What triggers the oil light to come on?

[leety]

So we have an oil pressure gauge, which I just replaced the switch for, that's buried in under the fuel filter etc.

 

Is there a different sensor for oil level that triggers the oil light to come on?  I'm thinking I would like to refresh that with a new one if there is.

 

Thanks again for all your help, wisdom and especially all the silliness.

[IBMobile]

The  only sensor for oil level is the oil dip stick.  No need to replace. 

[leety]

1 minute ago, IBMobile said:

The  only sensor for oil level is the oil dip stick.  No need to replace. 

Thanks lol

 

So what you're saying is that I am the oil level sensor :-)  Kinda like the way I am the dishwasher.

 

But still what does that oil light tell us if it ever comes on.  I don't have it on or anything, I'm just wondering.  Is it just an ornament? 

 

[IBMobile]

I don't know of any oil light in the instrument cluster of a Cummins turbodiesel.   Later I'll post the instrument cluster page from the owner's manual.    

[Doubletrouble]

 There is an oil pressure gauge in the cluster, I don't believe there is a light?

[IBMobile]

There is no oil light

[dripley]

in the late 01's and all of 02 it is really just a switch that comes on around 6 psi near as can find anyway. Then one of the computers takes over and moves the needle based on rpm and coolant temp. It does a good job. Fooled me for many years. Prior to this there was a real sensor that read oil pressure. I would think the check gauges light would come on if it drops to low pretty much like an idiot light.

[leety]

Yers no oil light, just the pressure gage.  @driply did a stellar job of explaining how that works.

[AH64ID]

You should get a “check gauges” if the oil pressure drops below 6 psi. On a 3rd gen it takes 30 seconds below 6 psi, not sure on a 2nd gen. 

[leety]

8 minutes ago, AH64ID said:

You should get a “check gauges” if the oil pressure drops below 6 psi. On a 3rd gen it takes 30 seconds below 6 psi, not sure on a 2nd gen. 

So that’s a sort of wild-card something’s wrong light lol.

[AH64ID]

2 minutes ago, leety said:

So that’s a sort of wild-card something’s wrong light lol.

Honestly it’s more of a “time for a new engine” light. Minimum pressure is 10 psi at idle... so if the light is on for a lack on oil pressure a rebuild isn’t far off. 

[leety]

Just now, AH64ID said:

Honestly it’s more of a “time for a new engine” light. Minimum pressure is 10 psi at idle... so if the light is on for a lack on oil pressure a rebuild isn’t far off. 

Yea but that light can be triggered by more than one cause.  But if your oil pressure is too low, that's a sad day.

[Doubletrouble]

 Yes it can be triggered by multiple issues. Mine came on when my 150amp breaker would trip and voltage dropped to low. 

[Mopar1973Man]

Spec on oil pressure is...

 

10 PSI at idle

30 PSI at 2000 RPMs 

 

... this is on a fully warmed engine.