1999 Ford Escort Oil light keeps coming on.

GOODOLJC

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT

Engine Performance problem
1999 Ford Escort 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I recently changed the oil in the car and afterwards the check oil light came on.I tried checking the bolts, the oil cap, and the dip stick. Thinking it might be one of those things not properly secured. Fortunately enough everything was fine there.

I just can't figure the light problem out and it has plenty of oil in it.

2 Replies

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

TEST K: IMPROPER OIL PRESSURE WARNING OPERATION

Sedan & Wagon
Using mechanical gauge at pressure sensor port, test engine oil pressure. Pressure should be 35-65 psi (2.4-4.5 kg/cm2 ) at 2000 RPM (hot). If oil pressure is as specified, go to next step. If oil pressure is not as specified, repair engine as necessary.
Disconnect oil pressure switch connector C119. Measure resistance between terminal of oil pressure switch and ground with engine off, and then with engine running. Resistance with engine running should be more than 10 k/ohms. Resistance with engine off should be less than 5 ohms. If resistances are as specified, go to next step. If resistances are not as specified, replace oil pressure switch.
Turn ignition off. Remove instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove low oil pressure warning light bulb. Check continuity between terminals of bulb. If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, replace low oil pressure warning light bulb.
Disconnect instrument cluster connector C253. See Fig. 7 or Fig. 8 . Disconnect oil pressure switch connector C119. Measure resistance between instrument cluster harness connector C253 terminal No. 4 (Yellow/Red wire) and oil pressure switch connector. Resistance should be less than 5 ohms.
Measure resistance between ground and instrument cluster harness connector C253 terminal No. 4 (Yellow/Red wire). Resistance should be more than 10 k/ohms. If resistance in steps 4) and 5) is as specified, replace printed circuit and gauge contact clips. See PRINTED CIRCUIT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If resistance is not as specified, repair open or short to ground in Yellow/Red wire between instrument cluster connector and oil pressure switch connector. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, March 6th, 2009 AT 7:11 PM

STEVE AZCBA

MEMBER
1 POST

Thanks for the answer Dave H, it's help me understand a little more about the problems with my oil light being on also. The funny thing is with mine, when idling or in neutral. When I revup engine a little, the light goes off. But still stays on when I'm in gear and going at any steady speed. It just came on yesterday, and will try to let someone look at it tomorrow. Still runs fine, has plenty of clean oil. But was afraid it might be oil pump or something and afraid to drive to much until checked. There seems to be oil spirting in the upper oil case when looking inside where you put the oil in. And no knocking so far. It's a 1999 model with 170,000 miles, bad hail damage and minor body damage. So guessing resale value would be $700 max. But have always maintained and kept good care of engine. So hoping to 20,000-40,000 more miles out of it.

Anyhow, You quoted:( oil pressure is not as specified), repair engine as necessary.

So was wondering what could possible not specified or low oil pressure be caused from, even if car still runs fine and doesn't smoke at all or burn all. Could it possibly be oil pump, oil leaks, etc.
Thanks.

Update:Good News! Oil pressure is fine, seems to be just a short in the wiring or oil pressure switch is going out. Will check that next.

Thanks again Dave H, your answer(with very detailed info) to other person with same problem. Helped me a lot with the same problem I was having also.I'd tried to give you feedback and 100 points, but wouldn't let me being I have none. Lol
Thanks again, Steve

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 AT 12:19 AM