Oil Light at idle

[ARED 97]

Just recently my oil light has been coming on at idle when the car is warmed up. Tach shows around 500rpm when light comes on. Is there an idle adjustment somewhere? The light goes out with just a little more throttle. Anybody have similar experience? Only change was a new PVC valve and that was weeks before the light started. Where should I BE LOOKING? THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!

[dwd1985]

There is no real idle adjustment, it is automatically controlled by the ECU. some people will claim you can re-adjust the TPS or the throttle cables, but eventually, the ECU will reset it to the proper factory setting of 610 RPMs at idle. I would reccomend checking the oil level, add some more if needed, and see what happens.

[Archer999]

Check your oil. Just a thought.

[ARED 97]

Checked oil level when light first came on, my first thought too, oil level ok!

[ShiuludeSVX]

I would be thinking about the Oil Pump myself.

So, with a bit of throttle it goes away. Oh yeah, I would start asking the Maniachanics about that one.
Or just pull the pan, and check the pickup, and screen if it has one.

Even a clogged filter. More demand = more pressure under throttle, and then the light would go away.
Sounds logical to me.

$.02

[Speedklix]

How many miles? I'm guessing it is a 97? or is it older?

[ARED 97]

Yep, good guess .... a red 97 --155,000 miles, runs great! Clogged oil filter seems plausible, about due for a change, will try that! Oil pump possible, although I think when cold would work pump more and light doesn't go on at idle until car has warmed up. Thanks, any other suggestions appreciated.

[rallyingrob]

when the oil is warm/thin it can suffer a loss of pressurization through the main bearings........i'm still extremely new to the subey way, but all i've ever learned through v-8's indicates worn bearings ..........

[ShiuludeSVX]

Originally Posted by rallyingrob

when the oil is warm/thin it can suffer a loss of pressurization through the main bearings........i'm still extremely new to the subey way, but all i've ever learned through v-8's indicates worn bearings ..........

That's very possible also, although I would hope otherwise.
If there is a substantial knock when the Engine first starts up, then maybe the Bearings.
I would try the filter, and maybe ungunk the bottom of the pan first.
Try some of the Motor Flush from Marvel before your next oil change.

[ARED 97]

No knock at startup, so I'm hoping too! Marvel Motorflush sounds like a good idea also, will try that and see what results. Thanks all!.... any other sugggestions appreciated !

[Speedklix]

I had the light flicker ever so often and a ticking issue. When I resealed the oil pan I also put a new o ring in the sump... I've seen neither since. (even though it now resides in someone's basement)

Do you know for sure what oil is in it?

[oab_au]

It may just be the oil light switch.

I would replace that before going any further. It is on top of the engine at the front, between the alternaton and the power steering pump.

Harvey.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by ARED 97

No knock at startup, so I'm hoping too! Marvel Motorflush sounds like a good idea also, will try that and see what results. Thanks all!.... any other sugggestions appreciated !

Indication is dependent on the operation of a simple pressure switch, located at the front of the engine. This switch could be faulty i.e. slightly out of calibration. It should not be too expensive to replace.

All in all, the only way you can be sure, other than experimenting by replacing the switch, is to do a proper test on oil pressure, by connecting a calibrated oil gauge. This would certainly put your mind at rest. Meantime do not panic as you have oil pressure under operating conditions and the problem does not from all accounts, for the moment appear too serious.

[TomsSVX]

Trevor has it right... I would also check to be sure the connector is on the oil pressure switch. also check that the wires are not corroded

Tom