Had a faulty oil pressure sensor. The gauge pegged and wouldn't move. It was replaced three days ago and was working fine. Now today when driving it drops then rises and occasionally the oil light flickers then gauge goes to mid point and light stops flickering on and off. I'm thinking oil pump?

SOURCE: oil light flickers on and

hi,
first check the sender wire to make sure its fastened securely, its probably close to the oil filter, maybe its shorting somehow but most likely its time to change the oil, and oil filter hopefully is clogged. If it still does it after you check those then it could be sludge has built up in the oil pump inlet screen and its not getting pressure the way it should, I wouldnt drive it much untill you either get a a mechanic to look at it, or you pull the oil pan and take a look at the oil filter inlet yourself.

good luck!

J

Phil Lovisek

• 726 Answers
• Posted on Jan 10, 2009

SOURCE: Flickering Lights

You do need an alternator. Nissan has a campaign on Maxima alternator in certain years such as 96-98 I believe. Go to your friendly Nissan dealer abd have them punch your VIN number into the NNA net. they will know and that will tell them if your vehicle applies by the VIN. I have seen the alternator on fire. There was fire inside of the alternator. Have it checked or the car can catch on fire.

SOURCE: Oil Pump light flickering + rough idle on 1996 Nissan Maxima

Sounds more like the Throttle Position Sensor or another sensor is letting the engine RPM's drop too low. When the RPM's are too low, the oil pump is not pumping enough oil.

SOURCE: 2003 Pathfinder LE AT Oil Brake and battery light flicker

.I spent a lot of time and head scratching over the exact same problem ...YOU NEED A NEW REGULATOR (it is in the alternator).repair options are ;replace voltage regulator only , rebuild complete alternator , replace alternator with a rebuilt one , or replace alternator with a new one
The clue was getting diff. readings on your volt meter ....mine would spike up to 18 volts but you have to put your volt meter on and get yourself a cup of coffee (or a beer) and stare at your meter for atleast 15 minuits after the engine is heated up ....

SOURCE: 2006 Xterra. Low oil pressure gauge at idle to

inner timing cover oil gallery gaskets are more than likely your problem...you can make your own for 10 dollars or give nissan 500 for a new cover as they dont supply the gaskets....check the oil pan for gasket material...thats a sure sign they blew out but they may be gone and still holding together so its not always accurate...