2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Logo
Posted on Oct 11, 2008
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High engine oil presure

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo I4.0l Inline 6. My engine oil pressure gauge increases to H whenever I accelerate. It will decrease when I slow down or break but never goes back down to the half marking like it normally should. I'm scheduled for another oil change in about 1 1/2 months. I'm not car repair savvy & I don't have a trusty mechanic. I usually got to Firestone or Pep Boys whenever I have need a repair, but I am curious as to what my problem could be without spending a lot of money just to identify the problem

  • ms_shon2000 Oct 11, 2008

    Ok, question: I have just noticed that my oil change sticker says that 5W-30 oil was used at my last oil change (normally 10W-30 oil is used). Now, having noticed this, since my last oil change, when I start up my jeep, the gauge is already at the 3/4 line and from there it will increase as I accelerate all the way up to H. Prior to my last oil change the gauge never increased pass the 3/4 line while accelerating. Would you still consider this normal for my pressure to have increased this much (I've had my jeep for 1 1/2 yrs & this has never happened to me before)?



    Also, at this point would it be best for me to A. get another oil change now instead of waiting until my next one just to see if this will correct this issue or B. check to see if my oil pressure sending unit is defective or C. should this still be a concern to even worry about???



    I'm looking for the least expensive but most effective approach.

  • rdswanee Jan 24, 2009

    engine oil pressure is almost on "H" when traveling at 60 + miles per hour

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Hi, I had the same problem, same vehicle (same year), same engine. I bought an oil pressure tester at Harbor freight tools for $ 8. I was trying to figure out, if the pressure is really high, or just the sending unit is defective. The tester after connecting it to my engine was reading correct pressure for this vehicle ( between 25-30 PSI when idelling), which showed that the oil pressure sending unit is defective. At Advanced autopart store they want about $ 47 for the sending unit, so I put the defective one back in place (still reading H). I'm planning to replace it after next pay check :o) Good luck. Pavel**

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Hi my wife has a 2002 jeep cheerokee, the oil gauge is always on high and the engine has started to clack, what is the solution if any that I might do at home.. thx Joe

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It's normal for your oil pressure to increase when u accelerate, and you actually are much better off w/ a high reading rather than a low. Your oil pressure sending unit may be defective, giving u a higher pressure reading than is accurate. The only other explanation I can come up w/ is what weight oil are u using? If your oil change people are putting the wrong viscosity oil (too light) it could cause a high reading on your gauge (unlikely, since u have different shops do the oil change, unless u specify they use the wrong weight oil). I would not worry about it if u r using the proper oil. countrycurt

  • Curt Downs Oct 11, 2008

    ms shon, do you have the owners manual for your jeep? It will have the factory recommended oil weight (viscocity) best suited for your engine and climate. The oil you use will not be the same if you live in Alaska or Arizona. Check the manual and it will give you the range of oil types that are best. If you don't have a manual (I think 95% of car owners throw them away), let me know, I can give u a website to purchase one if u want to. 5w30 oil could result in higher pressure on start up (engine cold), but I don't think it would make a difference after that. The lower 1st # indicates cold weather viscocity, the higher warm, or hot, this translates to the oil flowing easier when cold (1st #) to hot operating protection, oil thicker/heavier (2nd #). So, go by what your manual says.
    It is possible the wrong weight oil was added at your last change (even though it states 5w30). Probably not the case, but who knows. You are looking for the least expensive but most effective approach, so I say go w/ option C and check the manual (purchase if u don't have one-sorry, don't know the cost), drive your Jeep and enjoy it, be glad your oil pressure is high, not low. Only change your oil early if u find out 5w30 isn't right. And my admiration for watching those gauges and being concerned enough to question what's going on. I am amazed by people that have smoke pouring out of their car, a flat tire, etc, and just keep on driving along (STOP, U R GOING TO RUIN YOUR CAR!!!!) let me know if u have any other questions. countrycurt0


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