Questions and Answers

Aerostar Under Pressure

Q. What I'm trying to figure out is if I can diagnose a problem I'm having with my low oil pressure warning buzzer coming on and staying on in my 1990 Ford Aerostar. I've been told that its possibly the oil pump and was wondering if there was any way that I could diagnose it myself to see if that is the problem? I know that there is oil in the car and it seems to be running a little sluggish and there is a knocking sound coming from below the hood when I push on the gas. If you could help it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help
Jeffrey

A. What you would need is a mechanical oil pressure gauge. You remove the Oil Pressure Sending unit and install the gauge and you get a direct reading of the actual oil pressure. If it is below specifications, then you have one of two problems. The first is a bad oil pump which would have to be replaced. The other is excessive engine wear which would require an engine overhaul. This is especially likely on an older engine with high miles.

If the oil pressure is good, then you have an electrical problem in the warning circuit.