[Chellby]

Just like the title says. 2 weeks ago my oil light (i believe is a oil pressure light?) Flickered when I was stopping at a light, so I went to get an oil change since it was past due.

It was fine for a week and a half and now it flickers when slowing down and turns on completely when stopped. Then shuts off when I speed up/rev the engine. But only when the car warms up. ~ 10 minutes into driving.

I've done some research, and seen it could be the unit faulty, or even the oil pump. D:

I will take it to a shop...eventually.

It's a 2000 Focus SE (single overhead cam engine) with ~182k miles.

 

[amc49]

Oil pumps cannot selectively wear themselves out without the rest of the engine wearing as well, although many wish that.

You will take it to a shop faster than 'eventually' if that keeps up..................was the oil level low at the change? If so then leaking and that has not stopped. But your description seems to point to worn engine. The light coming on once oil hot is it. Possibly a bad oil sensing unit.

 

[Chellby]

Oil pumps cannot selectively wear themselves out without the rest of the engine wearing as well, although many wish that.

You will take it to a shop faster than 'eventually' if that keeps up..................was the oil level low at the change? If so then leaking and that has not stopped. But your description seems to point to worn engine. The light coming on once oil hot is it. Possibly a bad oil sensing unit.

Thanks for the response. I know I have to take it in as soon as possible, but first I need to figure out if it's worth fixing.

Weirdly, it didn't turn on at all this morning when I was driving home from work. Same conditions. Cold, and I even drove longer today. It never turned on, and I checked my oil level to be sure, and it's still full.

Sucks, but I'm hoping it's an easy fix. :I

 

[ddavidv]

Replace the sending unit first; cheap and will remove one question from the discussion. If that doesn't fix it, you've got a worn engine with loose tolerances. Engine replacement will cost more than a 2000 Focus is worth.

 

[freemind]

Replace the sending unit. If that doesn't fix it get/or have a shop check the oil pressure by way of putting a gauge on it.

I just replaced my engine due to the oil pump slowly going out and the engine seizing up. I am very glad that I replaced it. I have put a good amount of mods and labour into my car over the last 5 yrs.

So unless you have a couple of grand in savings and great credit, start looking into putting a new(rebuilt)engine in it. If you listen to others, you will have a new car payment+interest on a car that you know nothing about. Do what is most sensible for you.

 

[freemind]

BTW, I have a total of $2,078.00 in the new engine and installation, fluids, etc.

 

[Mandroid]

What engine is this btw? SOHC SPI? or DOHC Zetec?



Engine is worn and most likely needs replacement/rebuild. The zetec will cost more either way. But the SPI will be almost impossible to find in good running condition.

 

[Chellby]

Replace the sending unit first; cheap and will remove one question from the discussion. If that doesn't fix it, you've got a worn engine with loose tolerances. Engine replacement will cost more than a 2000 Focus is worth.

Thanks. Is this something that I (someone who has little to no tools, and no nothing about cars but done some work on it) can do myself or should I go to a shop and get it done?

Replace the sending unit. If that doesn't fix it get/or have a shop check the oil pressure by way of putting a gauge on it.

I just replaced my engine due to the oil pump slowly going out and the engine seizing up. I am very glad that I replaced it. I have put a good amount of mods and labour into my car over the last 5 yrs.

So unless you have a couple of grand in savings and great credit, start looking into putting a new(rebuilt)engine in it. If you listen to others, you will have a new car payment+interest on a car that you know nothing about. Do what is most sensible for you.

Well, my fiance and I were planning on getting a new car in 2015 because the age of the car, and I've put about $2k in it the past few years because the previous owner did not take care of it.

What engine is this btw? SOHC SPI? or DOHC Zetec?



Engine is worn and most likely needs replacement/rebuild. The zetec will cost more either way. But the SPI will be almost impossible to find in good running condition.

I posted it in the main post, but unfortunately, it is the SOHC SPI engine, which of course would not be widely used.
I'm hoping it's just the unit and not the engine.


Thank you all for the responses. Like I've said. I'm hoping it's just the faulty unit since it's not happening everytime I drive.

 

[Mandroid]

If its not every time you drive I would replace the pump first. The bottom end on these motors are known for going above 300k miles on the escorts.

 

[amc49]

Could be a freak happening like a bit of trash stuck in the pump bypass............

 

[Mandroid]

Could be a freak happening like a bit of trash stuck in the pump bypass............

Exactly, we as mechanics know about freak happenings lol

 

[Chellby]

Thank you all for the responses.

So even though I have done nothing, the light has yet to turn on, or even flicker. Which is a relief for me. I've driven more than the first time and still nothing. Yay!

Let's hope it was just a freak happening and the car won't cause issues until mid-2015, when we had planned on trading the car in (for little money...) and get a newer car.

 

[amc49]

If simply that bypass, may well go back to working fine you never know..............often an indicator of dirty oil.

 

[sailor]

Low idle/almost stalling can bring on an oil light as well, just another possibility for an indication that went away again.

 

[Chellby]

Well, it started flickering today. It is possible that it is from a low idle because it does 'shudder' randomly when the light flickers.

 

[FocusKnot]

Well, it started flickering today. It is possible that it is from a low idle because it does 'shudder' randomly when the light flickers.

A common cause of low idle and shuddering at a stop is a split PCV hose, so check it out. There are other causes, but easy to check PCV hose first.