Check Oil Level Light/Sensor

didn't realize where i was originally posting for this topic in that other thread was the section for '95 Rivs. decided to just make a thread over here, but mods just tell me whats best i guess.

anyways,
so i decided to finally go under my car and check up on this sensor. but i have a question because i noticed something. i saw this hole with a black piece of rubber hanging, i barely touched it and it came off.





what is this exactly and what was supposed to be there? also that big knob is where the sensor is located? or is it both?

That hole with the rubber is just the vent/drain for the Starter Motor. I wouldn't worry about that rubber being gone, it won't affect anything.

The oil level sensor is mounted in the front of the oil pan. That big plastic "knob" appears to be it. The photo is a lil blurry, but it looks like that's it.

I agree with Scott on both counts, but I have 2 questions for you:

- Regarding the starter, do you still normally have the splash shield/air dam in place?
- Regarding the big, beige hex-head, was there a pair of wires connected to it before you took the picture?

^
i really don't even know what you mean by that. i know little to none when it comes to working on cars; even the simplest terms, which i assume that is.
and
when i took the picture everything was like that as-is. there was no wires or anything.

....i must be missing some stuff?

if anyone is bored lol or has the time, do you mind snaggin a quick pic of what it's supposed to look like down there?

Ok. That "knob" that you refer to is where the Oil Level Sender should be. There was, at one point, a 2 wire connector on that "knob". So, yes, you're probably missing somethin that should be there.

Well, I just tried to get a photo for you, but with the car on the ground I was shooting blind and just kept getting pics of the starter & solenoid...


Suffice it to say that the beige hex thingy has a 2-terminal electrical connector on the end of it and you need to find the wiring that plugs into it:

ahh okay thanks. damn a picture would definitely be helpful for me, just because. also just wanna see what that vent/drain is supposed to look like. if anyone can do that still it would be appreciated. but yeah there was no wires attached. if i were to just buy a replacement, would it come with these said wires? because i have no idea where they are and i am pretty sure they just fell off and are long gone.

i am going to a family-friend's shop tomorrow to get my front pads and rotors replaced, is there a general universal sensor that most places would carry? or u think they wouldn't have it and would just have to order one? if so i should just order it from here? http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Buick/Riviera/Replacement/Oil_Level_Sensor/1998/Base/6_Cyl_3-dot-8L/REPB314801.html?tlc=Engine+%26+Drivetrain#desc

and what was meant by this?

Eldo wrote:

- Regarding the starter, do you still normally have the splash shield/air dam in place?

if it is what i think, then yeah it is in place always...

A new sensor will not come with wires. The plug that connects to the sensor is part of the main Engine Harness. I hope those wires didn't get ripped off somehow.

hmm, i might have to double check, but i didn't see any wires anywhere......

LaFlare wrote:

hmm, i might have to double check, but i didn't see any wires anywhere......

Definitely - get a good light and go poking around from the top and the bottom.
With that photo of the part I posted, you know you're looking for an oval, 2-pin connector
with a 'tang' that snaps into that rectangular slot...

Eldo wrote:

you know you're looking for an oval, 2-pin connector
with a 'tang' that snaps into that rectangular slot...

with one Brown and one Black wire

Once you get your wires reconnected, I just found some research I did in another thread...


The computer can 'see' the level sensor at all times - at about a half-quart down my scanner can see it switch from OK to LOW after startup, because of the pump-up and the windage. However, just like with the OBD Readiness Tests, there is a set of parameters that must be met before the light is actually turned on... Before & after coolant temps and/or time between ignitions cycles is used to make sure the oil is drained back to the pan before taking the measurement.

If the low reading is valid, the light will stay on up to 7 minutes after the computer makes its decision.

I thought those things worked without wires and the computer just knew when something was wrong.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Seriously though, If your bringing it to a shop for other work, have them look for where the harness may be hiding or where it may have been cut off and you can then get the wiring pigtail from an Auto Parts store or the dealer and have the wires spliced back in by soldering and applying heat shrink to protect them from any future corrosion.

Rickw wrote:

I thought those things worked without wires and the computer just knew when something was wrong.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Oh you Kid!

couldn't check back last night, too dark. just got done checking this morning, found em! they were reaching for the stars lol, idk the wires were making their way up. got em pulled em down and connected.

thanks for all the help

Glad to hear you found them!

I have an Autometer electric oil pressure gauge and sensor. Would this level sensor be the one to replace when installing an electric oil pressure sensor? Or is there another location you can put a oil pressure sensor?

Not quite sure where exactly on the Riv to put the new pressure sensor, but usually they get mounted somewhere on the oil filter adapter. There is usually an adapter to mount inline with one of the oil cooler lines, which has a mounting space for the new sensor and electrical connector.
Simply putting that sensor where the level sensor should be isn't going to turn the "low oil" light off. The PCM still needs to see that sensor......

Ok, thanks. This gives me some info I was not thinking about or aware of.

Here is a picture just for reference. This IS NOT for the Riv, just a reference as to how an aftermarket unit is generally installed. The wire(s) at the bottom of the unit would go to the new gauge.

I have hooked up these sending units before, but never on a 3800 Series II. Usually been a Chevy V8, lol. I guess with the pcm needing that sensor I'm not entirely sure where to hook this new sending unit up at.

Well, the PCM only needs the Level Sensor input. That aftermarket gauge you bought has nothing to do with the PCM. It simply needs power and the gauge. Just find the proper place to mount the sensor, that's all. I'm due for an oil change in the next couple of days. I'll look at it and check for ya.

That's what I had meant. Just needing to find a place to add this sending unit. Also thanks again.

I just purchased this 96 SC Rivie, it has 165k. Ive noticed after its been sitting, and i go and start the "check engine oil level" light stays on for about 30sec. then goes out.

The PO i purchased from said he changed the oil about 500mi ago. Is there a reset or is there a actual problem ? I started it this morning after sitting all night and the light came on and i could hear a rattle sound but not in the motor but more in the air filter box ( i guess its resonating ) and after about the same time the oil light went out the noise went away. The engine sounds very quiet no obvious rattles, knocks, or anything.

Im VERY new to the Rivies so any help would be appreciated ..

my 96 does this ,i never really tried to track it down, as my oil level is fine. could be a bad level sensor or connection to the sensor. i don't think they are that expensive and relatively easy to replace. Next time you do the oil do the sensor