Any Ideas?

PerfectCreature
PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
edited August 2010 in The Clubhouse
So, I am nearing inspection time and now my Check Oil light is coming on. It is not regularly but off and on. I could start the car it would go on, I could turn it off hop out get something I missed in the house; turn it back on and it would be off, no check light.
Is this wierd? I mean...what kind of issue could this be?

I checked the oil and it is full. It is not even that dark it still has a light hue of it being new. Not a black spec in it at all. I just changed it less than 2000 miles ago and I haven't been running it hard at all.

So, again, what could this be? I am really stumped. It is like it has a mind of its own when it wants to come on. I can't even find a pattern to it either. It is completely random.

What ideas do you have...tried checking online but didn't find much....
Receiver
Harman Kardon HK 3490
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Polk Audio Monitor 50s
Subwoofer
Klipsch KSW-100
Cables
AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

Alienware X51 R2
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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,164
    edited August 2010
    Magic!
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Polkersince85
    Polkersince85 Posts: 2,883
    edited August 2010
    Tighten your gas cap.
    >
    >
    >This message has been scanned by the NSA and found to be free of harmful intent.<
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Oil cap or gas cap? I just filled up this afternoon and its on pretty tight, about 5 clicks.
    I seem to remember it doing this last year....when the weather got cold...I am not sure what I did to get it to go away. I mean, it is a 1995 so it doesn't have any of the new technology that the new cars have....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,164
    edited August 2010
    Most 1995 cars had OBDII computers which means if you take it to your local auto mechanic he can plug it in and read the codes for you which will tell you the problem.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    I would rather fix it myself. I don't have money to be dropping on this car. College just started up and books cost me almost $700.
    I can call around and see if anyone will do it for free. Hopefully it is not another problem. I would be pretty upset.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,164
    edited August 2010
    How much is going to cost you if you don't pass inspection? Trying to trouble shoot a CEL (check engine light) on an audio forum with absolutely no background is a needle in a haystack. It could be any one of a couple hundred things.

    No way to know for sure and just asking what could it be is silly. So far we know it;s a car and it was new in 1995?????????????????????

    Not much to go on.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,601
    edited August 2010
    Take it by a local auto parts dealer. Autozone, will plug in a computer and tell you what the problem is for free. :)
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Well. Here is the information. Buick skylark v6 3.1 liter engine.
    I am just looking for suggestions I guess.
    Anyway, background is this. I am the 4th owner, the last owner did not take car of the car. I have replaced plenty of parts. I am positive it did it last year all through winter...
    I have not changed the oil in roughly 1700 miles. I have not rode it hard or anything like that. I did however add Engine restore to my oil change. Not sure if that makes a difference.
    Checked oil is full, above the full line. Slightly brown not alarming. Looked around no leaks that I could see (The rust could mask that though)
    No other lights come on. It came on later the night before, and this morning. It did not come on this night when I drove home however.
    I can try changing the oil and seeing if that changes it. If not get it checked by the engine reader and see what that says?

    What about VIP? That is the only store, Sears as well....and then we have local mechanics.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited August 2010
    Autozone will be able to pull codes from a check engine light, but not a check oil light. Does this vehicle have a oil pressure gauge? Could be either a faulty sensor or a low pressure reading.
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    I have no clue if it does or doesn't to be honest. Could have that checked as well.
    Thanks. At least I have some ideas to take to the mechanic.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited August 2010
    Okay, just saw your most recent post... engine restore is essentially just a oil thickener. All it does is make the oil thicker to take up the slack in older engines. In new, low tolerance engines, it can lead to reduced oil flow throughout the engine. You should refrain from using such products. I would recommend you change the oil now and put in manufacturers recommended oil weight (probably 5w20 or 5w30).

    It'd be great if you posted what Make/Model/Engine your car is.
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    I did post it.
    Anyway.
    1995 Buick Skylark Custom 3.1L V-6.

