1996 Buick Regal Low idling?

DGIFFORD88

MEMBER
1996 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Ok, my 1996 buick regal has been having some trouble lately. Everything was fine and then it started having problems when it was idling. When it idles there is a loud knocking sound, the car sligly shakes, and the oil pressure light blinks on and off very rapidly to the point where it is almost just fully on. I know its not an oil level issue because there is plenty of oil in the car since I just recently had that and the oil filter changed. I am throughly confused and my mechanic friend says it was something with the idling speed. Please help.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

If the idle speed is too low, the oil pump will not produce enouigh pressure. Thus, the light comes on. If the pressure is low enough, you will hear a knocking from the bearings which is not a good thing.

Now, the idle should be around 900 RPM's in park. If it is much lower, then there is a cause. Has the check engine light come on? Has your mechanic checked any of the following things:

vacuum leaks
idle air control valve
throttle position sensor

Let me know.
Joe