Low oil temp - check gauge light on - cold temps only

[dtwojo]

1999 Explorer, In the morning, after startup, the check gauge light comes on (seems to only occur if temp is below 32 degrees, and the oil pressure gauge is well below the "L". After a few minutes the gauge pops up to mid-level and the light goes out. Any ideas what might be causing this? It doesn't happen everyday, only occasionly. Possible solutions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Dopler174]

Try running a different oil.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Try running a different oil.

I agree with Dopler174.

Might be time to change your oil and filter.

 

[my98nnj]

Check the oil level, if it's OK, replace the oil pressure sensor.

 

[kgerard]

My 01 Explorer Sport has been doing this for years. I know the oil pressure is ok but some days it takes a mile or more of driving before the gauge works. It must be the sensor. I change the oil frequently and have owned it since new. It happens more in cooler weather but since I live in Key West it rarely goes below 60 degrees.

 

[swetrid]

Oil pressure sending unit, ford has updated sender for this problem.

 

[BlueMystc5]

i have the same problem but after driving a while it stops and works properly

 

[bobflood]

Change the oil pressure sending unit. Fairly cheap and generally easy to get to.

 

[slammed98z]

Same problem as OP. Mine is a 01 sport, the colder it gets the worse the delay before the gauge works. Its the Oil Pressure sending unit, not a big deal to change, but it doesent bother me.

 

[blakshukvw]

Where is the sender on a 5.0?

 

[Kriegen]

It's buried in there, easiest way to it is through the drivers wheel well. Look past the left hand side of the upper control arm and you should see a single wire connected. Depending on how large your hands are you may be able to get to the connection through the wheel well. I have to go through the top to disconnect/reconnect and then from the wheel well, use a deep socket 13/16th (iirc), a wobbly and LONG extension to get it out and put the replacement in.

 

[bobflood]

+1 for Kriegen. Sorry I said it was easy - I've done oil pressure senders on three different cars in the past year and I get them mixed up. Got that "CRS" disease in my old age!!

 

[blakshukvw]

I'll be changin mine thise week due to the same symptoms as the OP.