GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Switch Circuit Diagnosis


Object Number: 895518  Size: MF

The engine oil pressure (EOP) switch is located in the front of the engine block underneath the intake manifold. The EOP switch is a normally closed switch that opens when engine oil pressure exceeds 10-40 kPa (1.4-5.8 psi). The PCM supplies ignition voltage through a pull-up resistor to the EOP switch. With ignition ON and the engine OFF, the PCM EOP input will be low (near 0 volts, switch closed). When the engine is started, and engine oil pressure exceeds 10-40 kPa (1.4-5.8 psi), the switch opens and the PCM EOP input goes high (ignition voltage). The PCM will command the instrument panel (I/P) cluster over the Class II link to turn ON the oil pressure telltale whenever the ignition is turned ON and the input at the EOP switch is low.

Diagnostic Aids

Check the oil level.

To locate an intermittent problem, use the scan tool to monitor the LOW OIL PRESSURE while grounding and ungrounding circuit 231 at the EOP switch harness connector. The scan tool should indicate YES when circuit 231 is grounded and NO when circuit 231 is NOT grounded.

The oil pressure telltale should illuminate when circuit 231 is pulled to ground and go out when the circuit is open anytime the ignition is ON.

An intermittent short to ground in the EOP switch circuit will cause the oil pressure telltale to illuminate.

Refer to the lubrication section in this manual for oil pressure specification and pressure test procedure.

The normally closed EOP switch should have less than 5 ohms resistance between the terminal pin and metal housing.


Object Number: 898386  Size: FP