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alexander_light1

Falcon Oil Pressure Warning

I've got a 2004 Ford Falcon with a gasoline engine and I'm facing a worrying issue. The oil pressure warning lamp keeps lighting up, and I'm hearing some pretty nasty mechanical noises coming from the engine. It's done 95772 km. I've checked the oil level, and it seems fine. Could it be the oil pressure sensor acting up, or maybe a clogged oil filter? I did an oil change maybe 8000 km ago, but I'm wondering if the oil viscosity is playing a role here.

4 comment(s)

pia_flamme1

Interesting. I also drive a Falcon (although not the same year), and a while back I had almost identical symptoms: low oil pressure light and unsettling engine noises. Did you use the correct oil grade during your last oil change? What kind of oil filter did you install? A cheap, non-OEM filter could restrict flow. Have you considered that the oil pump itself could be failing? What happens if you rev the engine slightly, does the oil pressure light go out?

alexander_light1 (Author)

Thanks for the quick response! I used the oil grade recommended in the owner's manual – a 5W-30. I went with a reputable aftermarket oil filter, not the cheapest one I could find. The oil pressure light goes out only if I rev the engine to above 3000 rpm. If the oil pump is failing, what's the best course of action? Should I try a thicker oil like 10W-40 as a temporary fix?

pia_flamme1

Okay, the fact that the light goes out at higher RPM does suggest the pump is struggling. While a thicker oil might temporarily alleviate the issue, it's really just masking the underlying problem. The risk of continued operation with low oil pressure is significant engine damage. I wouldn't advise pushing it. Considering the symptoms and the mileage, a defective oil pump seems like the most probable culprit. I'd recommend taking it to a trusted workshop to get it properly diagnosed and repaired. Continuing to drive it could lead to catastrophic engine failure, wouldn't you agree?

alexander_light1 (Author)

Thanks a lot for your advice. I took it to my mechanic, and you were spot on - it was indeed the oil pump. Ended up costing me 755€ to replace, but at least I caught it before things got worse. Really appreciate the help!

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