Strange Oil Pressure Problem -- 1999 Dodge RAM 1500

I have a 1999 Dodge RAM 1500 with 5.9L V8.

I started having a strange problem. If, like before a traffic light, I brake to come to stop, _sometimes_ the oil pressure gauge would tilt all the way to the left (zero) and the panel would beep and the CHECK GAGES light would light up.

That lasts under a second and then everything is back to normal.

Is there any known problem that could account for it?

thanks

i
Reply to
Ignoramus24108
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first question i have to ask is, have you checked your oil level?? if its not full add till its to the full mark on the dipstick and take her for a test drive. then monitor the oil level and see if/how fast it drops again. you may have a oil leak or oil consumption issue or may not depends on how often you check your fluid levels and change oil.

Reply to
Christopher Thompson

thanks, will check that tonight, and will change oil also.

i
Reply to
Ignoramus24108

I have a '98 Durango with a 5.2L V8. Mine had a very common (so I discovered) problem where the oil pickup screen accumulates carbon. My gauge would be indicating optimum pressure then dive to zero with no warning. At first I thought it was electrical within the gauge or sending unit until I heard the ticking from my lifters. I suffered with this for many months by turning the engine and recranking it while coasting.

The fix finally came when I changed the oil. I refilled it with 1/2 oil and

1/2 diesel fuel and let it run for about 15 minutes. At that time the lifter clacking started and I shut it off. I then drained and refilled with normal oil and a new filter. No problem since.

If you're just low on oil, shame on you for not checking it before posting your question. If your oil is OK, try the above procedure and let me know how you make out.

Reply to
Fred Aston

It is more varnish and VI than anything and it is also a sign that either your oil brand is not doing its job or you are leaving in in there too long because if it does its job and your change it often this will never happen because the oil will keep the comtaminates in suspension until you change it. THese deposits happen when oil is full or ineffective as suspending them.

----------------- The SnoMan

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Reply to
SnoMan

Reply to
Big Al

On my 92, the oil pressure sender went nuts. Showed very low oil pressure at idle and the "Oil" lamp would flicker. Hooked up a mechanical gauge and all was well. Changed the sender, oil pressure is fine. But now the sender fails every year. It leaks oil out of the top where the connector attaches. Not good if you have a stick shift truck as the oil runs down the back of the engine and gets on the clutch. I'm on my fourth sender now:(

Al

Reply to
Big Al

I'm quite certain that was my problem SnoMan. I bought the vehicle used a couple of years ago and tried changing the oil a couple of times trying to fix it. The varnish of course would not drain with the old oil. Since it was used, no telling what the maintenance habits were of the previous owner. Mine are very religious with Castol GTX. What oil do you use? I've tried many others in other cars and found the Castrol to hold up the best.

Reply to
Fred Aston

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