when i start the car up in the morning the oil light comes on for a few seconds then turns off. this only happens when the car has been sitting for a while.

Might have some ideas, but a bit more info would help. Model/engine? Mileage? OEM or aftermarket filter? Oil viscosity? Last time oil changed and level checked? Outdoor temperature? Parking on level ground or hill?

Pretty much every car I've had that had an oil light instead of a gauge did that. The pressure is zero when it starts up which would normally be bad (when you're driving) so the light lets you know.

Pretty much every car I've had that had an oil light instead of a gauge did that.[...]

Whether it's a problem depends on just how long "a few seconds" is. So that brings up another question, "How many seconds?.

Car-----------91 legacy L

engine--------2.2L

milage--------180,500miles

oil------------10w-30

filter----------napa ( not napa gold )

temperature---24 degrees F

 

oil last changed 200 miles ago, car parked on a flat driveway.

 

when I start the car up the oil light is the last light to turn off. if your not looking at the dash when you start it up you won't notice it. IM sure its normal and im just paranoid. the car runs great though.

[...]when I start the car up the oil light is the last light to turn off. if your not looking at the dash when you start it up you won't notice it. IM sure its normal and im just paranoid. the car runs great though.

Clearances do open somewhat as an engine accumulates miles, but it's probably normal; 10W-40 at 24 deg F could take a couple of seconds for the pressure to be sufficient for the sender to turn the light off. Of course, if the light ever comes on other than briefly at cold start, that's another story.

Happens with my 91L as well - no big deal.

What is a few seconds? 2 or 5? My 95 with 201000 running 5w-30 only stays on for 2 seconds. Anything too much longer than that would worry me. I've resealed my oilpump and have fairly fresh seals all the way around. If you have never resealed the oilpump, or have older slightly leaky seals that may be all it is. Like said above, as long as it isn't low on oil, and the light doesn't come on when driving, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

Keith