CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

So I have been taking notice of how this car acts in the last couple months of owning it and I just want to check on something.

When I first start the car, of course all the lights are on and then they go off. The oil light stays on for a few seconds and I hear a slight knocking before pressure builds and the light goes off.

Is that normal? I don't think I have ever noticed it before, but I'm thinking its just paranoia.

Oil level is normal, I just had to top it off last week. It was low about one quart.

Jmai22

no, that is not normal. Drive your car for 15 minutes, turn off engine, park your car somewhere flat and check oil levels again using the dip stick in the engine bay...

Triple C

iTrader: (2)

you need oil... if it was hot the red oil light would come on. And yes if you are on an incline it could be the likely culprate for turning the light on. let us know what you figure out

link13

Red oil light is for oil pressure. Amber light is oil level. If the red light stays on, you have a problem. The knocking you hear for the seconds until the light goes off is the beginning of the end for your engine. It may be the oil pump, but I suggest taking it to someone qualified to diagnose it and getting it fixed immediately.

xtoefield

if the red light flickers it could be a wire problem. if it stays on then it has something to do with the pressure.

link13

True, but what concerns me is the knocking sound the OP mentioned. Knocking indicates that the issue with oil pressure. Not good.

CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

Ok well I checked today. Its not really a loud sound, it sounds like more of a valve tap then anything else. Today I didn't hear any knocking but the light did linger for a second or two after the car started, it only happens after the car sits for a few hours.
Also I get a very long start, the motor cranks for a little bit longer after the car has been sitting.
If I am running errands then the car may sit for 30 mins at a time and its fine, it cranks over right away and there is no oil light.
The oil level is about 3/4 of the way through the crossed area on the dipstick, I didn't really think that the oil level would be low if its that far up the dipstick.

link13

No, you should not see the amber oil level light with it that full. The light is at MIN on the stick.

Jewel707

iTrader: (1)

I had a similar problem with my GS before i sold it. I never got to figure it out. I think i had a oil leak some where. It never leaked on the ground but one time i changed my oil and there was almost no oil in there. How would you go about finding the leak? especially if it isnt leaking on the ground?

xtoefield

you're right. that's confusing me too. OP, let us know what the problem is when you find out. i remember hearing a knocking noise, and then i ended up destroying my bearings, lol.

CallmeQ

iTrader: (2)

Well count me in for being confused. I just ended up changing the oil and there is no more knocking but the light lingers when the car is cold. It also takes longer to start.

I recently changed my alternator so I'm thinking the long start is a weak battery.

The light in question is the oil pressure light: When the car is cold then it lingers for a second or two after I start the car. When the car is warm (after driving for a few minutes) then its usually the first light to turn off before all the others. So really I was just wondering if it lingers because its a cold start and all the oil has settled to the bottom of the motor.

link13

I still don't think the pressure light remaining on for even 1-2 seconds is normal. Mine goes off right away.