Why does oil light constantly blink?

CTJRKS2005

MEMBER
2000 DODGE NEON
143,000 MILES

There is appropriate amount of oil in car. Also, why does needle go up to hot in a matter of about minutes.

I keep checking the oil and the required amount is in there. When the needle goes up to h or hot I stop and pull over.

When it cools down, the antifreeze is checked and the appropriate amount is in there also. Don't know what to do

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

First, it shouldn't be driving the car if it always overheats. That needs taken care of ASAP. As far as the oil light, it may be indicating low oil pressure. Is there any knocking or ticking when it is on? Have you checked the sending unit to make sure it is good?

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Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 AT 9:16 PM

CTJRKS2005

MEMBER
2 POSTS

That's just it, it never overheats the needle just goes to h. I would never continue to drive a car if it always overheated. As far as the oil light, how do I check for low oil pressure. There is no knocking or ticking when it is on. And how do I check the sending unit to make sure it's good. Thanks.

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Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 AT 9:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

The easiest way to check oil pressure is to rent a mechanical gauge from a parts store. Then, remove you oil sending unit and install the mechanical gauge. It will give you a proper pressure reading.

NOTE: If you don't hear knocking or ticking, the oil pressure is most likely okay. If the temp gauge says you are overheating but you are not, chances are the temp sending unit is bad.

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Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 AT 9:38 PM

RRV

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Firstly, I am not an expert just sharing my experience.

Engine heating is mainly because of inefficient of improper cooling system (most often). Check the radiator fluid levels. If its low, top it up and wait for an hour or to see if there is any leaks on the floor where the car is parked. If yes then you have to find the source of the leak and fix it.

Hope this helps.

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