

I ignored an oil light that was flickering on and off on my 1980 camaro I bought back in 1988. I figured it was just a faulty light and I was going to wait until taking it in to have it checked. Ended up seizing the engine. GET IT CHECKED NOW BEFORE IT COSTS YOU $$$

 

[Fern]

Sounds like your oil pressure is low. Higher rpms will increase the pressure, thus making the light go off.

In addition to the two things your friend mentioned, could just be that the engine is "worn out", meaning the bearings. If they get too worn out the oil pressure drops.

Fern

 

[promposive]

This has been going on for a month? wow.. idiot.
Take it to the shop now before you have major damage.

(Ps, hope it is just a sensor, but most likely is not, good luck)

 

[Vette73]

A Oil Pressure Switch is like $7 at advance auto. Replace it now. Very easy to do. Probable near the oil filter and will have 1 wire coming off it. Screws in just like a bolt. Get it snug but don;t over do it. If that fixs it then good to go. If the light still comes on have a auto tech put a pressure gauge on your car to see what the oil pressure is.

Oil Switch picture.

The oil pump is part of the front cover. So it might be worn out or have a bad pressure spring.

 

[iamwiz82]

If it's not the oil pressure sensor, you have likely done a number on that engine. That being said, I've experienced strange oil pressure readings, one abnormally high, one abnormally low, as you described. In both of those cases, it was a bad sensor.

 

[weirdichi]

Thanks for all the information. My friend said the oil pump is in the engine, so replacing it is gonna be costly. Blah! I still needa fix the strut and spring on my Acura too.

 

[Shawn]

Your oil pressure is too low. Go and get it fixed before you kill your engine which will cost A LOT more.