Nick wrote:
> New to the message group. I have a 99 Cirrus LXi with about 95,000
> miles. The other day I noticed the oil pressure light flicker on
> while idling at lights and then go out when I accelerate. I checked
> the oil and it is a good level. I am going to be changing the oil
> this weekend I believe and see if that corrects that problem. The
> reason I am posting today is more because of my drive to work this
> morning. While driving I would hear a swooshing noise (almost like
> hissing) and the power drops and I feel the car slow down slightly
> while the noise is there. It came and went intermittently the entire
> way in (an hour drive). Once I got to the parking garage at work, it
> went from a hissing type sound to an actual grind-like noise while
> driving slower up the ramps in the garage. It would lose power and
> almost stall out. I got to my parking level and left car idling while
> looking and listening under the car. It did lose power and the grind
> noise happened once and then stopped. I also noticed what I think is
> the oil filter had drops of oil on the bottom of it. Not sure what
> would cause that or if it is related to the noise or something
> completely different (hopefully not). I had to get into work so I
> turned the car off and am now looking for advice on what to look for
> or do. With some guidance on what to look for I am fairly good at
> doing the work but have problems identifying the problems themselves.
> Thanks for any help you may be able to give.

I would suggest a vaccum leak, and that your low oil pressure light is
simply because the idle is low due to the vauum leak - nothing wrong
with the oil pressure. The oil filter leaking is probably just that -
the oil filter leaking - not related to the light.

How long since your last oil/filter change? You say you will change
your oil this week end. Great. Before you loosen the filter, try
tightening it a little to see if it is simply loose, which would explain
the dripping (or perhaps there is a leak higher up that is making its
way down).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')