1997 Bonneville Oil Level Sensor Test
Thread Starter
Retired
Certified Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,960
Likes: 1,839
From: Dark Side, AZ











This is per Alldata for my 1997 Bonneville...


CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The engine oil level switch is a float switch that is grounded when the engine oil level is OK. The PCM checks engine oil level at start-up. Before checking the state of the engine oil level switch, the PCM performs a test routine based on time and engine coolant temperature to ensure that the engine oil has drained back into the sump. To test for low oil level at start-up, one of the following conditions must be present:
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
For diagnosis of the instrument panel, refer to the Instrument Panel .
Check for the following conditions:
TEST DESCRIPTION
Number(*) below refer to the step number(*) on the Diagnostic Chart.


CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The engine oil level switch is a float switch that is grounded when the engine oil level is OK. The PCM checks engine oil level at start-up. Before checking the state of the engine oil level switch, the PCM performs a test routine based on time and engine coolant temperature to ensure that the engine oil has drained back into the sump. To test for low oil level at start-up, one of the following conditions must be present:
- If the engine coolant temperature was between 151°C (59°F) and 140°C (284°F) at the last key OFF, the engine coolant temperature at key ON must be at least 12°C (22°F) cooler than the engine coolant temperature at the last key OFF.
- If the engine coolant temperature was higher than 140°C (284°F) at the last key OFF, the time between last key OFF and the present key ON must be sufficient to allow the oil to drain back to the sump. The PCM will remain powered up for 15 seconds to ensure that the oil has drained back to the sump. If the key is turned back ON while the PCM is still powered up, the oil level will not be checked.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
For diagnosis of the instrument panel, refer to the Instrument Panel .
Check for the following conditions:
- Poor connection at the PCM or the engine oil level switch.
- Damaged harness.
- Low engine oil level lamp control circuit.
TEST DESCRIPTION
Number(*) below refer to the step number(*) on the Diagnostic Chart.
- This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post



