As I was driving tonight, my check engine light came on. About 5 minutes later, the oil pressure started dropping a good bit. It usually hovers at just below 3/4's of the way up to the top of the gauge, and it dipped to between 1/4 and 1/3 of the way from the bottom. The temperature gauge never wavered, and the engine seemed to run fine, but I am pretty concerned. Earlier today, I checked the oil, and added a quart and a half before I hit the spot in between the low and high mark, don't know how it got so low. I checked again after this happened when pulled in the garage, and the oil level was exactly at the "full" mark. Has anyone else encountered something like this? Any help is very appreciated!
Big drop in oil pressure/check engine light
- Thread starter Randomguy
- Start date
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pull the code and go from there.
R
robbie
Guest
So what is your oil pressure doing now? Several things could happen, but more detials would help. The engine code, now many miles on currant oil change and filter, Type of oil and filter, what and when was your last service?
The oil level is a thing that need to be a consistant type of check. For example, I only check my oil level when I get fuel (except when I fill it at a oil change, i always top off after I warm the engine). If you check it at different situations you may get different reading. Any how sudden drop in oil pressure is not good, you want to check this out before you press the truck hard. later robbie
The oil level is a thing that need to be a consistant type of check. For example, I only check my oil level when I get fuel (except when I fill it at a oil change, i always top off after I warm the engine). If you check it at different situations you may get different reading. Any how sudden drop in oil pressure is not good, you want to check this out before you press the truck hard. later robbie
- Thread starter
- #4
The oil pressure was doing better today on the drive in to work, but it would drop at idle and ramp back up while driving.
I am about ready for an oil change, having gone about 4,000 miles on regular 10W-40 or 5W-30, I can't remember what I used last. I don't have an instrument to read the engine code, sorry I can't supply that information right now. How much does a tool like that go for?
I am about ready for an oil change, having gone about 4,000 miles on regular 10W-40 or 5W-30, I can't remember what I used last. I don't have an instrument to read the engine code, sorry I can't supply that information right now. How much does a tool like that go for?
I believe the tools are $150+ but Auto Zone will read it for free if you have that neer you.l
>> It usually hovers at just below 3/4's of the way up to the top <<
>> of the gauge, and it dipped to between 1/4 and 1/3 of the way <<
>> from the bottom. <<
Dennis,
The oil pressure gauge will vary quite a bit depending on RPM's. You didn't mention if the driving was at a constant speed or not. Your oil level light will illuminate around 1.5 qts low. (Depends on angle of the vehicle too.)
Like Rick said, pull the code first.
-B-
>> of the gauge, and it dipped to between 1/4 and 1/3 of the way <<
>> from the bottom. <<
Dennis,
The oil pressure gauge will vary quite a bit depending on RPM's. You didn't mention if the driving was at a constant speed or not. Your oil level light will illuminate around 1.5 qts low. (Depends on angle of the vehicle too.)
Like Rick said, pull the code first.
-B-
- Thread starter
- #7
I am looking up addresses for the local Autozone stores, I will pull the information and post the results. Thanks!
You can check the code by placing a paper clip in the diagnostic plug Get a FSM and it will be money beter spent than a code reader from the parts store. I can't recall which slots to put the clip in but when you do the engine light will blink telling you what number the code is. As I mentioned, get the manual and it is all in there. If you want I will look in mine tonight and let you know which slots to put it in and then you can read the code.
His '95 is probably OBD-II. Hence the need for a code reader.
- Thread starter
- #11
Well, I stopped at Autozone and did a quick scan. The only error code was "P0401 - EGR insufficient flow". Anyone know the implications/quick fix for this?
I am not as worried about the oil pressure readings after talking to CD. Everything was in the normal range when driving and idling today, just different from what I am used to, and I did put in a bunch of oil with a slightly different viscosity. I will keep an eye on that, though.
I am not as worried about the oil pressure readings after talking to CD. Everything was in the normal range when driving and idling today, just different from what I am used to, and I did put in a bunch of oil with a slightly different viscosity. I will keep an eye on that, though.
Check the FAQ in this section. Good info on the P0401.
Randomguy said:
Implication = it's broke
Quick fix = replace evrything
I know it sounds like a smart ass answer but do a search.
- Thread starter
- #14
Actually, I started doing a search after I posted a minute or two ago, good advice.
Thanks!
Thanks!
semlin
curmudgeon
i would think your oil pressure has always done what it is doing now. depending on rpm it will vary between the top and middle gauge lines except that once the engine is good and hot the pressure may be a little lower than the middle indicator when at idle. viscosity might change the range a little i guess. BTW if you were down 1.5 quarts when was the last time you changed the oil?
- Thread starter
- #16
I am due, it was about 4,000 miles ago.
>> The only error code was "P0401 - EGR insufficient flow"
>> Anyone know the implications/quick fix for this?
Never heard of this one.
-B-
>> Anyone know the implications/quick fix for this?
Never heard of this one.
-B-
