HELP! P0022, Check Engine & Low Oil Pressure Indicators

When the problem originally occurred the oil level was in between the low and high ranges on the dip stick. The dip stick appears in great shape and the oil looked new as well. The engine did not begin making any unusual noises.

I plan on pulling the oil pan and will pull the valve cover to take a good look at how much sludge or tarnish is present.

Is it possible that the oil pressure is low because of the leak in the timing cover? I am going to pull the timing cover regardless and repair that leak. I don't think I will need a new timing cover, only a new seal.

 

The leak in the timing cover will not cause a low oil pressure.

 

It takes roughly 20 psi, for the oil light to go off. If you pull the fuel pump relay, then try to start the engine, test to see if the light will go out.

 

The oil pressure light has not come back on since I changed the oil and replaced the VVT solenoids. However, I have not driven it for a long duration since then either. I don't really want to either to avoid towing it again. But I am pretty sure the underlying problem that caused the light still exists and want to fix it before I drive it.

 

Well, take some pictures when you pull the valve cover. That will be a good indication of what all needs to be checked. Had a recent member overcome an issue with his VVT not working properly. Due to caked up oil.

 

I pulled the oil pan and found no sludge whatsoever and the screen in the oil puller tube was clean. I tested the oil pressure and found it was 70 psi while idling in N and was 60 psi while idling in D or R. I exposed the view port to the tensioner and it did not seem to have moved at all. There was no indication the chain had stretched.

I pulled the valve covers and there is some buildup but doesn't seem horrible. Let me know. I am going to check the timing marks tomorrow.

 

That actually looks quite nice in there. That's a good sign.

Based off of the oil pressure that you witnessed, it could be that the sensor is faulty.

 

So, I put a multi-meter on the oil sending unit and it shows 0.9 ohms bouncing lower at times. I know it probably should read 0 not sure if that is enough above to be faulty. I need to repair the timing cover leak anyways, so I will work on that. . .could the oil sending unit be kicking the P0021 code? It was the P0022 and P0012 but after replacing the VVT solenoids it switched to P0021.

 

It is independent.

 

What was the outcome of this? I just got this message