The oil level sensor and cable are close to the drain plug and filter. Perhaps the connector got bumped and is loose.

 

What viscosity oil did you use? It almost sounds like someone used a very high viscosity multi-weight oil (e.g. 20W-50), or a high viscosity single viscosity oil (e.g. 30).

The low oil light is a bit complicated. Per the factory manual (96, but let's assume 97 is the same):

-The low oil module checks for a low oil condition 32 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to off, if the previous ignition cycle was less than 12 minutes

-If the previous ignition cycle was longer than 12 minutes, the low oil module checks for a lov oil condition 3 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to off.

What this means is that the checking procedure allows time for the oil to drain fully back into the pan when the engine is shut off, and then checks the level. If you are using a very heavy oil, or it is not getting warmed up at all, the level switch is reading a low level while the engine is shut off. Then when you turn the engine on, you get the low level indication.

-When the low oil module loses the ground through the oil level switch (oil level switch open indicating low level) the low oil module grounds the "LOW OIL" indicator for the duration of the next ignition cycle.

In effect, the oil is not where is should be a certain number of minutes the engine is shut off, so the next time you run the engine, the "LOW OIL" light will stay on until you turn the engine off. Then it checks again after you shut it off, and the oil has been hot enough/thin enough to drain back into the pan fully before the next start.

 

Conventional 5w-30 is what the shop did I'm a very big guy so I don't fit under the car LOL. I will call the shop and have them make sure the connection did not get bumped or broken. I had a feeling it would be a sensor or something but just figured I would ask the pros on fbn

Thanks guys

 

On another note my car is having oil pressure jumps from about a needle s with above the 20 mark to 60 if I'm on it or 50 driving normal is the normal?

 

Oil pressure varies directly with RPM. 20-30 at idle (550/650 RPM), 30-40 as RPM increases in the 2,000-4,000 RPM range, 50-60psi at redline - 5,800 RPM.

 

Oil level sensor was unplugged. I got it plugged back in and the light has not came back on.
Thanks both of you for the help!

PS: the image above for the oil level sensor was incorrect for my 97' T/A but did help some since wires were the same just different location.

 

PS: the image above for the oil level sensor was incorrect for my 97' T/A but did help some since wires were the same just different location.

How strange. GM parts manual shows the 95 Z28 and your car having the same exact oil pan. Perhaps one is not original?

 

As Gary noted, all LT1 oil pans and sensors are identical 1993-1997. I have never had anyone challenge Rob/Shoebox's photo in the 14 years that I've been posting it as a reference. I've also spent a lot of time under my buddy's 1997 LT1 Camaro and it was identical to my 1994 with respect to the oil pan and the oil level sensor.

it would seem like your 1997 must have an aftermarket pan.

 

Or it just dint look correct since the pic above was a clean and clear image and my cars under body is completely covered with oil.
It just seemed like it was further forward and at a different angle.