Low Oil Indicator Lamp

The LOW OIL indicator ground is controlled by the engine oil level indicator control module. In order to check for a low oil condition, the low oil module looks for a ground through the oil level switch. This is done after the ignition switch has been turned to the OFF or LOCK position.

The low oil module tests for a low oil condition as follows:
^ 32 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF or LOCK position, if the previous ignition cycle was less than 12 minutes
^ 3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF or LOCK position, if the previous ignition cycle was longer than 12 minutes.

When the oil level is low, the low oil module loses the ground through the oil level switch. This means that the oil level switch is open, indicating low oil level. This action causes the low oil module to ground the LOW OIL indicator for the duration of the next ignition cycle.

When the low oil module is grounded through the oil level switch, the low oil module ground the LOW OIL indicator. This allows a bulb test when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position during the next ignition cycle. The bulb test takes 4-5 seconds.

The Instrument Cluster's internal circuitry will only check the Oil Level Sensor at Ignition "ON" if Drainback Times are met (35 minutes after Ignition "OFF" if the Engine was still cold, or 4 minutes after Ignition "OFF" if the Engine was hot. Hot is defined as running for at least 17 minutes). Drainback Timer sets at Ignition "OFF". The sensor has normally closed contacts that are open under a low oil condition. After determining a low oil condition exists, the "LOW OIL" Indicator is provided a ground for illumination. The Indicator also receives a ground for approximately one second during the Cluster's bulb check function right after Ignition "ON". For further information regarding the "LOW OIL" indicator, refer to Engine Controls. Powertrain Management