Another answer to the infamous flickering oil light

[ApexButcher]

Took the 06 in for the flickering oil light, figuring the sensor was the problem. Dealer replaced sensor, but no change, so they tore down the front of the motor. They noticed the front cam seal was leaking, so they dug deeper. It turns out the pressure relief spring in the oil pump came out in three pieces, so pressure was low at idle. They put in a new oil pump and replaced my timing belt and water pump because the cam seal leak had saturated the timing belt. Bottom line is new oil pump,cam seal, timing belt and water pump for $50 deductible on extended warranty. Spring itself is probably just a buck or two for those on a budget.

[Chevy Customer Svc]

We're glad to hear that they found the culprit, ApexButcher! Thank you for sharing the findings for other owners!

Sarah (Assisting Jackie)
Chevrolet Customer Care

[milesvinson]

Glad you had the extended warranty!

[Pickles]

What year aveo do you have? Auto or manual?

[avguy]

Very helpful information - thanks for posting it.
How long had the oil light been coming on before it was fixed? Was there no oil dripping from the bottom of the timing belt cover? Had an oil pressure test been done, and if so, what was the pressure reading?
So based on your experience, it looks like anytime the oil light come on at idle (and the oil level is ok), it would be a good idea to pull the top half of the timing belt cover and take a look for any sign of oil inside.

[ApexButcher]

2006, manual tranny. The flicker had just startered, but I had noticed just a couple drops in the driveway after parking, but if I moved it, the driveway would stay clean. My theory is that it would leak slightly while running, slinging oil inside the timing cover. It couldn't have been much, I was only down about a half quart when I change every 5k with Mobil1.
No pressure test done, so no help there.
My last 3 cars, all with extended warranty - 06 CTS got new rings for free, 06 Aveo, new oil pump, timing belt, etc, and an 06 Corvette, new transmission and differential. I guess I'm getting my money out of my warranties.

[Daox]

Thanks for updating us!

[dodge4219]

Thanks! I just replaced my oil pressure switch to no avail. Will replace pump if I can get some kind of extended warranty after the fact.