You are here:

Chrysler Repair/oil light flickering at idle

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/30/2011


Question
why does oil light flicker at 700rpm ??  We have changed oil, and filter, with known brand filter, not a cheap one. Had lucas brand oil additive, installed new oil pressure switch, checked oil pressure with mechanical gauge, had 70 psi at cold, let car run 1 hr. on lift, dropped down to 15psi at idle reved car up to2500 rpm had 70psi oil pressure. what do you think is wrong??is it ok to run this way??? car has 70,000 happened after oil changed we think.

Answer
Hi Lorraine,
The spec for minimum oil pressure is 5 psi on most vehicles, and the idle speed is usually a bit higher but then you didn't specify which engine you have. I would not be concerned about a 'flicker' given that you have measured it to be 15 psi at hot idle and the light flickering. About all I can suggest is to try one more new pressure switch; or you could raise the oil weight one step when you next change it, or don't use the Lucas additive either of which would raise the idle pressure slightly and thus turn off the light at idle without having to buy another switch. In any case, I see no problem with your engine based upon the readings of pressure that have been taken.
Roland  

Chrysler Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.