Low oil light ~ 98 DeVille Northstar

[MomzCaddy]

The low oil light comes on only when the engine is at idle. The oil level is full. Could this be a bad sending unit? If so, where is it located on the engine?

(Mom freaks when she sees the light)


1998 DeVille, 4.6L Northstar, 66k miles

[tateos]

Could be the sending unit - it is on the oil filter adapter

[cadillacroadside]

the oil pressure sensor is on the oil filter adapter....the oil LEVEL sender is in the oil pan

[Ranger]

Yup, left side of the oil pan (behind the radiator).

[phathead785]

So I think I have this same issue...r u talking about the little red oil light? not the actual message? Mine comes on sporadically when it is hot outside...

I need help fixing that if its the same issue...in a 96 deville BTW.

[Ranger]

Yours is the oil pressure switch that Tateos mentioned.

[MomzCaddy]

Thanks everyone! On mom's car the red oil can light is showing. Not a text message.

So this sending unit is near the oil filter, correct? Can it be changed without draining the oil? Do you need to coat the threads with anything?

[submariner409]

You can change the sending unit with one proper sized wrench, a rag, and some magic words. Easier if the car is up in the air. No different from unscrewing a spark plug and replacing it. It's the thingy with a wire sticking out right above the oil filter.....probably easier if the filter is off, so wait until you do an oil change, or have it done at your local Mom & Pop garage. It's not rocket science.

Low oil level: Amount of oil in the oil pan
Low oil pressure: Same as blood pressure.