After driving my 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally (with 66000 km on it) for 10 minutes (i.e warmed up) and sitting at a stop in idle, my oil light turns on solid.

It idles at about 600 RPM. As soon as I hit the gas, and the RPM goes above the 600 RPM then the oil light goes away.

Oil level is fine and there are no leaks.

I've done some research on the internet including on these forums. One site says that the bearings in the crankcase could be worn, so at low RPM the oil pump can't build enough pressure therefore the oil light comes on. They suggest going to a thicker oil (From 5W30 to 10W30).

The techs at Mr Lube suggested I get the throttle body cleaned as that could be causing the low idle (due to not enough air going to the intake). They wanted to clean it for $100 but I didn't want to until I had more information.

Some of the other members of the forum suggest changing the oil pressure switch on my next oil change as they are known to go bad. I guess that means that the switch itself goes out of calibration and it detects pressures lower than it should? i.e the actual oil pressure is at 20 PSI but the switch is reading 15 PSI.

My questions are:

1. Am I damaging my car even more whenever I'm in idle with the oil light on? I assume it's saying the oil isn't pressurized enough and the bearings are rubbing in the crankcase.

2. What RPM is "normal" at idle for a 2003 Lancer OZ Rally? Should I get the throttle body and intake system cleaned?

3. What do you guy think is the actual problem? Is it that the car is idling too low, or that it can't build up enough oil pressure when the RPMs are that low? I feel like if I can get my idle RPM up I won't have the oil light turn on anymore.

4. Some people recommend attaching a mechanical gauge in place of the oil pressure switch when the oil light is on and see what the pressure actually is. What is it supposed to be at idle?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Sounds like a oil pump but don't quote my bro

 

I'd def clean the throttle body out anyway, makes a huge difference removing the carbon buildup.


What should the car be idling at? Spec sticker should be under the hood. I don't know for Lancers.


The switch is most likely the culprit, I've heard of a few evos doing this also with the switch being the cause.

 

If its an actual pressure problem Id say you are causing faster wear on the bearings.

Normal idle is about 800

If your car is stumbling like that it could be a number of problems. Airflow, spark plugs, fuel...

On mine my idle oil pressure is around 20ish psi after it heats up with a 10-30 oil

 

I ussed to have a similar problem where my oil light would flicker when i was idling. As soon as i pressed the gas it would go away. Turned out to be the Oil Pressure sensor, a part that has given a bunch of us the same light. Its located by your oil filter when you do an oil change. You can get the part for about 15$ if thats the case.

Not sure about the low RPMs. Im usually at about 700-800 I would say

 

+1...mine was doing the same thing a few weeks ago and i just changed the sensor...hasnt flickered since...since you already checked and made sure your oil level is good, id try replacing the sensor...best do the inexpensive troubleshooting first

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. The next time I get my oil changed I'll ask them to change the sensor for me as well. Will keep you all posted as to the results!

 

thats what i did. I think its just 1 screw, so its a really simple and quick fix. goodluck!

 

I had the mechanic replace the sensor with a new one and the oil light went away Thanks for the help everyone!

 

no problem. Glad We could help!

 

The light is designed to come on at 4.6 PSI. The sensors to go bad from time to time though.