So sometimes during cold start the oil light of my '04 D2 will stay on for about 5 seconds. The engine leaks its fair share of oil. The oil light turning on happens more when the oil level is pretty low. This made me think that as long my oil was topped off, it would not happen. And I was right until this weekend. I topped off my oil last week and now this morning my oil light stayed on for a few seconds again. I checked the oil level and it was just a tad below the top marker. When the oil light is on I do hear a small noise but it goes away as soon as the light turns off. My dad had an '03 and his oil pump failed as did a lot of them from that year, but I haven't heard of the 04's failing. The engine I have had runs extremely well, usually in the 177-185F degree range. My mechanic told me it is one of the strongest engines he's seen in a D2 for 150k miles so I really don't want this engine to start slowly failing. Any ideas??

 

Could be a few things :

• How long since your last oil change
• What weight oil are you using

Your oil pickup could be clogged
Oil pump could be iffy cracked
Filter could be clogged

 

it’s been about 3k miles but this has been happening since I’ve gotten the car and it’s been through 4 oil changes. Using 5w-30 oil.

 

"Using 5w-30 oil."

Ding DIng Ding... We have a winner!!!

While the above issues could well be the culprit most folks, especially in warmer climates, run at least 15w40 in these old school motors.

Tolerances are much to loose, especially at 150k, for such a thin oil.

Get some Rotella in there and see if that stops the light from coming on.

 

I am with @Dave03S 5 weight is too low, even up here I will not go below 10 weight in the winter.

The owners hand book recommends 10/40 down to 14F and up to 122F and 10/30 if 10/40 is not available.

 

I use Chevron Delo 15-40 in a climate that has 4 seasons

 

Low Temperatures at Start up + thin oil are the most likely reason. Less likely but more serious are failing bearings. You need an oil pressure gauge installed to read your pressures. It can save your car. When your bearings start to go you will see a drop in oil pressure. Slow or fast. The light is on because the oil pressure is low and it must be taken seriously. You should only use 30 oil in artic temperatures. Otherwise use 10/40 and higher for hotter climates.

Step #1 - drain the oil , drop the pan, inspect oil pick up tube, put in the correct oil. You may as well clean the pan and replace the seal and bolts while your down there.

 

You kind of have 2 ways to go :

If you know the previous owner used 5/30 then just do an oil change to 10/40 or if you do not know and money is an issue do this 1st. If the problem goes away you still need to check you oil pressure and that is a bit of a pain. I believe you can remove the sensor and plumb a mechanical gauge in there to test. It also gives you chance to check the sensor for crud.

You need to check cold that means dead cold right after startup and cold at 2400 rpm. Hot really should be done after a hiway run but getting up to temp and running the RPM up to 2000 -2400 a couple of times will give you a general idea.

If you are still way low then it is time to drop the pan and do a more detailed check.

But honestly my bet is the 5 weight is the issue

 

you said it yourself, if it leaks that much oil, and it mostly happens when your low on oil thats the issue, the oil cold is thicker, i doubt the 5-30 weight has anything to do with it,, your low on oil, i would fix those leaks asap, i had a 74 corvette once that leaked oil, and i knew it was geeting low because the old dash oil pressure guage would start dropping, you have to be carefull with your oil level 100 % these discos engines dont come cheap

 

@dealbergaria11 What is pretty low on the dipstick ?