Oil pressure light
#1
Oil pressure light
So in reading some of the old posts, I've seen that people say look out for the oil pressure warning light. What does the warning look like? Is it a little flicker when you start the car or does it stay lit. I heard that it doesn't give much warning and I don't quite no what that means as far as a visual indication. Just trying to get a better idea of what I should be looking for.
#2
Mine flickers a little at startup, that's not a big deal.
If it flickers even a little bit WHILE DRIVING, stop driving immediately. If it comes on steady while driving, stop immediately.
It could be something as simple as a oil pressure switch (or oil pressure sending unit, same thing) that needs to be replaced. I am planning on replacing mine soon
If it flickers even a little bit WHILE DRIVING, stop driving immediately. If it comes on steady while driving, stop immediately.
It could be something as simple as a oil pressure switch (or oil pressure sending unit, same thing) that needs to be replaced. I am planning on replacing mine soon
#3
Mine flickers a little at startup, that's not a big deal.
If it flickers even a little bit WHILE DRIVING, stop driving immediately. If it comes on steady while driving, stop immediately.
It could be something as simple as a oil pressure switch (or oil pressure sending unit, same thing) that needs to be replaced. I am planning on replacing mine soon
If it flickers even a little bit WHILE DRIVING, stop driving immediately. If it comes on steady while driving, stop immediately.
It could be something as simple as a oil pressure switch (or oil pressure sending unit, same thing) that needs to be replaced. I am planning on replacing mine soon
Thanks.
#4
#5
Flickers a little at startup is OK? Or is that a sign that the oil pump may be starting its slow and steady decline?
Mine never flickers, it just goes away. Only when I have changed the oil does it do the flicker thing, and I take that as being OK because I have just drained all oil from the car, so it better flicker then. That shows that its working right.
Also, perhaps related, I always user the thicker oil, 10w30. I hardly ever use 5W30. The 30 part is more important than the 5 imo.
DW
Mine never flickers, it just goes away. Only when I have changed the oil does it do the flicker thing, and I take that as being OK because I have just drained all oil from the car, so it better flicker then. That shows that its working right.
Also, perhaps related, I always user the thicker oil, 10w30. I hardly ever use 5W30. The 30 part is more important than the 5 imo.
DW
#7
So in reading some of the old posts, I've seen that people say look out for the oil pressure warning light. What does the warning look like? Is it a little flicker when you start the car or does it stay lit. I heard that it doesn't give much warning and I don't quite no what that means as far as a visual indication. Just trying to get a better idea of what I should be looking for.
To find the oil light, turn your key to the run position, where all the warning lights (Check engine, seat belt etc) are on, but dont start the car. . You should see a yellow light that looks like an oil can. That's the oil pressure warning light.
DW
#9
Flickers a little at startup is OK? Or is that a sign that the oil pump may be starting its slow and steady decline?
Mine never flickers, it just goes away. Only when I have changed the oil does it do the flicker thing, and I take that as being OK because I have just drained all oil from the car, so it better flicker then. That shows that its working right.
Also, perhaps related, I always user the thicker oil, 10w30. I hardly ever use 5W30. The 30 part is more important than the 5 imo.
DW
Mine never flickers, it just goes away. Only when I have changed the oil does it do the flicker thing, and I take that as being OK because I have just drained all oil from the car, so it better flicker then. That shows that its working right.
Also, perhaps related, I always user the thicker oil, 10w30. I hardly ever use 5W30. The 30 part is more important than the 5 imo.
DW
#10
I know what the oil light is and it's red. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't looking at a problem and not recognize it. So far it seems that upon startup, it will flash very briefly and that's ok.
#14
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
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The oil pressure sender is a known failure item on our cars. They tend to leak as well.
If your seeing it flicker, I'd start by replacing it. (Quickly too)
They call them IDIOT lights for a reason.
If your seeing it flicker, I'd start by replacing it. (Quickly too)
They call them IDIOT lights for a reason.
#17
If the light is flickering and then going away, you have leveled off oil and no leaks, it could be as simple as the pressure sensor is dirty and having difficulties reading the pressure. Or, the sensor could be on it's way out. Either which way, the light is their for a reason. If you truly love your Maxima and want to do correct preventative maintenance, change it out. Our cars are old enough as is and many have high mileage meaning that it does not take as much to damage the engine as a newer car. Seriously, the part is less than $10. Why risk it?
#19
was your light coming on or was it just leaking? my oil light flickers when i first start it for a fraction of a second.....where is it ? easy to get at?
#20
i've replaced that stupid sensor like 3 times and the light still flickers at start up. our cars are old and most likely the pressure is not what it used to be cause that idiot light still flickers. go figure.
#21
ya, i wouldnt think the flicker would mean low oil pressure since my 98 only has 112k on it!
#23
The light can also come on or flicker because The idle speed is low or air is being restricted to the engine or u could be loosing fuel pressure when u start the car which could cause the light to flicker. I'm talking from experience and from the Haynes manual because of a low idle speed the oil pressure will become low as well. So stop waisting ur money on replacing sensors and make sure all these things are not the cause of the oil light.
#24
Ive known it was leaking for a little while, The light comes on for a few seconds during startup which is normal. But If I go past my oil change interval, say 6K miles at a standstill it will come on and warn me steadily, time for an oil change!! Everytime I park there would be a small puddle underneath the car. So glad i changed it, a messy job So i took it to mechanic, could have it myself but didnt want to get soaked in oil.
#25
It seems like the only time mine flicker is when shes past due on her oil change. I know my oil pressure is good cause lately when I come to a stop on side/block streets the idle goes down to about 200rpms at times barely touching the 0 mark on the rpms.
She has 135 k miles on her. Theyre known for leaking sometimes really bad
She has 135 k miles on her. Theyre known for leaking sometimes really bad
#26
It seems like the only time mine flicker is when shes past due on her oil change. I know my oil pressure is good cause lately when I come to a stop on side/block streets the idle goes down to about 200rpms at times barely touching the 0 mark on the rpms.
She has 135 k miles on her. Theyre known for leaking sometimes really bad
She has 135 k miles on her. Theyre known for leaking sometimes really bad
Last edited by max ride 41; 01-31-2014 at 06:19 PM.
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