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VIN 6




Engine Oil Level Sensor Diagnosis

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information





Typical Scan Tool Data





Circuit/System Description

The engine oil level sensor/switch is normally-closed with proper engine oil level. The switch opens when the engine oil level drops below a calibrated level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the engine oil level signal circuit when the ignition is ON, and the engine is OFF. With the switch in the closed position, the ECM detects a low voltage on the signal circuit. With the switch in the open position, the ECM detects a high voltage on the signal circuit. When high voltage is detected on the signal circuit, the ECM will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The IPC will then display a message on the driver information center (DIC) or illuminate a low engine oil level lamp.

The following information determines the message sent from the ECM to the IPC:

* The Low Engine Oil Level message lamp is displayed only after the ECM detects a high voltage on the signal circuit for three consecutive ignition cycles, followed by an ignition OFF event from 15 minutes to greater than 50 minutes, depending on engine oil temperatures.
* The Low Engine Oil Level message is turned OFF when the ECM detects a low voltage on the signal circuit after an ignition OFF event for greater than 90 seconds, followed by an ignition ON event for less than 1 second.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

* Engine Mechanical Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
* Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Instrument Cluster)
* Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation (Indicator/Warning Message)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

1. Verify proper engine oil level. Add oil as necessary.
2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Engine Oil Level parameter. The reading should be OK and change to low when the oil level sensor/switch harness connector is disconnected.

Circuit/System Testing

Note: Verify proper engine oil level before continuing with diagnosis.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil level sensor and/or switch.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 2 ohm between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter reads Low.

• If the Engine Oil Level Switch parameter reads OK, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

Note: If a short to voltage is found on the signal circuit, the fuse in the 3A jumper wire will open.

4. Ignition ON, install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the ground circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter reads OK.

• If the Engine Oil Level Switch parameter reads Low, test the signal circuit terminal A for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the engine oil level sensor and/or switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Engine Oil Level Sensor and/or Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming

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