Oil Presssure Light - READ ONLY

10 messages, Last post on Nov 01, 2003 at 1:19 PM

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#1 of 10 Oil Presssure Light by buyer777 Oct 26, 2003 (2:04 pm)
Recently had an oil change at the dealer, 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 3.5L engine, 75,000 miles. Oil light comes on only in idle situations, long traffic lights or bumper to bumper traffic. came ona few weeks ago and I checked oil level and it seemed a little low. I added oil. Just happened again, but oil level seems to be in proper range. Light goes out once normal driving resumes. Thoughts?? thanks.
#2 of 10 Light by ray80 Oct 27, 2003 (4:34 am)
Hopefully it is just the oil sender switch, maybe gummed up a bit and only working when RPM's are up
#3 of 10 Maybe he used a much lighter oil than before by opera_house_wk Oct 27, 2003 (5:22 am)
I wouldn't think you would be having bearing problems this early but you might. I have an 89 Jeep that will give the flashing light at idle if you don't use 20W-50 oil. Oil light normally comes on when pressure drops below 5#. If it stays on for long periods of time and it bothers you, add some oil fortifier to thicken the oil till next oil change. Next time you change the oil, specify 10W-40.
#4 of 10 I'd change the oil pressure sender on spec in this case by swschrad Oct 27, 2003 (12:48 pm)
because they're cheap and subject to all sorts of ills and failures because of it, and if the problem continues, you need a pressure test from a mechanic. heavier oil could buy you time if the verdict was "your engine's dying fast at the crank bearings," but low/no oil pressure at idle is borderline ugly, with truly ugly sure to follow. best to shotgun the sensor before getting all worked up, though. heart attacks from panic and worry are even more expensive.
#5 of 10 Update to Oil Light by buyer777 Oct 28, 2003 (8:46 am)
Mechanic did a pressure check, running at about 16#..he says light comes on at 18#. Recommended a newer switch and change to heavier synthetic oil. Comments?? thanks for all responses so far!!
#6 of 10 surprised the new pressure sender wasn't just installed by swschrad Oct 28, 2003 (12:12 pm)
but 16 psi should protect you. put in the pressure sender anyway if it hasn't been done, follow the recommendations, do not hesitate to have the oil galleries pressure-tested at once if the light comes on again with the new sensor a few months or years down the road. I had an older car once that would flicker the oil light on a cool, humid day when idle was a little marginal. but I installed a manual gauge in the dash, and pressure never dropped below 10 pounds, 8 being the "magic number" in the shop manual. I would say a flicker in the light at idle is something to watch, but not get wild about. a solid bright light is another matter, and if it doesn't go away as soon as you tickle the gas above idle, consider shutting it off and calling for a ride. or start pricing short blocks and/or junkyard engines, and start getting ready.
#7 of 10 Re: Oil Presssure Light by dustyk Oct 30, 2003 (5:16 pm)
Replace the oil pressure sending unit. I would not recommend changing oil viscosity, however. Sixteen pounds at idle is actually pretty good and well within the normal range for that engine with that kind of mileage. I believe you will find that 5W-30 is recommended. Best regards, Dusty
#8 of 10 No Synth! by jgmilberg Oct 31, 2003 (10:49 am)
I would go to a 10W 40 oil. DO NOT change to synth unless you currently run synthetic oil. The synthetic oil will wash out all the false bearing surfaces and will also wash out all the oil build up around the oil seals. Eventually if you run synth you will end up with oil leaks up the wazoo, that's for sure. I did it and 3 other friends did the same when we bought used cars and we all ended up with leaks and one of them ended up with a rod knock 79,000 miles. Just a word of advise we did the research after the fact. Synth is great if you switch to it after engine brake in and run it the life of the car, it's not good to switch to this late in the engine's life. Change the sender and see what happens. If it still comes on change to a slightly thicker oil. 5W 30 is factory try 10W 30 next.
#9 of 10 Yikes--Synth in already! by buyer777 Oct 31, 2003 (2:57 pm)
Well, the mechanic already put the synth in...should I change it out immediately?
#10 of 10 Buyer777 by dustyk Nov 01, 2003 (1:19 pm)
It's up to you but there is no reason to believe that synthetic motor oil will perform any differently than petroleum-based oils. synthetics are compatible with all internal gasket and seal materials. Regards, Dusty

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