LOW OIL LIGHT
- Thread starter 96convertstang
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The gauge you are talking about is the oil pressure gauge and it is basically no more useful than an on/off switch. Either it will register pressure or it won't. If it shows no pressure, then you have problems....
If the oil level is fine on the dipstick, then the problem is most likely the sending unit.
If the oil level is fine on the dipstick, then the problem is most likely the sending unit.
patman0911
Founding Member
the oil pressure guage doesn't tell you anything other than you've got at leas t 6(I think) psi of pressure - your actual oil pressure varies a lot but the gauge just sits in the same spot unless you completely lose pressure.
The low oil light tells you if the level is low in the pan at start up. When you changed your oil, did you put in 5 or 6 quarts? Where is the level on the dipstick?
Were you parked on a hill when the light came on? Did you stop and run in somewhere for just a second while the engine was still cold and the oil didn't have time to run back down to the pan? Those two situations will cause false alarms with the oil level light.
The low oil light tells you if the level is low in the pan at start up. When you changed your oil, did you put in 5 or 6 quarts? Where is the level on the dipstick?
Were you parked on a hill when the light came on? Did you stop and run in somewhere for just a second while the engine was still cold and the oil didn't have time to run back down to the pan? Those two situations will cause false alarms with the oil level light.
Jacob_Royer
Member
- Nov 24, 2007
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Im prety sure my 96 holds 7 quarts! mine low oil light comes on everytime i park on a incline if im low or not! First time i changed my oil i put 5qts in and some in the filter pulled the stick and it wasnt showing at all!! added a quart started it shut it off let it sit checked it and i was on add! 1 more qt and it was on full! 7qts? ohh well i guess if your a quart low its no biggie when you have that much freakin oil..
patman0911
Founding Member
I assume from your uset name we're talking about a 96, right? Have you always put 5qts in with an oil change? My 96 takes 6qts with an oil change which is what the owners manual calls for. Ford has changed their minds several times about what kind and how much oil to put in a 4.6l from 1996 to 2004 and I'm pretty sure my manual does say 5qts on another page but 6qts makes my oil level light happy and puts the level right in the middle of the dipstick.
If you've always put 5qts in and the light's never complained before then the
sender is probably bad.
If you've always put 5qts in and the light's never complained before then the
sender is probably bad.
patman0911
Founding Member
Yeah, put another quart in and see if that takes care of the light. If it doesn't then check the sensor and its wiring.
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