Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Oil idiot light coming on at hot idle?

1999 dodge caravan 3.3l 137000 miles just started 2 days ago the light comes on only while hot and idling in gear at a stoplight or in the FREAKIN construction zone when the interstate is like a parking lot. Changed oil and filter same result. Where is oil sending unit? Is it next to the oil filter on left by lower radiator hose? I will change this before accepting that another major repair is needed on this American made piece of crap NEVER NEVER buy a dodge
Oil idiot light coming on at hot idle?
Some Chrysler cars have a problem with the sending unit wire, if you have a one wire connector, you may need a connector that has two wires, the extra wire lets the atmospheric pressure equalize. I just had a Intrepid that did the same thing as your car.The breather on the one wire connector was clogged with dirt. There is a service bulletin, And I got a new connector wire from my local dealer, it fixed the problem. I don't know if it applies to your car or not, and I don't know what your actual oil pressure is, but if the engine is in good shape and not knocking or making noise, it may fix it. Call your local Dodge dealer and tell them what your car is doing, and ask about a bulletin.
Oil idiot light coming on at hot idle?
I love dodge. MOPAR goes far
go to a oil change place and get them to take the light off
easy now...you got 137k on it and it's still running...so not a piece of crap. most likely your oil sending unit is leaking. It is located next to the oil filter. simply crawl under the car and look at the sending uinit...you will most likely see oil on it. replace it and you will be fine.



Had a eagle vision...same as a dodge intrepid...and it had the same problem...changed the sending unit and fixed the problem.



Look around you and see how many of these vehicles are on the road...then can you really say a piece of crap...you have a good vehicle there...maintain it and it will give you another 137k of service.
well your first problem is

ITS A DODGE



but really

replace oil pressure sending unit with original equipment replacement oil pressure sending unit. When replacing be sure to blow out electrical connection with air gun, add a small bit of di electric grease. PLUG and DUN.



this is a very typical problem

the sending unit is located lower left of oil filter

your also gonna need a special socket

possibly 1 1/8 oil pressure sending unit socket

you can get it at any parts store
Your oil is thinning out at high temp causing a drop in oil pressure. that makes the light come on . Ask yourself why is it getting hot ? yea I know you already did that . Any well maintained cooling system will keep your car running at optimum temp in the worst of conditions. flush the cooling system ,add new anti-freeze , change the thermostat , make sure the timing is accurate( too advanced or retarded will make it run hot) . take a hose and wash the crud out of the radiator core. If you get the temp to stay where its suppose to , the light will leave you alone.
first thing i would do is check the sending unit(it should be right by the oil filter)if its not that then its probably the oil pump.
Are you using the right type of oil for your car as per the makers spec, do not use cheap brands always buy the good stuff.

if the car has a high milage it could bethe engine starting to wear, but if light out during driving and the oil is clean and the right type the ngine may last a few more years.

No comments:

Post a Comment