Chrysler Repair: 2003 Dodge Neon-oil light under 1200 rpm., oil pressure sensors, dodge neon

Question
I recently had to replace my timing belt-not sure if that has anything to do with my issue. The main issue I am experiencing is that once my car warms up the oil light comes on whenever I go under 1200 rpm. The light goes off as soon as I accelerate. I checked the oil and it was to the max. I was out of state when the issue began and drove the 8 hours home with no issues other than the constant reminder. Any ideas what the issue could be and what kind of bill I should expect?  

Answer
Hi Katy,
There may be no bill at all. This is common as engines get older due to loosening up of tolerances and reduced oil pump efficiency or even to inaccurate oil pressure sensors. As long as it doesn't happen in the range of 1500+ rpm I wouldn't be concerned. But there is something simple that you can do immediately to solve it probably. That would be change the engine oil to the next hight viscosity number from what you have now, and also if you are using synthetic oil I would give up that cost and get conventional oil. Both of those changes will raise the oil pressure sufficiently to cause the light to go out when you are idling, I believe, and not in any way do damage to the engine. So look at your last oil change receipt/sticker to see what was used, and increase one step higher.
You could pay a mechanic to remove the sensor and actually find out if you have oil pressure of at least 5 psi at idle rpm which is the spec, or change the sensor in case it is too pessimistic. But try the oil change first.

Roland
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