Chrysler Repair: 99 Chrysler Cirrus LXi: Oil pressure warning light on at idle, chrysler cirrus lxi, low oil pressure

Question
I just read your response to Damien's question about the oil light coming on. I took it to the dealership and had the sensor light changed. (I hope that is right). My oil light came on again. It is back at the shop. It only comes on when I am at a stoplight, but never when driving. What else could this be? Is it safe to drive? Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Laura,
The oil pressure lights are not that accurate. By the way it is not the light, but rather the oil pressure sensor that operates the light that is in question.
I believe I told Jason (10/9/06) about all there was to tell. If you would have the garage measure the oil pressure at idle with a calibrated gauge and they find it to be at least 5 psi then you are safe to drive the car even if the light comes on at idle. At cruising speeds it should not come on because that would no doubt be a too low oil pressure situation. Even if you are below 5 psi at idle, you might be able to correct things by increasing the viscosity of the oil that you use by one step the next time that you change it. If the pressure is well below 5 psi, then you may need to have the oil pump replaced on the engine. Write back and tell me what the garage said.
Roland