low oil pressure warning after oil change

[jeeplj8]

Changed the oil in 21 3.0 Saturday. Used a docs filter (have used these for the last 10k on this truck, so 3 total oil changes). No issues during the change or when starting the vehicle up. Let it sit overnight, check the level in the morning, and it was spot on full. Drove it the next day. After 30-40 miles, I got a low oil pressure warning. Check the oil pressure and it is sitting at 20-25 idle, runs up to 40 as soon as you hit the throttle.

Drove it to work today, and essentially the same thing. After driving close to 30 miles, the oil pressure light comes on, but the pressure appears normal.

I have a different brand filter on its way...but wondering if I need to let the truck sit until I can change the filter? I am assuming the problem is the filter itself.

 

[mikeru82]

I don't know what normal oil pressure is for the EcoDiesel, but I'd expect it to be higher than that. My priority right now if I were in your shoes would be to find out what is normal for your engine before driving it anymore. If those pressures are normal I'd probably switch out the sending unit for the low oil pressure light.

Just curious what oil and viscosity you used for the oil change?

 

[Snekpete]

F

Thread '2021 ecodiesel low oil pressure warning'

Feb 10, 2024

I changed my oil and the next day when I started it, all was good. Two starts later the low oil pressure light came on. The pressure showed 5. Checked the oil level , checked for leaks, checked for loose oil cap. Proper oil level, no leaks, and tight cap. Then I discovered that this is an intermittent problem occurring at startup idle only, triggering the low pressure warning. So when it occurs on startup, I tap the accelerator pedal ( 1000 rpm max) and the pressure goes from 5 to 35 eliminating the low pressure warning (it has always been at 35 for this truck) when the engine is already...

• fla10000
• idle low oil pressure software problem
• Replies: 7
• Forum: 3.0 Ecodiesel V6

 

[2021EcoDiesel]

I'll chime in with my numbers here for a HOT ENGINE. Idle (650 RPM) while in gear I see 17-22 PSI, while cruising on the highway at (50 MPH 1350 RPM) I see between 29-34 PSI, freeway driving (75 MPH 1950 RPM) I see 32-37 PSI. all of these cases my oil is between 190 and 220 degree F.

I have been using Doc's filter for a few years now and I currently have a used filter of theirs on its way to them after it had a failure in its filter media. They refunded my purchase and are going to send me an update as to what went wrong...

One thing of note, it's easy to have these filters cross thread or not seat perfectly, not doubting your abilities, but it may be a good idea to check that the gasket didn't rip or that the filter was seated all the way when you go to take the filter out and replace it. I have heard a few horror stories of people having 0 PSI right after an oil change only to find that their filter wasn't seated all the way or that the gasket wasn't in the right spot.

 

[392DCGC]

The quickest thing you can do is loosen the oil filter/make sure it's not crossthreaded somehow and retighten it to spec. If the threads and gasket aren't sufficiently lubed, it's possible to hit the torque spec before the filter bottoms out... it must bottom out against the housing, then be tightened to spec. If it's loose, it can produce a low oil pressure condition. On a cold engine, oil pressure under throttle should be about double what you're seeing (closer to 80 PSI). At operating temp, it will be closer to the numbers you've mentioned.

Personally I'm not a fan of any Doc's filters - just cheap rebranded crap made in China. Granted plenty of filters are made from there, but there are better options. The old EcoGard oil filters are better (at least the ISO test data showed), but FRAM captured that manufacturer and now sells that filter as part of their Tough Guard lineup.

 

[Rebelguy2020]

Changed the oil in 21 3.0 Saturday. Used a docs filter (have used these for the last 10k on this truck, so 3 total oil changes). No issues during the change or when starting the vehicle up. Let it sit overnight, check the level in the morning, and it was spot on full. Drove it the next day. After 30-40 miles, I got a low oil pressure warning. Check the oil pressure and it is sitting at 20-25 idle, runs up to 40 as soon as you hit the throttle.

Drove it to work today, and essentially the same thing. After driving close to 30 miles, the oil pressure light comes on, but the pressure appears normal.

I have a different brand filter on its way...but wondering if I need to let the truck sit until I can change the filter? I am assuming the problem is the filter itself.

I’ve never had issues with oil pressure after oil changes, and I have been using Fram oil filters on the last 2 oil changes. One thing that I do is apply a lubricant on the O rings of the filters, it makes it easier to turn and assures a good seal. I also add the same lubricant to the seals of the fuel filter.
I would also suggest to remove the engine antifreeze reservoir cap and add the lubricant to the O rings, the cap was hard to unscrew on both my Rebel and my wife’s Jeep, the cap is so easy to screw in after the lube is applied.

 

[go-ram]

I'll chime in with my numbers here for a HOT ENGINE. Idle (650 RPM) while in gear I see 17-22 PSI, while cruising on the highway at (50 MPH 1350 RPM) I see between 29-34 PSI, freeway driving (75 MPH 1950 RPM) I see 32-37 PSI. all of these cases my oil is between 190 and 220 degree F.

I have been using Doc's filter for a few years now and I currently have a used filter of theirs on its way to them after it had a failure in its filter media. They refunded my purchase and are going to send me an update as to what went wrong...

One thing of note, it's easy to have these filters cross thread or not seat perfectly, not doubting your abilities, but it may be a good idea to check that the gasket didn't rip or that the filter was seated all the way when you go to take the filter out and replace it. I have heard a few horror stories of people having 0 PSI right after an oil change only to find that their filter wasn't seated all the way or that the gasket wasn't in the right spot.

.
My 2020 EcoDiesel oil pressure readings are very similar to yours. The lowest I ever saw it was 19 PSI after a highway run in warm weather and idling at the stoplight at the end of the offramp. Highest I've seen it was 55 PSI on a cold start (it very rarely gets below freezing here).
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My last oi change was at the dealer, so whatever oil they use, and of course a Mopar oil filter. When I buy the oil, it's always Amsoil (there's only one oil AMsoil recommends for the 3.0 L EcoDiesel).
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Separately, getting ready to sell my 2020 with very low mileage. Does anyone know if there is much of a market for EcoDiesels? Or was their reputation sullied enough from past recalls that no one wants them any more?
.

 

[jeeplj8]

I replaced the doc's filter with an ecoguard the next day, and all is well. I have been using the Quaker State with the MS-12991 endorsement.