GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When the engine oil level is in the normal range, the engine oil level switch is a closed switch and the engine oil level switch signal is low.

When a low engine oil level condition is present, the engine oil level switch is an open switch and the engine oil level switch signal is high. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives a class 2 message from the powertrain control module (PCM) requesting illumination of the CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL indicator.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the low engine oil level indicator display in the message center?

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Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. With the scan tool select the powertrain control module (PCM) Engine Data 2 data list and observe the Engine Oil Level parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the engine oil level parameter is OK?

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Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine oil level switch.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the oil level switch and a good ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool indicate that the engine oil level parameter is OK?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Test the signal circuit of the engine oil level switch for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

6

Test the ground circuit of the engine oil level switch for an open or a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the engine oil level switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

Replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 12

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10

Replace the engine oil level switch. Refer to Engine Oil Level Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 12

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11

Important: Program the replacement PCM.

Replace the PCM. Refer to:

    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3 L
    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8 L, 5.3 L, and 6.0 L
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 6.6 L
    •  Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 8.1 L

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 12

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12

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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System OK

Go to Step 3