    Anyway. Change the oil? Yep. I can try that. See if it helps. I get a filter from work. Proculator or something like that. I hear good things about them
    I run Pennzoil High Mileage....that an issue?
    and my oil is 5w30 by the way.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • ratster
    ratster Posts: 324
    edited August 2010
    It may be that you have to much oil in it.
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited August 2010
    Sorry... missed the engine type. I'm guessing you're talking about a Purolator. They're decent filters. Just stay away from Fram and even STP. They're not what they used to be...

    Pennzoil High Mileage is a good oil... as long as you're running the weight appropriate for your engine.
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Right. I will change the oil tomorrow sometime. Or the day after. I have to buy it first....
    See if that helps it. If not I guess to the shop it goes.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Right. I will change the oil tomorrow sometime. Or the day after. I have to buy it first....
    See if that helps it. If not I guess to the shop it goes.

    A lot of people mentioned to have autozone pull the codes for you. Have you done that? It is really a great way to start. A code should be able to point you in the right direction
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    I do not have an autozone in my area unfortunately. Only VIP and Sears....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I do not have an autozone in my area unfortunately. Only VIP and Sears....

    Oh, yikes. That's too bad. You must be in the middle of nowhere :)
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited August 2010
    change the oil and see if it goes away, if it does but comes back ina bout another 2000 miles or less, you might have a gunking issue.

    if thats the case, change it again and use a crank case cleaner when you do it. might help a little.....emphasis on a little

    I had a chevy monza with this problem and had to change the oil like every 1000 miles. hada suck that up for a year, but she stayed alive.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Fair enough that could be the issue. I guess I will find out.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited August 2010
    You sure seem to have a lot of problems.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Oh the car does yeah. I have been milking it for quite awhile.
    As long as it runs for another month or two I guess it will be alright.
    Anyway, going to change the oil on sunday, see if that helps of not. I am just going to leave it. I simply don't feel it is a good idea to put money into a car that is already sinking.
    Anyway. Time to look for a new car...
    What do you guys drive? How does it run...gas mileage and such.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited August 2010
    Common issue with that car is bad blinker fluid. Leaks into the bulb and causes an glitch in the on-board computer that makes the check engine light come on intermittently.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,164
    edited August 2010
    Demiurge wrote: »
    Common issue with that car is bad blinker fluid. Leaks into the bulb and causes an glitch in the on-board computer that makes the check engine light come on intermittently.

    I thought they fixed that in the 1995 models? Oh well, it's worth investigating.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited August 2010
    you said you had it checked and no cel codes came up?
    mole'
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  • mole'
    mole' Posts: 3,160
    edited August 2010
    Demiurge wrote: »
    Common issue with that car is bad blinker fluid. Leaks into the bulb and causes an glitch in the on-board computer that makes the check engine light come on intermittently.

    LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    sure its not the mufflers bearings?
    mole'
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited August 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    I thought they fixed that in the 1995 models? Oh well, it's worth investigating.

    H9

    You might be right. In any case it's a $5.99 solution and a half hour of labor, unless you're a little slow....45 mins tops.

    This is the stuff I use:

    BlinkerFluid.jpg
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited August 2010
    mole' wrote: »
    LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    sure its not the mufflers bearings?

    **** isn't funny, man. If he takes that thing into a service center they're going to rape him on some BS fix and all it would cost him is $5.99 if he does this hisself.
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited August 2010
    Hey guys, what's with all the "engine light" recommendations? The OP said it was the "OIL" light that comes on intermittently. You don't need to check engine codes on this. The most likely culprit is a defective oil pressure switch. It is dirt cheap and very easy to replace. Do that first, THEN see if the light comes on and off randomly.

    If the light comes on, and you know that the oil level is good, then you need to check the oil pressure directly with an oil pressure gauge. If the pressure is low, then you have more serious internal problems such as worn bearings or an oil pump going bad.

    If that is the case, then just add oil additives to thicken up the oil and drive it till it dies. There's no point in sinking money into an old car.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited August 2010
    OP is wrong. Its his check engine light.
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