Oil problem

199,000 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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DANNY8909
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  • 6 POSTS
Having trouble with oil, not sure what the problem is. the dipstick does not read the oil level and the light does not come on. any help?
May 1, 2017 at 10:50 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
Oil light is basically a oil pressure gauge, that only reads (turns on) when there is no pressure. Usually by the time it comes on and is noticed, damage may already be happening.

Your vehicle may hold five to six quarts of oil. The dipstick checks "volume". The dipstick may only read the top "two" quarts, if it is down two and a bit, It will not show on the stick. However, you still have three to four quarts below that still able to lubricate and the oil pump can still produce pressure.

The big thing here is to keep it at the proper level on the stick.

Is this what you needed to know?

The Medic
May 1, 2017 at 11:39 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
The oil warning light is for pressure, not level. If you are asking why the oil level does not show on the dip stick, it is because it is low on oil or someone put in the wrong dip stick. You will know for sure right after the next oil change because the correct amount will be in there.
May 1, 2017 at 11:40 AM
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