Questions and Answers

Chrysler Sebring Oil Pressure? II Q. Dear Vincent, I read your reply to somebody else here: Chrysler Sebring Oil Pressure?. I am having exactly the same problem, even though I haven't had the oil pump replaced yet. However, I did clean the throttle body and IAC valve passages as you suggested, and it didn't help. To me it looks as if the PCM considers 500 RPM the proper idle speed in those conditions.

The engine is certainly capable of idling faster, too. When I stop at a stoplight after driving for about half an hour, first the idle is 750 RPM, from which it gradually drops to 500 RPM. When the speed reaches 500 RPM, the oil pressure warning light is turned on.

The oil pressure was checked by the dealer's mechanic, who said it was fine, 20 PSI at idle. However, I am not sure they could reproduce the 500 RPM idle speed condition, which only occurs when the engine is warm. The oil pressure switch has been replaced twice, but that didn't help, either.

I am wondering what I should do next. If the problem is idle speed related, how do I get the engine to idle faster, if it is controlled by the PCM? Or should I have the oil pump replaced anyway, even though the dealer thinks the pressure reading proves the pump is okay?

• 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
• 2.5 liter V-6
• Automatic transmission
• 54,000
• Fuel Injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control
• Rack and pinion steering

Best regards,
Jukka

A. If everything is nice and clean and there are no codes stored, I suggest you try this. Disconnect the battery for a few minutes and, after reconnecting it, drive it for about ten miles. I got this tip from Chrysler technician friend of mine who says it often works in cases like this.

If you have an anti-theft radio, make sure you have the reset code before disconnecting the battery.

Another thing to check would be the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS). A bad CTS often results in a low idle condition.