Oil light flashes on 2001 Intrepid

[Big Dan58]

Hey everyone,

My `01 Intrepid has the oil light flashes coming on when I am coming to a stop and stays on momentarily when stopped but turns off when driving.

It was a little low (1/2 qt.) on oil so I topped it off and still the same thing. I noticed the oil on the dipstick is pretty thick and a sludgy build up around the oil filler cap.

After reading a little about these beasts, it appears to be a common problem. Can anyone suggest a way to “De-Sludge” the engine without damaging it internally? Maybe an additive of some kind to loosen up the sludge when I change the oil, or maybe several oil changes in a row within a couple of days with something to thin the oil?

I’m afraid that if it continues to go this way, the oil pump won’t pass the oil any more and it may fry the engine.


Thanks,

[greencronic2005]

I read in another forum that is exactly what will happen. You must have a 2.7L engine. A friend of mine said you can go with full synthetic oil and change oil at 1,500 mile intervals to alleviate this problem. This engine is crap and has been known to fry at around 45,000 miles because of this problem.

[indyram]

When was the last time that you changed the oil?

[Big Dan58]

Originally Posted by indyram

When was the last time that you changed the oil?

The oil has been changed every 3K to 4K miles.
I found a place in San Francisco that has an engine flushing machine, (it's called a Bilstein) that removes all of the sludge. The inside of the engine is very clean and the oil is new, but the oil light still comes on after driving for about 20 minutes. What I noticed now is that it only comes on when I'm at idle and the RPM drops down to about 700. Does anyone know what the idle RPM is. Is there some kind of electrical part that regulates the idle that may be going bad, or does it sound like the oil pump may be going out?

[sqeakers]

Big Dan58,
I too share in your misery! I have the same problem with my 2001 intrepid ( 2.7L engine ). It has 122,000 miles and to most mechanics amazement is still on the go...( knock on wood it will continue ). I have also been told about the throw-away theory. I have also been told many things as to how to fix the oil light problem. Of all these things, I was told that the biggest problem is the type of oil filter used. Now I know you are thinking how could this have anything to do with it. I too was skeptical about it at first. But believe it or not paying the extra 4 or 5 bucks for a mopar oil filter from a dealership has actually shown signs of preventing this light from coming on until near the next oil change. Other cheaper filters starve the top of the engine, something about not being a flow-through type (check your manual for this information on page 180-190). It talks of inferior filters causing problems. Also, keep your oil filled close to the max line of the dipstick. This is not guaranteed to work everytime. If it don't work for you, have a mechanic check your oil pressure. Good Luck!

[Peter Zm]

I had the same problem with my 98 Intrepid late last year. I took it in to a mechanic and, after doing an oil pressure test, he diagnosed the problem as being a faulty engine oil pressure switch. Had it replaced, and problem was solved.

[bilhar929]

Interesting on the flickering Oil light- my 99 w/72K mi. just started doing that- I had great fear the engine was about to go- In any case the wife just wrecked the car a couple of hours ago, so I have a good 2.7 for sale and a good Tran- had it Servised with new oil and filter, adjustments and reflash-

[henry34florida]

2001 Intrepid doing exactly the same thing. Oil looks great....No sludge....And car is running great......Just the stupid oil light comes when I stop at a light or stop sign, and goes off when I accelerate. Any updates would be appreciated.

[katana1981]

the problem is very simple.. if pressure is good and the oil level is fine, just change the wire and oil sensor.. thats it.. problem is solve.. I had the problem before on my Intrepid.. since then.. no flickering light

The cost: 24$ approx.

[henry34florida]

Thank you katana! I'll give it a try.

[katana1981]

Originally Posted by henry34florida

Thank you katana! I'll give it a try.

let me know how it work

[wafrederick]

Might have a bad Crankshaft,the 2.7 has a weak bottom end.The 2.7 eats up crankshafts.My father and I put crankshaft kits in the 2.7s most of the time.Change the oil every 3,000 miles,exactly 3,000 miles.That is one of Jasper's warrenties on the 2.7 including keeping the reciepts for the oil changes

[DewG70]

You can add Sea Foam to your crankcase (found at nearly every auto parts store) and run about 50 gal of gas before you change your oil. use about half the bottle. does wonders for sludge build up.