I bought this car used about a month ago with 44k on it. There were some oil leaks around the engine so I changed out the gaskets and also gave it an oil change. Being the noob that I am, when I was at the autoshop, one of the mechanics really convinced me to go with a heavier weight oil for the summer while I was planning on simply going with the 5w-20. Once I finished all my work and started driving it around, I would occasionally get the low oil pressure sign. As soon as it would come on, I would turn off the engine and restart it. When restarted, the light would be gone and I would continue my trip. Though totally confused about the oil pressure sign, I thought I would just change back to the 5w-20 and maybe that was the problem. But the problem still seems to be happening.

Thus far, I have not heard any abnormalities in the sound of the engine and I know for a fact that there is enough oil in it. I even took it to the dealership and they said that they couldn't do anything about it unless the sign is actually on when I bring it there. But the 20 minute drive that it took to get there didn't trigger this sensor. It's usually a 5 minute in city drive that triggers the low oil pressure sign.

I'm super confused, any ideas as to what it is?

 

Have you checked the oil level?

 

Yes the oil level is fine. The dealership even checked it for me when I went there this morning.

 

The only problem I can possibly think of is me not putting the valve cover gasket on there completely square. I wasn't using a torque wrench but I usually don't use a torque wrench on just about anything.

 

The dealership can check the oil pressure to be sure it is not a mechanical problem. The pressure is normally lowest when the engine is fully warmed up and at an idle. Thicker oil could increase oil pressure at idle when fully warmed up and is not related to the problem. Does the oil light come on in a turn?

 

IT usually comes on when I'm coming to a stop or if I accelerate quickly. It's not just a blink though, it definitely stays on. Most of the times I don't even notice it turn on.

 

When you accelerate or come to a quick stop the oil level in the pan is not as high up on the oil pickup as when level. That is something that should be addressed.

 

but would that actually affect the pressure of the system?

 

Normally this shouldn’t affect oil pressure but you could have the pickup screen partially clogged. The lowest point of your oil pan is the pickup location and should always have enough oil to not lose oil pressure if the oil level is maintained. You mentioned replacing gaskets did anything get into the engine.

 

I don't believe I got anything into the engine. I was super clean with my removal and reattachment. I guess I'll have to take it into the shop to actually get it tested for a pressure problem.