oil light at start up?

Question

Been having some bad luck with my car. Just had nearly my whole cooling system replaced. Checked the oil before doing that work, and it was maybe half a quart low. Planning on changing next weekend, but since it got out of the shop I've been noticing a new thing. On start up, all the lights come on then flick off, but if its a cold start the red oil light will stay on for maybe one second longer than the rest of the lights. Drives fine and never comes back on, just on start up. I drive about 150 miles per week so there's that much mileage til I change the oil. Should I be worried at all? 90 Buick century custom, v6.

Answer 1

The oil light stays on a little longer than the rest of the light on a cold start. This is because the oil is cold and the oil hasn't circulated through the engine yet. It is absolutely normal. It is also normal to flicker for a split second on a warm start, no problem there.



A one time slight overheat isn't necessarily a bad sign either. It could have been a hot day, maybe sitting in traffic, or had the a/c going.



And to address one of your first points: are you saying it was half a quart below the low/minimum mark on the dipstick? That right there could be the cause of a "slight" overheating because the oil must be at least at the minimum mark on the dipstick.

Answer 2

Did you overheat this engine? If you did,you may have done some damage to the engine. Did you get water in the oil? Check the oil for color and consistency now that you are running the engine.



If you really want to know about hidden damage, send a drain oil sample taken directly into a clean jar off for analysis. You'll get a report back which will tell you how much metal and what types are found inthe oil. This can tell agreat deal about the internal engine condition.



Astrobuf

Answer 3

first its normal for the light to come on when you turn on the ignition after you start it up the oil builds pressure then the light goes off when its colder it takes longer because cold oil is thicker, maybe you should use a thinner oil in the winter

Answer 4

Nothing to worry about as long as the engine stays cool.

Answer 5

No your good a lot of lights do that.

Answer 6

thats about right