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DTC codes / GM codes / P1672

P1672 · GMLow Engine Oil Level Lamp Control Circuit

P1672 on a GM vehicle means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an abnormal condition in the control circuit for the low engine oil level lamp, which is the warning light that alerts the driver when the oil level is low. The ECM monitors the circuit for expected voltage behavior and sets this code when the circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage, or when the lamp does not respond as commanded.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGM specific
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaComputer and output circuits

Symptoms you may notice

  • The low engine oil level warning light may stay on continuously even when the oil level is correct.
  • The low engine oil level warning light may never illuminate when the ignition is turned on or when the oil level is actually low.
  • A warning chime or message may appear on the driver information center if equipped.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, and the engine may run normally with no drivability issues.
  • Other dashboard warning lights may be unaffected, but the oil level lamp behavior is the primary clue.
  • In some cases, the oil level sensor signal may be ignored, but the engine oil pressure gauge (if equipped) remains normal.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed oil level lamp bulb or light-emitting diode (LED) in the instrument cluster.
  2. Open or damaged wire in the low oil level lamp control circuit between the ECM and the instrument cluster.
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the oil level sensor, the instrument cluster, or the ECM.
  4. Faulty oil level sensor that is internally shorted or has excessive resistance.
  5. Defective instrument cluster internal circuitry affecting the lamp control.
  6. Water intrusion or rodent damage to the wiring harness in the engine compartment or under the dash.
  7. Rarely, a failed ECM driver for the lamp control circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the oil level is correct with the dipstick and confirm the lamp behavior with the ignition on, engine off, and during a bulb check.
  2. Inspect the oil level sensor connector and the instrument cluster connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damage.
  3. Check the wiring between the ECM and the instrument cluster for continuity, shorts to ground, and shorts to voltage using a digital multimeter (DMM).
  4. Test the oil level sensor according to the factory service information, checking resistance or voltage output as specified.
  5. If the circuit and sensor test good, remove the instrument cluster and test the low oil level lamp bulb or LED directly.
  6. Use a scan tool to command the low oil level lamp on and off to verify the ECM driver and circuit operation.
  7. Repair or replace the faulty component, clear the code, and verify the lamp operates correctly during a test drive and bulb check.

What the oil level lamp circuit really monitors

  • The ECM does not directly measure oil level through this circuit; it only checks that the lamp control wire responds as expected, so a bad bulb or cluster can set the code even when the oil level sensor is fine.
  • A common misdiagnosis is replacing the oil level sensor when the actual fault is a burned-out lamp or a corroded cluster connector, so always test the lamp circuit first.
  • On many GM vehicles, the low oil level lamp shares a ground or power feed with other cluster indicators, so a single bad ground can cause multiple lamp issues and set this code.
  • After an engine replacement or oil pan service, the oil level sensor wiring can be pinched or left disconnected, triggering P1672 without any sensor failure.
  • The code can be set intermittently by a loose instrument cluster connector that loses contact only on rough roads, so wiggle-test the harness while monitoring the lamp.

Can I keep driving with P1672?

This code does not affect engine operation or safety, so you can continue driving, but you will lose the low oil level warning, so check the oil level manually with the dipstick at every fuel stop until the fault is repaired.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for GM vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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