Oil light keeps coming on when idling at a stop light?

I have 98 dodge caravan with 18,000 miles on it. Recently my oil light comes on any time I come to a stop after the van is warmed up. Recently I put too much oil in when I checked the oil. Could that have done anything. I just got the oil changed and thought that would take care of it but it didn't. Any ideas what could be wrong.Oil light keeps coming on when idling at a stop light?
Very common on chrysler vehicles......First thing I would check is the oil pressure sensor...they will allow oil to bleed through the sensor and that will cause the symptoms you described. I have ran across this many many times and the sensor(may be called oil pressure switch or sending unit) doesn't cost very much. If you actually had an oil pressure problem, Im sure you would be asking about an engine noise and not just the light.Oil light keeps coming on when idling at a stop light?
First thing to do is to locate your engine's IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. This gizmo is supposed to control idle speed. If it is dirty, it can't do it's job, and the idle may be so low as to trigger the oil light from low pressure. It is also possible that your engine oil is the wrong one for your engine. The right oil will clearly state on the container, ';designed for use in Chrysler cars,'; or ';engineered for use in Chrysler vehicles';. Just because you put in 10W-30 doesn't mean it is the correct oil for your car. There is a gizmo in your oil pump called an oil pressure relief valve. If it gets stuck with sludge, it can't move the way it should. You should de-sludge the engine and use the appropriate Mobil One oil, or Amzoil, or even ELF oil. Change it once a year. Forget the other oils!
I hope you left out a zero in the mileage and you meant 180,000 miles on it or maybe 108,000 miles on it.





It could be just the oil pressure switch wearing out and it needs to be replaced.





It could be that the engine hasn't been properly maintained and now there is excessive clearance between the rod and main bearing in relation to the crankshaft. The rod and main bearings are worn to the point that the oil pump's output cannot keep enough lubrication between the bearing and the rotating metal surface.





Take the vehicle to a reputable mechanic and ask to have the oil pressure checked with a manual pressure gauge. If the pressure is within limits, just replace the oil pressure switch and all should be good.





If the oil pressure is lower than normal at idle, there are several options for you to keep the vehicle in service that should be explored.





If you think I have answered your question honestly and you'd like further advice from me, please email me directly.





Steve Spence


Cell: 832-435-0706


Independent AMSOIL Dealer - T-1 Certified


AMSOIL - The ';Once A Year'; Oil Change


35 Years of GM Parts Experience


http://synthetic-oil-tech.com/1690163


amsoil1@charter.net
you now have what you call an external oil leak this can be caused by overfilling the oil when the pressure builds up it can cause the gaskets to blow open. maybe you are leaking oil start the car let it warm, and take a glance underneath is oil dripping out if it is this could be the source of the light.