Damsel in distress.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
I've seen them fail and SPRAY oil, I've seen them fail and ooze oil. I've always changed these on the 3100/3400 from the top and by feel (from the top, I can never see the thing, I know on the 99+ Grand Ams I can see it from under the car, but never bothered to change it that way.
In the past, I could normally get a small mirror, pull the connector on the sensor, position the mirror so I could see it and keep my clothing and anything else away from the belt drive and have someone start the car. Watch the connector, might take a couple of revs, but if it's bad, odds are the oil will be seen coming out of the center of the connector on the sensor.
Oddly, just went through this with a step-brother's '00 3400 powered Grand Am (he wasn't low on oil yet, but the oil pan was soaked).
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
Hello Bond, so I have to assume you topped off your oil, have you had a chance to check it since? You didn't say who did your oil change. If it is someone you really trust than please disregard the following;
There have been many reports across the country of oil change places that do not do the job you pay them for. I personally have had a new oil filter but no oil, new filter and old oil, and nothing at all done.
Could it be that the place that did your oil change only put 5 quarts in?
Also, as Jason said, If your PVC is bad you could get blow back into your crank case.
There have been many reports across the country of oil change places that do not do the job you pay them for. I personally have had a new oil filter but no oil, new filter and old oil, and nothing at all done.
Could it be that the place that did your oil change only put 5 quarts in?
Also, as Jason said, If your PVC is bad you could get blow back into your crank case.
I am going to get pvc to see if that helps.
I did top of oil but havent drove since
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
Knowing it's a 3400, I'm leaning on a failed oil pressure switch. That little guy is on front of the engine. If you are looking at the engine from the front of the car, it's hidden under the exhaust manifold, just a little off center towards the driver side of the engine.
I've seen them fail and SPRAY oil, I've seen them fail and ooze oil. I've always changed these on the 3100/3400 from the top and by feel (from the top, I can never see the thing, I know on the 99+ Grand Ams I can see it from under the car, but never bothered to change it that way.
In the past, I could normally get a small mirror, pull the connector on the sensor, position the mirror so I could see it and keep my clothing and anything else away from the belt drive and have someone start the car. Watch the connector, might take a couple of revs, but if it's bad, odds are the oil will be seen coming out of the center of the connector on the sensor.
Oddly, just went through this with a step-brother's '00 3400 powered Grand Am (he wasn't low on oil yet, but the oil pan was soaked).
I've seen them fail and SPRAY oil, I've seen them fail and ooze oil. I've always changed these on the 3100/3400 from the top and by feel (from the top, I can never see the thing, I know on the 99+ Grand Ams I can see it from under the car, but never bothered to change it that way.
In the past, I could normally get a small mirror, pull the connector on the sensor, position the mirror so I could see it and keep my clothing and anything else away from the belt drive and have someone start the car. Watch the connector, might take a couple of revs, but if it's bad, odds are the oil will be seen coming out of the center of the connector on the sensor.
Oddly, just went through this with a step-brother's '00 3400 powered Grand Am (he wasn't low on oil yet, but the oil pan was soaked).
appreciate all the help from everyone. just a single girl trying to do it solo and hopefully without an expensive mechanic fix.love my car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
As I mentioned, you should be able to easily and safely inspect the oil pressure switch without simply throwing parts at it.
Also, I think the part cost on it is about $10-$20. I can change them in about 5-10 minutes on the 3100 and 3400 (if you are working with a mechanic to do the work, should be just as fast and easy).
Also, I think the part cost on it is about $10-$20. I can change them in about 5-10 minutes on the 3100 and 3400 (if you are working with a mechanic to do the work, should be just as fast and easy).
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