05 Quad Cab 3.7 4WD

Often, when I stop, my RPM drop to around 500 and the oil pressure light blinks on and off. It pops right back to around 700 in a second or two.

Any ideas on what might be going on?

 

It could be a few things as I have listed below. Does the motor chatter (I hope not) or make noise when it starts doing this? How many miles are on the 3.7? My guess is its either 1., 2., or 6.

OIL PRESSURE DROP
1. Low oil level.

2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit.

3. Low oil pressure.

4. Clogged oil filter.

5. Worn oil pump.

6. Thin or diluted oil.

7. Excessive bearing clearance.

8. Oil pump relief valve stuck.

9. Oil pick up tube loose, damaged or clogged.

 

No motor chatter when it happens. It's always when I stop, and just for the second or two that the RPM drops down to 500 or so.

 

I'm thinking nearly too-low oil level. As the RPMs are up, there is enough oil circulating to keep the pressures up. When RPM drops, the oil pump can't keep up the pressure becuase the pick-up is starved slightly.

Also, if you are using low-quality or very old dino sludge, viscosity modifiers may have broken down, resulting in "thin" oil. At low RPMs and high temp, the oil just can't build up pressure.

 

Yeah then I would change out the oil/filter and fill it up back up with your 5 qts. If it doesnt change the issue, maybe grab a oil pressure guage remove the oil pressure sending unit and check the oil pressure. If they are normal replace the sending unit. The sending unit is located above the oil filter. Normal pressure should be 4psi or greater at idle and between 25-110 psi at/around 3000rpm