Oil warning light on?

Tiny
GMASTRUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE DAYTONA
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Oil warning light on when I started it cold restarted, and it didn't one on. What might cause this?
Friday, January 5th, 2024 AT 8:11 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

This could be a few things. First, is the engine oil clean and full? If it is low, this can happen. Next, you could have a faulty oil pressure switch.

When the light was on, did you hear any odd sounds from the engine that may indicate there was no or low pressure? Take a look through this link. It discusses different sounds that may be heard.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, January 6th, 2024 AT 12:14 AM
Tiny
GMASTRUCK
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  • 3 POSTS
Hi Joe,

The oil is full, and fairly clean. No odd sounds or noises. My husband thinks you nailed it with a faulty oil pressure switch. He is a shade tree mechanic for our vehicles but this one had him stumped. Any further advice you have is appreciated as he has no experience with this problem.
Thank you!
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Saturday, January 6th, 2024 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The oil pressure-sending unit is right beside the oil filter. Tell him to disconnect it to see if there is evidence of oil in the connector. Often, they will start leaking into the connector. That allows enough pressure to be lost during idle and turn the light on.

I attached directions below for replacing it.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 6th, 2024 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for the advice! He checked it and there was a little oil and he said it looked like the wire was bad. Your advice was spot on! Thanks again!

Tara
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Thursday, January 11th, 2024 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Tara,

Thank you for the update and you are very welcome. This is an easy fix. Chances are the wiring at the connector is wet with oil, but if he cleans the oil off it, it should be fine, unless he sees something different.

You would be surprised how many times (over the years) people came to me with the same problem. This was usually after they were told the engine needed to be replaced. The repair usually went from around $4,000.00 for an engine to under $75.00. LOL

Regardless, the 4.7L is an excellent engine when maintained. If you keep the oil and filters clean, it has a long life ahead of it.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, January 11th, 2024 AT 8:06 PM

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