This happened on starting to work this morning. The gauge, which had ALWAYS pegged on "3" under load, went instead to "2" then back to "3" and then back down, seemingly with no relation to the engine speed (car was also cold). Quickly parked it and took my backup, no time to look at oil level.

A search says such behavior may be the gauge itself or the sending unit...what else does this behavior suggest? No leak or oil smell or other "gross pathology".

Help me Obi Wan 240, you're my only hope!