Blinking oil light

2013 FORD ESCAPE
130,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MAMASAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My oil light is blinking randomly.
I have checked it while the engine is cold, hot turned on and off. The oil level perfect. What would cause the light to blink for a few minutes then stop?
The manual is useless in diagnosing issues.
I know it is time for an oil change. I am a little over due contributed to long work hours but it is only maybe five hundred miles over. I am planning to take it in but was hoping I could wait another week or so when tax season is not so crazy. Do I have time or should I rush to get it in for service?
Mar 7, 2018 at 9:43 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
Well, the oil light I believe has to do with oil pressure not the oil level, but if the oil level was low enough it would also lose oil pressure cause the oil pump would have no oil to pickup.
I think the problem may be with either the oil pump and any pressure relief valve, or the oil pressure gauge and/or wiring. What I would do is with the engine idling, wiggle the wire plug at the oil pressure switch and see if the light does flicker off and on, so you may need a helper.
Then next if it does not is to check the actual oil pressure with a gauge and see if the pressure is truly fluctuating. If so, the problem is most likely with the oil pump. It could also be a failing oil pressure sensor/sender.
Mar 7, 2018 at 2:17 PM
Avatar
RENEE L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi MAMASAM,

I am sending you a link to an informative article from this site that contains written step by step instructions and pictures on how to check the oil pressure yourself.

If you need any further help please come back to 2CarPros as we are always happy to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
Mar 8, 2018 at 11:48 AM
Advertisement