My oil pressure switch was pouring oil from it. I replaced the switch, now at idle when warm the light flickers. The leak is now gone but the light flickers.

I removed the connector and bent the tabs in so it fits tight onto the switch. Bad switch? I mean the switch was $4

 

Could be the switch but it is not unusual to find a crack in the oil pump outer gear ring.

 

I'm going to swap the switch out with another new one. Just seems odd that as soon as I can't the switch the light flickers on. Weird though that it only does it at idle and when it's fully warmed up. You think a loose connection would do it all the time not just when warm. So now I'm sort of freaked out that the oil pump is getting weak, just odd that it happened as soon as I swapped out the swap switch.

Another question, if the pump was failing wouldn't it cause the oil light to come on all the time, not just fully warmed up and at idle?

 

What color is the new oil pressure switch? Black plastic with gold body and it's a smaller 7/8 size vs the OEM white plastic with a silver body and 15/16 size? Sounds like the URO el cheapo... I recently had slapped one onto my 97 XD because the OEM white/silver one was leaking. I got the URO replacement from Rock Auto (was not labeled as a URO on their website). I slapped it on, and the next trip into town I saw it flash at a stop light..... I about passed out after all the work I'd done on the XD. Well my brother relayed basically the same story I am now and he said to get another OEM style unit. I did and bingo no more flashing light.

 

Yup that is correct. I got the $4 black with gold switch. I work at a Mazda dealer and just gave a list of parts to the parts guy, he ordered me a bunch of stuff. The leak is gone but the light flickers. The old switch is the white and silver. I did an oil change last night and for fun switched the old switch back in. Drove home and no oil flickering light. A little oil puddle though in the morning. I will be getting a proper switch today.

 

When your time permits could you post a part number for the OEM one so others will not get stuck with the same issue.
Thanks

 

Stc4104

 

Thanks for the part number.
So I should be looking for the OEM white plastic with a silver body and 15/16 size.

Should I also be looking for one that contains both a washer and o-ring?
Just trying to stay on top of my parts collection for that rainy day.
Thanks

 

I had to order the oem switch, it was still fairly cheap. It will be here this week. I'll post up the result concerning the oil light flickering once I get the new switch in.

 

It's a very good idea to stock up on quality parts well before you need them.
In this case get a Standard Motor Products (SMP) P#: PS-475
I've used these for years with zero issues. Some actually come stamped "STC4104" on the bottom.

And YES use both the washer and O ring.

I only have ONE WARNING re: this little sensor..... when you install DON'T Cross thread it OR Over Torque it!!!!!
It's very easy to do both of those things and can result in a crack in the threads. I've seen this happen more than a few times.
BAD DAY because that means a NEW front cover.