Oil light issues and not starting

Tiny
PACKERGIRL70
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Good morning.

I was wondering if I could ask questions about two issues my car is a SHO.

the oil light comes on and chimes when I have driven for a while, and then either come to a complete stop or slow down to about five mph (as on the freeway). When I get home the engine smells like oil is burning. However, after my mechanic plugged in his computer to diagnose, nothing comes up, no codes, nothing. I have read posts/blogs that it could be something as simple as an IAB sensor, to something as serious a the rods are going out (ugh).

The other issue is that there are times when the car wont start. Battery is fine, the dash lights up, just won't start. Has the push-button ignition on the dash. I have changed the battery in the remote, still has not resolved the issue. There are times when we have had to sit in my car for over twenty five minutes, just waiting, and then finally it will start and I can resume my driving. However again, nothing shows up on a diagnostic. And at $125.00 per visit to the dealer for the diagnostics, this is getting frustrating.

Any ideas or help you can offer?

Thanks much!
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 10:06 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hey Packergirl70,

First lets look at the oil problem, the light comes on and the chime warning because either the level is low or the pressure is low, does it have enough oil in it and have you changed the oil recently and if so did you use a high quality oil? Some of these fast oil change places use the cheapest stuff they can find which the SHO does not like. I suggest using mobil1 and change the oil yourself. If the oil pressure or level gets too low the computer will shut the engine off with no codes present in the computer.

Here is a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Next, when you sat it wont start do you mean it wont crank over or its cranks over and does not start?

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
PACKERGIRL70
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Ken.

I actually did change the oil to a synthetic blend two weeks ago. (Mobil1) plus I added Lucas Oil stabilizer. Could it be any type of sensor, or does this still sound like a pressure/pump issue?

Regarding the starting, the lights in the dash come on, but it wont start/crank over.

Thanks again! :)
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hi PACKERGIRL70,

It sounds like a pressure issue, when this happens there could be sludge in the pan which clogs the oil pick up which could be happening in your engine, the only fix for this is to remove the pan and clean it out.

Does it make any sounds when trying to crank over and is the security light flashing?

Please let me know, Ken
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
PACKERGIRL70
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Ken. Thanks for the info on the oil sensor.
Regarding the starting. It doesn't make any noise. Just all the dash lights come on, and no security symbol came on.
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Hi PACKERGIRL70,

It sounds like it could be the starter, that where I would start first.

Here is a guide that will show you how to test the power trigger, if you are getting power the starter is bad and needs replacement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Let me know what you find

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
PACKERGIRL70
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Ken, thanks much for the info. You were right regarding the starter. :)
Next weekend, we will tackle the oil pressure/sensor issue. Hopefully it's just a sensor. We're going to start with that and see if that resolves the issue.
Merry Christmas!
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Friday, December 9th, 2016 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Sounds good, looking forward to your reply Merry Christmas!
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Saturday, December 10th, 2016 AT 11:25 AM

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