Oil Level Sensor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine oil level sensor on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil level sensor × 1 — AC Delco 12673134 or equivalent
• Oil level sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• ACDelco dexos1 0W-20 — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands
5. Verify engine oil is at proper level before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the oil level sensor
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the oil level sensor on the driver's side of the oil pan, near the front. The sensor has an electrical connector on top and threads into the oil pan. Position your work light for clear visibility of the sensor and surrounding area.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the top of the oil level sensor. Press down on the connector lock tab and carefully pull the connector straight up and away from the sensor. If the connector is stuck due to dirt or corrosion, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Position the drain pan
   Place an oil drain pan directly beneath the oil level sensor. The sensor holds back a small amount of oil, and approximately 0.5 to 1 quart may drain when the sensor is removed. Ensure the drain pan has adequate capacity and coverage area.
4. 4

   Remove the oil level sensor
   Using an appropriate socket or wrench, loosen the oil level sensor by turning it counterclockwise. Once loosened, quickly unthread the sensor by hand and allow oil to drain into the pan. Keep the sensor upright once removed to minimize spillage. Inspect the sensor threads and sealing area for damage or excessive wear.
   ⚠Work quickly when unthreading the sensor to minimize oil loss
5. 5

   Clean the mounting area
   Using shop towels, clean the sensor mounting hole threads in the oil pan. Remove any old seal residue, dirt, or debris from the threads and sealing surface. Inspect the threads in the oil pan for damage. Ensure the area is completely clean and dry before installing the new sensor.
6. 6

   Prepare the new sensor
   Remove the new oil level sensor from its packaging. Verify that the O-ring seal is properly seated in the sensor groove. If the O-ring was packaged separately, install it onto the sensor ensuring it is not twisted or damaged. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil.
7. 7

   Install the new oil level sensor
   Thread the new oil level sensor into the oil pan by hand, turning it clockwise. Ensure the sensor threads in smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the sensor to the specified torque value. Do not over-tighten as this may damage the sensor or oil pan threads.
   Torque spec

   Oil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the terminals on top of the new sensor. Push the connector down firmly until you hear or feel it click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked. Ensure the wiring is routed away from hot exhaust components and moving parts.
9. 9

   Check and top off engine oil
   Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Remove the engine oil filler cap and add replacement oil to compensate for the amount lost during sensor removal, typically 0.5 to 1 quart. Start with 0.5 quart, then check the dipstick and add more as needed to reach the proper level between the MIN and MAX marks.
10. 10

    Clear diagnostic codes and verify operation
    If the check engine light was illuminated due to oil level sensor fault, use a scan tool to clear any diagnostic trouble codes. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes. Verify that no oil level warning lights appear on the instrument cluster and that the oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked onto the new sensor
2. Verify engine oil level is correct after compensating for oil lost during sensor removal
3. Clean up any spilled oil from underneath the vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no oil leaks around the sensor mounting area
• Check that the oil level warning system is functioning properly with no warning lights
• Inspect underneath the vehicle after a short test drive to confirm no oil seepage from the sensor
• Verify proper oil pressure reading on instrument cluster gauge
• Confirm no diagnostic trouble codes related to the oil level sensor are present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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