Synthetic Oil?

Question

Could switching from regular 10W-30 Oil to Fully Synthetic 10W-30 cause my oil light to flicker every so often?

Answer 1

Dear Flicker-

Oil sending unit, or failing oil pressure sensor.

Sometimes they are the same unit, sometimes they are two seperate units. It depends on the car.

The change from natural to synthetic should not make a difference. Once in a while a little air bubble gets trapped in there from the oil chage though. A short jaunt on the highway should have that problem solved. However if not, then you may need to have those items replaced.

Just keep in mind though, you cannot mix the oil types, (not for long periods of time). The two types are not really that compatible, so if you are a quart low during a trip, just top it off to keep your oil level within the safe zone, then when you return home execute an oil and filter change, you will be good to go.

I hope that helps you.

Answer 2

It probably the oil pressure sending unit causing the problem. If anything synthetic oil does not loose it's viscosity at high temperatures as does regular oil.

Here's a tip concerning oil changes. When replacing your oil filter and if its mounted on a 45 degree to vertical position fill the filter with new oil in the center hole. It may take a few minutes for the oil to soak into the filter material. Fill it to the top before screwing it back on the filter flange. The reason for this is your oil system oil pressure comes up 3 - 5 seconds quicker preventing a dry start. This is the time when engine wear is at it's highest percentage.

Answer 3

no it shouldn't, is there enough oil in the system?