Low Oil Pressure Warning Light

[Aeris17m]

Hey guys.

Well, my car was well overdue for an oil change, so I got 5 quarts of Valvoline. My new tires came in, so I went to Just Tires and had them do mounting and balancing, alignment, and while I was there, an oil change, but they refused to use the oil I bought and instead would use their own (whatever that is).

So everything went ok with the tires, but when I left the place, my "Low Oil Pressure Warning Light" turned on in my dash, and I went back as soon as I could. Any time I went under 1000 RPM, the light would turn on, whether I was idling or braking, or just parked, but if I went over 1000 RPM, the light would turn off again.

I figured since I didn't have this problem before the oil change, they must have done something wrong. But they checked the oil, and it's clean, and the level is good. Basically, I thought the only other thing it could be is the oil pump is starting to give.

What do you guys think? The guys at Just Tires didn't really say much about it, and my mechanic only has time to look at it next week, so I was wondering if I could get some diagnosis before then.

Any ideas?

 

[Game Over]

How many miles are on it? I doubt it is the oil pump. I would say it is the shitty oil they may have used, a shitty oil filter clogging the system up, or you may have a massive dent in your oil pan.

 

[Aeris17m]

The car has about 58k on it. They changed the filter, but since I didn't do it myself, I really can't vouch for their work. I hear that the "speedy oil change" places sometimes don't let all the old oil drain before they put in the new oil, too.

But I doubt the oil quality affects the oil pressure, though.

As for the oil pan, I haven't looked for a few months now, but I could check that out. I've only had the car since March of last year, and the previous owner was some girl who really didn't care for it the way a dsm needs to be cared for. Overdue oil changes, broken door handle, scuffed front bumper, key scratches on the passenger side... list goes on and on.

But the oil pump is ruled out?

 

[sonicnofadz]

Hmmm did you try actually checking the oil level (via the dipstick)? Check for any visible signs of damage (to the oilpan) and check for leaks. Also check to see if your oil pressure sensor is unplugged or damaged.

 

[Aeris17m]

I checked the dipstick, the level's fine. It's too dark for me to check the oilpan, but as far as I know, there aren't any leaks (my driveway is clean under the car). I'll check it out in the morning, tho. Thanks.

 

[Bill_FL]

I just went through that on a project car my daughter and I are working on. I changed the oil pressure sending unit and it fixed it.

 

[mysticfire6602]

or you may have a massive dent in your oil pan.

not necessarily, when i bought my eclipse i had a HUGE ass dent on the one corner by the sump and i never had any oil pressure problems. it took me a freaking hour with a hammer and a brass rod to un do the dent during my rebuild.

 

[Aeris17m]

The oil pressure sending unit?? Hmm, I talked to my mechanic, and he's gonna check it out after Sunday. I'll let you guys know what it is (just for fun). Heh.

Besides that, though, I had this problem when I got my alignment. Apparently, my hubs are rusted to all hell in the rear--they couldn't even align the car correctly. I thought those were stainless steel, but apparently not. More fun stuff for me to deal with.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I really got a lotta ideas here. I'm just glad no one agrees with my oil pump theory (I don't wanna spend on that!!!!).

 

[scottsee]

sounds like the oil pressure sending unit is funky. its possable the sending units wire was damanged, or it's wire is loose. could just be bad. worth the $50 to replace anyways to rule it out.

 

[mysticfire6602]

$50!!!! holy christ! you got JACKED! i got mine brand new OEM from NAPA for $7

 

[scottsee]

yeah, your right. i was thinking about autometers.