I have a 2005 Grand Caravan, 3.3L engine. When I start the van for the first time of the day, the oil light comes on and stays on. I will switch the engine off and start it back up and the oil light will go off in a normal manner. After the first start of the day, it will not do it again. I keep my oil & filter changed, the correct level is maintained, and I never rev the motor when starting. (Like my grand dad used to do) I have been doing this routine for about a year but now it time to address the problem. What can it be? Oil pump, oil sending unit? Can the oil pump be changed with out removing the motor?

dude

 

What you may want to do is hook up a pressure gauge and let it sit over night. Start the engine and record ( write down ) the readings. If you are within specs then the problem could be the oil pressure switch.

 

If I find that the oil pump is bad, is that a job that can be done without removing the motor?

 

before you even think about getting into a huge job like replacing the pump, just put a REAL gauge on and see EXACTLY what the oil pressure is!!!

 

Thanks guys. I will try that. I assume that the place to attach a guage is where the sending unit is connected to the motor?

 

Dude, that sure seems to be a safe assumption. Can I assume you need a clearly labeled picture of the location, how to remove it and how to properly tighten it? I you over tighten the sender, there is the potential to crack the block

 

Probably just the pressure switch. the pump is in the front cover, not a bad job.

 

not a bad job? YIKES, that's a wicked job for a novice. speckial crank pulley puller is required. 4.8hr labor time... that indicates a rather involved job.

 

Gives you something to do for a weekend