Low oil pressure and check engine light?

Tiny
COREYABRAM901
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 269,503 MILES
I was trying to figure out why oil isn't circulating through my system. I recently had an oil change but a few weeks later my low oil pressure light came on. I took it to AutoZone to check it out and found out the engine oil sensor light came on. I replaced the sensor and tested to see if any oil would come out of the hole the sensor was in nothing came out so I came to the conclusion the oil pump wasn't pumping. After replacing the pump it'll run for a few seconds and then turn right off.
Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 8:51 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Is there any noise from the engine when it runs for a short bit? For example, do you hear a ticking or knocking from the engine?

If you had the oil pressure sensor removed, the oil should have come out, so I suspect you are correct. There is no pressure.

Let me know if you hear anything. Also, if you could record what is happening so I can hear the engine, it will help. Additionally, here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

Let me know.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, July 16th, 2023 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
COREYABRAM901
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That does sound like there is no oil. Is there also an exhaust leak? The way it's running, I have a feeling it may need to be replaced. It isn't running on all cylinders. Also, when you cranked it the first time and it didn't start, it almost sounds like it was out of time. And I do hear internal bearing noises.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
COREYABRAM901
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I had to replace the exhaust flange, so I had put in a flex line with a U-bolt to do a simple fix. I will look into it further to find out where the leak is coming from. What will make it not run on all cylinders? I will try to see if I can correct the timing. If you have the diagram for the timing marks, I am highly appreciative. Is the internal bearings something that's a difficult task?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
COREYABRAM901
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I have taken the intake, intake plenum and valve covers to confirm if the pushrods and rocker arms are moving some are moving and others aren't if you have an idea on if it could be the camshaft or a failed lifter, please let me know. Thank you in advance for your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If there is internal bearing damage, you are better off finding a replacement engine. As far as the valves are concerned, could you video what is happening and upload it for me to see? If the valves aren't moving,

As far as the lifters are not moving, the engine has hydraulic lifters. If you lost all oil pressure, that could be why you don't see movement.

I have a feeling either the oil pump has failed, or the pickup tube is clogged.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
COREYABRAM901
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I recently replaced the oil pump with one I bought from rockauto. The screen didn't come with, so I gave it a thorough cleaning. I measured the screen pickup to make sure it wouldn't touch the bottom of the oil pan.
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I did notice that. Are they stuck open? I ask because it sounds like we have no compression on one or more of the cylinders.

Also, if you look down into the engine valley, you should be able to see the lifters and the cam. Not too easily, but you can see them. Have your helper crank the engine and see if there is any movement on the lifters and if you can tell if the lobe was damaged on the camshaft.

Let me know.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 AT 9:14 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Oil Low Pressure Content

Oil Pressure Low
GUIDE
Oil Pressure Low
Engine oil is used to cool and lubricate bearing and machined surfaces. Without oil pressure an engine will experience extreme internal engine damage due to heat caused by...
VIEW MORE