Oil Light


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Old 02-22-21, 06:39 AM
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Oil Light

I’ve got an old 2006 Mariner I’m trying to milk another couple of years out of. The oil light seems to come on while idling after about 20 minutes of driving. Goes away when it’s driving. Oil and filter change recently doesn’t seem to have helped too much. Thoughts?
 
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Old 02-22-21, 06:44 AM
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Replace the sensor, if it's still coming on, you have an engine issue.
 
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Old 02-22-21, 07:25 AM
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When did you last check the engine oil level?
 
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Old 02-22-21, 08:42 AM
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How many miles on vehicle?
Sounds like the engine is getting worn out.
Go up a grade in oil viscosity (eg: if the van calls for 5W30 use 10W-30)
Just drive it until it drops - it could still last a long tome
 
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Old 02-22-21, 08:49 AM
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The light is one of 2 things, oil level or oil pressure, or their related sensors!

But if idling that would indicate low oil pressure since the pump is moving minimal volume!

 
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Old 02-22-21, 10:47 AM
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seen engines last quite awhile with low oil pressure only at idle when fully warmed up you would need to hook an oil pressure gauge up and run it till warmed up and see where the oil pressure is at while at idle in gear, if its low would suspect an engine issue usually bearing clearances are the main suspect if you have good oil pressure at 2000 rpm.
If the pressure is good at idle could likely be a bad oil pressure sensor switch.
 
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Old 02-22-21, 05:28 PM
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Thanks for the feedback. I have not checked the oil levels since the oil/filter change a month or so ago. I guess I assumed that it would be OK at that point. The oil light issue seemed to be about the same though... before and after.
The mileage is about 120 K.
The problem also seems to be sensitive to the outside temperature. The light comes on more quickly when it’s really cold. Today, with temperatures in the 50s, it didn’t come on at all. Does that suggest anything?
 
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Old 02-22-21, 05:34 PM
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Check the level. Use heavier oil.
 
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Old 02-22-21, 06:46 PM
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Could be:
oil level
Oil pressure sensor
internal engine wear
Oil pump

I'd put a manual oil pressure gauge on it & see what you get. If its still low, I wouldnt chance it, I'd spend $150 & have a new oil pump put on. Its probably getting worn.... maybe just defective. I dont think 120,000 is old for an engine now days but, some parts just seem to go out sometimes.
 
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Old 02-23-21, 12:58 AM
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good chance its just a bad sensor with that low of miles they do go bad fairly often and usually oil pressure related issues would be about the same or slightly worse in warmer weather.
 
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Old 02-23-21, 06:27 AM
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Your crankshaft bearings are worn out and leaking oil past them. This results in extra time, necessary to build oil pressure in the system. Presuming, you have cam or crank driven oil pump.
If you have belt driven oil pump, belt needs to be at least adjusted.
 
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Old 02-23-21, 11:45 AM
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How long have you owned this vehicle?
 
 

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