sterk03

I have a 2000 F-150 45,000 miles . Oil is at the nrmal level when I start the truck the lio pressure gage reads 0 and th red light is on for oil pressure and temp. I know there is oil in it and yes it might be cold but I will start driving and anywhere from 3-7 minutes it will jump to the mid or normal needle indication and stays there most of the time. But why is it zero for that lnght of time. Last night after going o normal it jumped back off scale low with he light. To me its a wire issue or ender issue but I certainly don't want to damage the engine. But I think I would hear a lot of noise if there was no oil??? But could something be clogged and the gage is really accurate???
I has just starte to do this recently and the milage since oil change is not even 3000. Any help with how to test or what the cause would be helpful.
Thanks Mark

me1234

I had a similar issue on mine a few years ago. I got my truck(2000 4.6L also w/ 45,000 miles ) in 2010. The oil gauge would randomly drop while driving and go back up. We took it to a shop and it needed the oil sender(sensor) replaced. I'm guessing with that few miles the truck sat for a while and the oil sensor got gummed up. 6 years and 40,000 miles later and the issue hasn't returned.

One thing I would recommend is getting ALL fluids changed. I'd replace power steering, brake fluid, coolant/radiator, rear diff, transmission, and transfer case if 4x4. I'd also replace the serpentine belt. This could be essential to the vehicle lasting and being reliable. The truck may be low miles, but remember all that fluid is likely 16+ years old. The fluids break down over time and are much less effective. I recommend replacing the belt because you risk overheating if it breaks.

screamineagle

X2 on sending unit. Mine was doing the same thing, replaced the unit and problem solved. It's a cheap and easy fix