Q: Oil pressure gauge drops, idle goes crazy and wanting to die.

asked by on March 11, 2017

Oil pressure gauge drops to 0 and idle goes crazy and it wants to stop running

My car has an automatic transmission.

Oil Pressure Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Either the engine oil pump is plugged up or failing or the engine bearings are worn causing internal oil leakage. The engine is running rough and wanting to stall due to the lack of lubrication. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your lubrication system for your engine.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What safety items should be checked before driving?
While it might seem like all you need to do before driving your car is to crank the engine and put it in gear, there are actually several things that should be done every single time before you hit the...
How do I reset the Maintenance Minder?
The Maintenance Minder lets you know when your vehicle is due for regular maintenance. The system can be reset after your car has received maintenance. Here’s how to reset the Maintenance Minder using the multi-information display: 1. Turn the ignition...
How do I cancel a remote start?
There are three different ways to cancel a remote start after the vehicle has been turned on: If you want to cancel the remote start from outside the vehicle, you can do so with the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter....
Car's rpm goes up and down while idling.
The power train control module controls the idle on the vehicle using different sensors and actuators. If you do not have any codes in the computer for the problem then you may have to have the computer reprogrammed per the...
Coolant leaks
You may be able to spot the leak by performing a cooling system pressure test. This test is just as it sounds; a special tool is used to apply pressure to the cooling system, making leaks visible. Sometimes however, leaks...
High RPMs on a 4-cylinder engine
Your vehicle redlines at 6,600 RPM. If you have an automatic transmission in your vehicle, don't worry. A properly operating automatic transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-an-automatic-transmission-works) is designed to keep your engine in the correct operating range. The transmission control module will adjust...
Possible replacement parts for anti-lock brakes - 1991 Lincoln Mark VII
These sensors are available, but not on every street corner. You can search on the Internet, or you might consider joining the Lincoln Mark VII owners club. There are numerous references on their forums that address this issue. A professional...
Car wont shift into drive with dead battery
Rather than trying to shift into drive, try shifting into neutral. If you are trying to move the vehicle, drive will lock it in gear, but neutral will allow the wheels to spin freely. If you are having difficulties shifting...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Oil Cooler
Common signs include oil or coolant leaking from the oil cooler, oil getting in the cooling system, and coolant getting in the oil.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Oil Cooler Hose (Automatic Transmission)
Common signs include visible damage on the hose, oil leaking around the fittings, transmission overheating, and deterioration in the rubber.
Understanding the GMC Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The GMC Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.