Does anyone know how low your oil level has to go before the oil light will come one?
I checked my oil yesterday and it was 2 quarts low. The oil lightdid not come on.
I think I might have a defective or inoperative oil light indicator.

Thanks,
David

 

It's oil pressure, not oil level

OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

11. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light shows low engine oil pressure. The

light should turn on momentarily when the

engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,

stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as

possible. A continuous chime will sound when this

light turns on.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.

This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.

The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

 

Thanks for your response but wouldn't the oil pressure be low if your oil level was significantly low?
That has been my experience with other vehicles I've owned.

David

 

if you have a 5.7l there's 7 quarts in the sump.
2 qt low probably won't uncover the pump pickup.

Like it says in the owner's manual, 'The[align=left]light should turn on momentarily when the[/align][align=left]engine is started'. If it does, the light is OK.[/align]

 

The indicator does come on momentarily when I turn the key on. I have a 3.5L and I think it takes 5 quarts of oil?
If this is true and I found that myoil level is about 2.5 quarts low I would think the oil pressure light would come on. Couldn't there still be a problem with the sensor not reporting to the computer the pressure level is low and thus the indicator not lite?

Thanks,
David

 

I think we're talkin' apples and oranges.
I think the bigger concern is why are you burning so much oil.
What you are saying is that you are 50% low on your total capacity.

 

No I'm not talking "apples and oranges". I have a valid question. I'm talking about a possible oil pressure sensor/indicator problem. Yes I should find out why I'm 2.5 quarts low on oil; yes technically"It's oil pressure, not oil level"indicator but even after correcting a possible oil leak or oil burning problem I still need to look into the original issue that my posted question was about. So if anyone has any input to help me with my original question other than indirect answers, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,
David

 

I would say that your sump would have to be empty enough for the oil pump to loose it's suction, or you would have to have a very significant oil leak before the low oil pressure light would go on. As long as the pump has suction you will not loose pressure (IMO).

If this does'nt do it for you then I guess the answer is "NO" ...we don't know how low the oil level has to go before the oil light will come on.