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Oil Gauge Question....?

I just noticed today that my oil gauge needle started fluctuating. It's normal when I step on the accelerator but when I come to a complete stop it moves over to Low, and when I put it in park and it's idling its fine. Any idea what could be causing this?? Thanks in advance for any replies!

6 Answers

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  • pappy
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    When was the last time you had an oil and filter change?

    Other then that if it's a high milage car could be the oil pump is worn or clogged.

  • 1 decade ago

    Well when you first crank it,the oil is cold and will show good readings.But as it warms it will thin out and at lower RPM's(idle in drive) the pressure will be less.When you accelerate the oil pump spins faster also,bring up the oil pressure.So if you want to maintain a more constant pressure due to normal engine wear switch to the next weight of oil (10w-30 to 10w-40) and also synthetic oil's are alot better at protecting against thermal breakdown than regular oil.It's either worn out oil,your engine running warmer than usual,or a worn out oil pump.So I would try switching to a thicker weight oil to help with your oil pressure problem.

  • 1 decade ago

    The oil level sounds low. Most oil pans are designed to keep the oil from moving away from the pump pickup during acceleration and cornering.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I would check the oil level first,if it is low when you apply the brakes,the oil moves to the front of the oil pan and out of the sump,when you accelerate the oil remains in the sump because the sump is in the back of the oil pan,so I would say low level.

    Source(s): Mechanic,40 years
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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Change your oil and filter first.... if the problem is there after an oil change then the oil pump is going out.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I have no idea. HeHeHe

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