Some time ago, the oil pressure light on my car started to come on from time to time when I stop at a light. A shop said it's because of the bad sending unit and they changed it. It started again after an oil change a few weeks ago. They said it's because the oil level is low and it caused the sending unit to go bad. I actually checked the oil level and it was about half way between max. and min. The shop said it should always be at max.!! What's the correct level then?
2006-08-16 05:49:24 · 6 answers · asked by S L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Should be at the "max" line. Anywhere in between max and min is fine, though. Should not trigger an "oil" light coming on. Your problem is not the level of oil in the engine. These are not the droids you are looking for.
2006-08-16 05:55:39 · answer #1 · answered by haha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The marks are important, but remember your engine was MASS-PRODUCED, and slight variances are normal.
By design, the MAX mark is the mark to which you fill the crankcase when changing or adding oil. The MIN is the minimum level during the normal drive cycle. When you reach the MIN between oil change services, it is important to bring the level up to NO MORE than the MAX line.
Also note, that there will be slight differences between cold and hot temperatures of the engine. (Hot expands, cold contracts)
The important idea here is to not allow the oil level to drop below the MIN, and don't overfill beyond the MAX.
The cause of your light flashing could well be caused by excessive wear due to high mileage, excessive heat, poor maintenance or other causes.
If you have this sort of problem, your options are
1) Trade in
2) Major engine repair (maybe less than a car payment)
3) Perhaps a viscosity builder or heavier weight oil
(10w-40SAE instead of 5-30SAE, or STP)
Good luck
2006-08-16 13:06:16 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to keep it at max. the stick could be wrong. there is a depth the stick goes too. to get the reading on the stick. if the tube length where the stick goes in is wrong, it will show wrong on the stick. the tubes are press fitting, if they dont press the tube in all the way it will show lower that what is acually there if the tube length is too short it will show more than is there. i had a car that after draining the oil out filter too, after draining for 2 hours, put 5 quarts in and it showed above the full mark by 1/4. i know there was some oil left in the engine but not 1/4 quart (the stick goes to the oil pan)
2006-08-16 13:02:26 · answer #3 · answered by son_of_thor_2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I BELIEVE THE OIL LEVEL SHOULD BE KEPT AT MAX BUT BETWEEN MIN AND MAX IS OK THE MORE OIL IN THE ENGINE IT WILL COOL BETTER PLUS THE OIL WILL NOT BREAK DOWN AS FAST AS FAR AS THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER I THINK YOUR SHOP IS OUT THERE OIL PRESSURE IS OIL PRESSURE UNLESS YOUR CAR HAS A COMBO OIL PRESSURE / LEVEL SENDER THE ONLY TIME THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT SHOULD COME ON IS WHEN THERE IS NO OIL IN IT FOR THE PUMP TO PICK UP OR A FAULTY OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE BEST TO INSTALL A MANUAL PRESSURE GAUGE TO COMPARE WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON
2006-08-16 13:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by grumpy9122000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always at maximum.
If your car leaks oil, you may need to carry a quart or two in your car and check the oil level often. If you are low on engine oil, it could cause serious damage to your engine.
I once drove a Chevrolet Chevette that leaked everything. I had to carry oil, antifreeze cut with water, windshield washer fluid and brake fluid.
2006-08-16 12:56:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be at Max. Half way between Max and Min means it is a quart or more low.
2006-08-16 12:53:58 · answer #6 · answered by lj1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