Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Diagnosis

Diagnostic Chart:

Schematic:

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The oil level switch is a float style switch which is closed with oil level full and open when oil level is low. The PCM monitors the oil level switch to determine if the oil is LOW or OK. When the Test Conditions have been met the PCM will monitor the oil level switch input. If a low oil level is indicated the PCM will ground the Low Oil Level Indicator control circuit turning on the Low Oil Level Indicator within the Instrument Panel (IP) Cluster. The engine coolant temperature Test Condition is required to ensure enough time has passed since the engine was last stopped. The time period/coolant temperature difference is to allow enough time for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan. The colder the engine temperature is, the larger the drop in temperature necessary. This is to ensure colder, thicker oil has drained back into the oil pan.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Inspect for the following:

IMPORTANT: Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

^ Poor terminal connection.
Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Diagrams.
^ Damaged harness.
Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Diagrams.
^ Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections.

If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Failure Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.

TEST DESCRIPTION
1. The Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check must be performed before proceeding with this diagnosis. Go to any DTCs that are set first.
3. With the engine speed at or above 2300 RPM the engine oil switch should indicate LOW oil level. The engine oil is scavenged to a level that is below the switch during higher engine speed and also during some lateral vehicle movement conditions.