Oil Light Meaning?

[bbbc3]

I know this is a silly question but what is the meaning of the oil light on the dash? Is it for low oil level or low oil pressure?

 

[fastpakr]

I don't remember the 2.8 having an oil level light. Almost certainly pressure.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Check your manual to be sure, it could go either way depending on how your truck is equipped.

I think the low oil light says low oil though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't remember the 2.8 having an oil level light. Almost certainly pressure.

I don't either but most have a oil pressure gauge rather than a light.

I know one '85 that could have both lights (I haven't gotten around to figuring out the oil level system) but it didn't come that way.

 

[adsm08]

My 87 (different cluster I know) has an oil pressure light in the tach face, and a check oil light for low level in the warning lights.

Check your oil pan for an oil level sensor. If it isn't there there is no low oil light.

 

[bbbc3]

I just had the oil changed by jiffy lube two days ago, (I know I should have done it myself). I checked the dipstick after their oil change and it looked to be on the low side. In my opinon it needed another quart but consider them professionals and went with it.
This morning the oil light where the tac gauage would be (my truck doesn't have a tack) would come on and off. I just replaced the oil pressure sender about 2 months ago.

I don't know if this is important or not but I added Blue Devil Rear Main Seal sealant to the oil when it was changed two days ago.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You might make sure the wire is solidly on the sender.

If that isn't it it would probably be best to park the truck until you can get a regular gauge on it and see for sure what you have for pressure. The idiot light switch is only concerned about if you have like 2 pounds of pressure, if you don't have that much you have serious problems.

 

[bbbc3]

*UPDATE*
You were right. I checked the oil pressure sender wiring and it was severed at the connector. It was grounding out on the oil pan causing the light to come on and off. Good to know it works!

So the dash light is for the oil pressure!

Thanks guys for your feedback!

 

[Dirtman]

I just had the oil changed by jiffy lube --- In my opinon it needed another quart but consider them professionals

Anyone else deeply concerned by this...

 

[fastpakr]

So the oil pressure gauge wiring next to the oil filter was suddenly severed at the same time jiffy lube changed the oil?

 

[2trux]

So the oil pressure gauge wiring next to the oil filter was suddenly severed at the same time jiffy lube changed the oil?

But it was professionally severed.

 

[Dirtman]

But it was professionally severed.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

But it was professionally severed.

 

[bbbc3]

This thread has me rolling!
Yes professional is definitely the wrong word!
As one of the young “pressional” workers got in my truck to drive it into the bay he stalled it. He then proceeded to rev it really high and ride my clutch all the way in... needless to say I kept my nose to the glass in the waiting area.

 

[wildbill23c]

Usually means its too late to salvage your engine, but these 2.8L and 2.9L engines seem to just keep taking a beating and keep going. By the time the idiot lights come on its usually too late...I'd check the fluids regularly, like at least once a week, don't go by the lights...my 88 Bronco 2 has a check oil light LOL...yeah umm pretty sure that comes on after there's no oil left in it at all...and no I'm not going to find out when it comes on, I already know it burns/leaks a quart of oil a week LOL.