Oil pressure
I have a 2014 jeep Cherokee laredo with a little
under 100k miles. The engine light recently came
on and I checked the oil.. I've only driven as little
over 3,000 miles since the last oil change. It was a
little low so added a little over a quart. But now the
oil pressure gauge is going to the 20s when idle
and all over the place while driving. What could be
the problem?
A couple things to keep in mind. Some engines take six quarts of oil for an oil change and many shops put in a maximum of five and don't say anything. So the low reading may not be the engine's fault. It was returned to you low and that can cause a low pressure reading at times. Also, they have to put in the correct viscosity (thickness) of oil. Your manual and oil fill cap should indicate something like "5w/30" grade oil. Also, when an engine warms up, it is normal for the pressure readings to drop a little because hot oil thins out a little and will not make a lot of pressure. Also, the oil pressure rises and drops with engine speed. This normal. You're a smart gal to be aware of these things and to ask questions. If you are still uncertain, have your mechanic drive it a little and see what he thinks about the gauge fluctuations. It's probably nothing wrong with a Jeep this new. Good Luck
Thank you! But now I have another problem! I was checking my fluids and the anti freeze was dark and smelled like oil!!! I brought it to my Dad hes not a mechanic but he knows enough... and he confirmed there is oil in n the back up container.. does this mean I could have a gasket problem already!?!? I havnt even had this car a year yet! I'm hoping it was a mistake that someone just put it in the wrong spot and hasnt gotten to the engine but how would I know for sure? We are currently trying to take it off and clean it out.
If the oil looks relatively clean, I would say someone put new oil in there by mistake. If the oil looks dirty, then it might be a head gasket problem. This particular engine does not have a reputation of having leaky head gaskets so I would not worry. Now what you and your Dad should do is open the radiator cap and look into the actual radiator for evidence of oil. If there is NO oil in the radiator, then the engine is okay. I am glad your Dad helps you.
Did you add oil to the coolant overflow tank? I think you did...
No.. I know better then that. The problem has been resolved. Thanks tho
