I have a 2004 Ford Escape Limited V6 3.0 165,000 miles i have a small oil leak - but constantly check the levels and fill as needed - oil pressure light comes on intemittently - any ideas why

Asked by Lupus_Kills Jan 12, 2017 at 09:52 PM about the 2004 Ford Escape Limited AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I'm the original owner - have always maintained my oil changes as I know
that not changing the oil or running the car low on oil is one of the worst
things you can do to the car - I have had an oil leak for some time now - it's
not a bad leak and I constantly check the oil level and fill as needed - as
you know finding where the oil is leaking from is a chore in itself and costly-
I am on disability and can't afford to fix the problem right now - the oil
pressure light on the dash comes on intermittently (oil level is full when this
happens) any idea what could be wrong - not sure this is related but I've
also been smelling an intermittent burning smell when I run the heater - it's
coming from the vent - my ex is a mechanic and suggested that the smell
could be the oil leak hitting the exhaust thus causing the fumes (he has not
physically inspected the car) - the smell is not prevalent every time I use
the heat- as I said it's intermittent - I've put close to $1,500 in repairs on
various other issues since June - I cannot afford a new car not can I afford
another major repair - HELP please - any ideas?

5 Answers

223,905

I would put a oil seal softener in the oil. This will help slow down the leak or even fix it for a while. Just go to you local parts store and ask them what to put in. It is possible the burning smell is oil burning off. Also have someone snug up the valve cover bolts. All this aut to help very cheaply.

10

had the same problem, replaced the oil pressure switch. fixed the leak and the light problem.

1 people found this helpful.

Thanks for the info. I also have a 2004 escape with the same oil leak problem. I'm heading to the auto parts store.

20

You might want to replace your front crankcase seal. Not too tough a DIY project.

20

One of the cooler products I've ever used is called Tracer line dyes. Add it to your oil and drive a bit. In a dark place use a UV light to find where it's leaking from.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Escape

Looking for a Used Escape in your area?

CarGurus has 4,594 nationwide Escape listings starting at $1,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bratts
    Reputation
    4,470
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,000
  • #3
    KenF
    Reputation
    3,750
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Explorer
86 Great Deals out of 2,065 listings starting at $2,999
Used Toyota RAV4
108 Great Deals out of 2,083 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda CR-V
103 Great Deals out of 3,896 listings starting at $1,795
Used Chevrolet Equinox
81 Great Deals out of 2,797 listings starting at $4,499
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Escape Hybrid
7 Great Deals out of 759 listings starting at $5,990
Used Hyundai Tucson
98 Great Deals out of 2,246 listings starting at $3,990
Used Ford Focus
23 Great Deals out of 487 listings starting at $2,250
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.