The Oil light blinks when I idol after driving for a long period of time (45 min or more) Why?

Question

I really started worrying about this after I got an oil change and was stopped at a red light.... then thee annoying ding ding... and the oil idiot light.I own a 2000 dodge caravan.

Answer 1

first of all, its spelt idle, idol and idle are two different things.

second of all, its probably because your low on oil. which is really bad for your engine. they'll be excess wear and heat, and that greatly decreases fuel economy, and engine life.

so i highly reconmend you taking it into a shop NOW.

a rule of thumb, if a yellow light appears on your dash, it means there's a little problem with your car and that you should take it in to a shop when possible.

but if a red light appears (like an oil light), it means you have to take your car into a shop NOW!

if you wait, you'll spend more money on gas, and if something breaks in your engine, you'll spend even more money.

Answer 2

First, the obvious. Check the oil. If O.K., it could be the oil sending unit. I had a car that at idle, would read jump down to 0 psi, and up and down.  Any strange noises? tapping, knocking, etc? If so, do not drive.

Answer 3

The next time you have the oil changed ask for a 40 weight or a 20/50 oil and add a lucus or another oil treatment to bring up the viscosity. Nothing to worry about just normal wear.You also might have the idle-in-gear checked. You may need the throttle body cleaned and idle set up.Good  luck

Answer 4

low on oil or oil pressure. Both very very bad.

Answer 5

Do check the oil after the vehicle has sat not running for a few minutes. If the level is good you may have a bad oil sensor or wire going to it. Do NOT suddenly change the weight of oil being used. That won't do anything but cause problems. If the oil pressure is genuinely bad using a higher weight oil will help compound the problem. Also, don't waste your money on an oil additive. They don't live up to the claims made.

Answer 6

You were stopped at a red light for 45 minutes????

Honestly who lets their car idle for 45 minutes at a time at $4.00/gallon for gas?