93 model oil light

[jhines187]

I have a 1993 model and the oil light comes on sometimes when you start and if it does and you shut the car down and restart it most of the time the light goes out. Do I have a bad sensor

[caddyman379]

yeah, either a bad sensor or you haven't changed your oil in over 6,500 miles.

[bmtphoenix]

Originally Posted by caddyman379

yeah, either a bad sensor or you haven't changed your oil in over 6,500 miles.

Huh!? What did the 6500 mile thing come from?

Anyway, I would say a short in the instrument cluster. You'll probably have to buy a replacement to fix it. You get no clatter from the motor, do you?

[caddyman379]

im not sure if the 93 model has it but on newer GM models the oil light will come on and stay on if there isnt an oil change at 6500 mile intervals (you should get oil changes regularly at 3,000 mile intervals.

[bmtphoenix]

Originally Posted by caddyman379

im not sure if the 93 model has it but on newer GM models the oil light will come on and stay on if there isnt an oil change at 6500 mile intervals (you should get oil changes regularly at 3,000 mile intervals.

That would have to be the OBD II computers. 93 Grand Am's would have the original OBD computers. But how does the ECM know you've not changed your oil in over 6500 miles on the newer cars?

[caddyman379]

well, on my car theres a sensor somewhere around the drain plug, once its pulled it counts another 6500 miles. GM reccomends you change your oil at a maximum of 6500 miles. like i said, i do mine at 3000 mile intervals.

[bmtphoenix]

Originally Posted by caddyman379

well, on my car theres a sensor somewhere around the drain plug, once its pulled it counts another 6500 miles. GM reccomends you change your oil at a maximum of 6500 miles. like i said, i do mine at 3000 mile intervals.

What? No there's not. Take a picture of that sensor and I'll paypal you $20.

[93gagt_red]

yes there is idon't know how it happens both i work at an auto auction and i see cars with the light on all the time

[caddyman379]

There is a sensor it looks like a washer except its like welded into place or something. Anyway, it starts counting another 6500 miles when you open the drain plug, and once it reaches 6500 miles without an oil change (or the plug being opened) the oil light will intermittenly come on even if theres sufficient oil pressure. They started doing this awhile ago because many owners were complaining about oil sludge build-up. Ironically, they were the same owners who just add oil rather than changing it.