Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

Oil Pressure Problems with 2002 Explorer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 31, 2006 | 06:57 PM
  #1  
pbjlamar's Avatar
pbjlamar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Exclamation Oil Pressure Problems with 2002 Explorer

I have a 2002 ford explorer with 70000 miles on it. The problem I am wanting to see if anyone can help me with is that the oil pressure occasionally go from normal to no pressure imediately. Then within a minute it pops right back to normal. It has happened when I first crank up and sometimes just going down the interstate at a normal speed. My fear is that the oil pressure is really gone and there is a pump problem but with it either working or not I fear it could be a sensor problem. Any insight would help if you have seen a similar problem.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2006 | 12:45 PM
  #2  
allan1010's Avatar
allan1010
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
My GUESS (and it's only that, a guess) based on what you said, "within a minute", would be that your oil pressure is OK. Running zero oil pressure under load for anything more than a few seconds, especially repeatedly, would cause severe and noticeable engine damage.

I'd check the wiring to the pressure sensor for corrosion, that sounds the most likely problem. When sensors fail, they usually stay failed but broken wires and/or bad connections pop up and fix themselves repeatedly as the vehicle moves along the road or as the engine shimmies in it's mountings.

Can you reproduce the problem? In other words could you say to somebody "here, I'll show you" and make it do it more-or-less on demand?
If so you might get some peace of mind from a regular screw-in pressure gauge. You can buy one from any auto parts store such as autozone and prove to yourself that the pressure is good.

Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2006 | 01:46 PM
  #3  
pbjlamar's Avatar
pbjlamar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Smile Fixed

I changed the oil pressure sensor for 12 dollars and it works like a champ.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2006 | 04:26 PM
  #4  
allan1010's Avatar
allan1010
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Great, glad it worked.
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2006 | 07:35 AM
  #5  
Gamecock Traccer's Avatar
Gamecock Traccer
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: SC
How difficult was it to change the sensor? I have a 2001 Sport Trac that is doing the same thing. I am confident that the sensor or switch is going bad but I have no idea how to get to it. Where did you get the sensor, Ford or after-market store? Any insight would be appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2013 | 01:37 PM
  #6  
emma_lee2004's Avatar
emma_lee2004
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Low Oil Pressure

I have an 02 ford Explorer V8 - About 8 months after I bought it I had about 82000 miles on it and the motor blew up. Once or twice a "low oil pressure" messaged had popped on for a few seconds and then went away. The oil pressure gage during the message showed no oil pressure but when the message went away, the oil pressure was normal (somewhere near the middle) I replace the motor and now 3 days after having the new motor the same message is popping up. My husband originally thought it was the oil pump going bad that had caused my motor to blow... the oil pump being built in to the motor made for a hard replacement. When I got the new motor (long block) it came with a new oil pump so you could imagine my dismay in seeing that message again. I am glad to see that the pressure switch is a common problem because my mechanic says the pressure switch is not located directly on the motor and had yet to be replaced. It's a cheap fix but a very important one. He thought maybe he bumped it during re-installation but a quick look under the vehicle showed no oil leaking around the switch it has just gone bad... I will be replacing it this afternoon and will report back in a week or so to let you know whether this was a permanent fix... Thanks
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dcnnnghm
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Apr 4, 2016 05:35 PM
corksil
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
85
Oct 31, 2015 06:51 AM
Mustang6t7
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
5
Oct 1, 2009 04:02 PM
dainessmith
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
1
Feb 20, 2005 10:35 PM
ledbetter
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Nov 6, 2003 01:48 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE