Circuit Description
The oil level switch is a magnetic reed 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 send a serial data message to the I/P. The I/P will illuminate the Low Oil Level indicator. If the Test Conditions have not been met then the PCM ignores the oil level switch input, no message is sent, and the I/P indicator is not illuminated. 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 current engine temperature is, the larger the drop in temperature necessary. This is to ensure colder, thicker oil has drained back into the oil pan.
Test Conditions
| • | DTC's P0117, P0118 not set. |
| • | Engine speed is 0 RPM. |
| • | The current engine coolant temperature is from 5°C to 20°C less than the temperature stored in memory when the engine was last running. |
Important: The oil level switch is mounted to the oil pan at a level below the full level. Removal of the switch may drain several quarts of oil.
Test Description
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 | Is the Low Oil Level Indicator always On? | -- | ||
3 | Does the scan tool also indicate Oil Level Low? | -- | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console for Oil Level Indicator diagnosis. | |
4 |
Was a problem found and corrected? | -- | System OK | |
5 |
Is the voltage near the specified value? | B+ | ||
6 | Using DMM J 39200 connected to ground, measure the resistance of the Engine Oil Level switch ground circuit. Is the resistance the same or less than the specified value? | 5 ohms | ||
7 | Measure the resistance between the Oil Level switch terminals using DMM J 39200 . Is the resistance the same or less than the specified value? | 5 ohms | ||
8 |
Does the scan tool indicate Oil Level Low? | -- | ||
9 | Is the Low Oil Level Indicator also On? | -- | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console for Oil Level Indicator diagnosis. | |
10 |
Is the voltage near the specified value? | B+ | ||
11 |
Is continuity indicated? | -- | ||
12 |
Is continuity indicated? | -- | ||
13 | Repair the open/high resistance Engine Oil Level switch signal circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
14 | Repair the Engine Oil Level switch ground circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
15 | Repair the Engine Oil Level switch signal circuit shorted to ground. Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
16 | Check for poor connections/terminal tension at the Engine Oil Level switch. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis . Was a problem found and corrected? | -- | System OK | |
17 | Replace the Engine Oil Level switch. Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
18 | Check for poor connections/terminal tension at the PCM. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis . Was a problem found and corrected? | -- | System OK | |
19 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | System OK | -- |
