Oil light

About a week ago the oil light began to flicker unless you were above idle. I assumed that it was low and put a quart in. now the light stays on but there's no pinging or overheating. Anybody know whats wrong?

and yes the oil level is fine (forgot to mention that)

When the light comes on, it means there is practically no oil in the engine (i learned this the hard way), you need to add a lot more than a quart. Might as well do an oil change and see if it still comes on.

I'll do the oil change anyway this weekend but the level on the dip stick looks fine (actually above normal)

Well there is less oil pressure at idle so that makes sense. The oil light is supposed to come on when the pressure is really really low (5 i think). I'd do an oil change and then check for leaks. I can't remember if Saturn uses an oil pressure sender to read the pressure or something else, but that is where i would go next if there is still a problem.

Thanks I'll do that this weekend

you may consider investing in a oil pressure gauge for an exact reading.

changing the oil and more importantly the filter is the first step, and check the pressure sender for leakage or a poor connection.

if everything external checks out(including the gauge check), the next step is droping the pan and checking the pick-up tube, then the oil pump.

I drained the oil last night (yuk) then took the filter off. I have never had that much oil spit out at me like that when taking off the oil filter. I'm wondering if the filter was plugged. and if the previous owner lied when they said the oil was just changed. Giving it a day or two to drain every little bit out i can. I also forgot to mention I poured a half can of seafoam in the crankcase before i changed it.

Changed the oil and everything is all good for now. The lifters rattled for a good thirty seconds on the first start up but so far so good. Thanks everybody for the input. :rofl: