Chrysler Repair: 06 300c 5,7L oil pressure, reading zero, trip level

Question
Hello Experts,
   
    I have an 2006 Chrysler 300c 5.7L  in very good condition. This morning while driving to work I experienced an oil light warning come on.  I immediately pulled over, and shut the engine down checking the oil level, which was fine. Upon starting the engine back upand listening for noise, it all sounded fine. And the engine was idling smooth. But oil pressure reading zero, as I started to drive away the oil pressure would rise to about 22-23 psi @60mph but fall to zero upon stopping triggering the oil alarm to go off. I live in Florida do extreme cold is not a problem I run mobile 5w 20 oil and a Bosch filter which is relatively new 3000 miles on it. The oil upon visual inspection does not smell burnt and is still dark golden in color. Thank you for your time and expertise.

Answer
Hi Ernie,
The odds are that the problem is the oil pressure sensor or its wiring. Try for a diagnositic trouble code using the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odomater window on the cluster to see if the mileage reading changes to show a four digit number preceded by a P. The numbers for an issue with that system are 0540-0544. Let me know which number you get if any.
The sensor is located on the right side of the engine just at the seam between the cylinder head and the block at the edgeof the valve cover), forward at about the no.2 cylinder plug/injector location. It is cylindrically shaped and has a 3-wire plug, and is mounted sideways, close to the alternator. Check that the plug is tight and that the wiring harness has not been damaged along its length by melting due to heat. The wires carry 5V, the signal, and a ground connection
If it seems OK and you have no codes I would then remove it and use a gauge to check the actural oil pressure.
It may simply be that the oil pressure is a bit lower at idle than the trip level for the alarm and it may be due to using a fairly thin oil on an engine with some miles on it. You could try changing it out to 10W-30 which will compensate for that wear situation.
But it should not do that when the engine rpm is much above idle. So if it happens at 1200 rpm or more then you were smart to stop and check it out. The oil pump is mechanicaly driver internally so there is no issue with a belt.
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland

Roland