2.7 sludger

[Anthony]

My friend has a 03 intrepid and she drives 70 miles a day mostly hwy.
She has the oil changed every 3k probably at a qucik lube shop. This morning her oil light came on twice at red lights but went away upon accelerating.
She checked the level and it is full.
Is this engine getting ready to bite the dust?
Thanks!

 

[JAG]

It's hard to say only with that info, but I'd try to see inside the engine through the oil fill hole or drain plug, but the ultimate is to pull the oil pan and see.

 

[trooper99]

Maybe they put in the wrong weight oil? Pressure may be getting too low when idling.

 

[55Test]

Is this the first time the light has come on? If the oil has been changed every 3k miles, and mostly highway driven I don't think sludge would be a problem. Perhaps a faulty oil pressure sensor? Just to be safe though, order some AutoRX and put the car through one treatment cycle. That should take care of any sludge problems the car may have.

 

[z917990]

Please do not fool around with low oil pressure. Although it could be a faulty pressure sensor, it could also be a problem (albeit rare) with you oil pump. I suggest that you take it to a mechanic whom you trust and find out what the problem is immediately.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Yep... get it checked out ASAP.

 

[RF Overlord]

^^^what they said^^

The 2.7L motor is infamous for sludging and timing chain issues. Advise her to get it checked out by a certified technician ASAP. Whatever you do, DON'T mess about with it yourself...the next time something goes crump, it will be YOUR fault.

 

[Anthony]

This car only has 58k on it but I think I read on here somwhere that some have failed before 75k due to timing issues or sludge problems.
I will try to investigate deeper tommrow.
Thanks!