more mechanic trouble- is it safe to drive with faulty oil pressure switch?

[Dillzio]

Hi gang,

I was wondering

A) what does the oil pressure switch do and
B) is it safe to drive the car if it's malfunctioning?


My engine light came on a few days ago, so I took it to a local mechanic who told me he had a scanner tool that could diagnose the problem. He ended up saying he's not sure because his scanner doesn't read all the codes but he thinks its a problem with the LPG computer that he can't detect. He charged me $80 for the diagnosis as well, along with changing a fuel filter that was blocked and causing difficult starts.

Following my instincts that this guy didn't know what he was on about, I took the car to a holden dealer to have the fault read (at a cost of $50) and they've told me it's a faulty oil pressure switch that needs replacing.

I'm hoping I can get the first mechanic to do the fix for a really good price since I've already wasted money on getting him to give me a faulty diagnosis.

Just wondering if I can take my time on getting it fixed or not.

Thanks!

[Nutter]

The switch essentially does nothing until the pressure drops below a preset limit in which case it triggers the dash light and in some instances cuts the engine. If the car has good oil pressure and only the switch is knackered you can drive it, of course should you have an issue with oil pressure you wont know until you tear the bearings apart.

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[Toddler78]

Interesting a faulty switch will trigger a fault the same as low oil pressure hopefully it is not an asumption it is the switch and not low oil level or pressure. I'd it is undeed a faulty switch then yes ok to drive. But from what I don't understand if you already don't trust the original mechanic with a false diagnostic why do you trust him to be able to repair your car properly?


Sent from my state of the art commodore 64€

[Dillzio]

Good point Toddler.

I guess I trust his spanner spinning abilities more than his diagnostic skills. He seems to be pretty competent with straightforward repairs.

My dad and I have been going there for years, and he's been the mechanic there for most of that time. In the past month the owner of the business (who was an exhaust specialist) has left, and the mechanic has taken over. He's a sound mechanic, but in terms of taking on jobs he doesn't have the tools or expertise to do properly it seems he still has a lot to learn.

I've found a thread on how to DIY the repair:
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/archive/index.php/t-144522.html

and I can get a replacement oil pressure switch for $125 here:
http://holmart.com.au/online/category4_1.htm#436

Alternately, the holden dealer quoted me $185 for them to fix it so I guess I still have a few options open

[VX2VESS]

Could be high oil pressure is what they usually do when faulty. safe unless the pump dies before you replace the switch. Not a overhard job with the right tools

[whitels1ss]

Faulty oil sender switches were quite common on early LS1's,
I have heard of about 3 which were faulty and made the light come on.
One guy I knew did about 4,000kms with it on after getting his checked and getting the fault confirmed by a Holden Dealer
who at that time had none in stock and had them on back order.

[whitels1ss]

Hi gang,

I took the car to a holden dealer to have the fault read (at a cost of $50) and they've told me it's a faulty oil pressure switch that needs replacing.

Just wondering if I can take my time on getting it fixed or not?


To be safe why not just phone the Holden dealer who you have just paid to check it out and ask them buddy?:cheers:

[Toddler78]

Good point Toddler.

I guess I trust his spanner spinning abilities more than his diagnostic skills. He seems to be pretty competent with straightforward repairs.

My dad and I have been going there for years, and he's been the mechanic there for most of that time. In the past month the owner of the business (who was an exhaust specialist) has left, and the mechanic has taken over. He's a sound mechanic, but in terms of taking on jobs he doesn't have the tools or expertise to do properly it seems he still has a lot to learn.

I've found a thread on how to DIY the repair:
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/archive/index.php/t-144522.html

and I can get a replacement oil pressure switch for $125 here:
http://holmart.com.au/online/category4_1.htm#436

Alternately, the holden dealer quoted me $185 for them to fix it so I guess I still have a few options open

check ebay or the US you can get OEM for $79.00

[Smashfist]

Interesting a faulty switch will trigger a fault the same as low oil pressure hopefully it is not an asumption it is the switch and not low oil level or pressure. I'd it is undeed a faulty switch then yes ok to drive. But from what I don't understand if you already don't trust the original mechanic with a false diagnostic why do you trust him to be able to repair your car properly?

It's not a "fault the same as low oil pressure" as the DTC's are different. If a Tech2 was plugged into it and the Holden dealer says it's a switch, it's a switch. Very common, and a ****ed switch throws a different DTC to an oil pressure fault as they read differently (a faulty switch will read as short to ground or open circuit, an oil pressure issue will throw an "out of range" DTC).