07-18-2023, 02:00 PM
Acer wrote:
1. Prior to #2-#5 below, occasional oil light at low RPM, goes off at higher RPM, but no hints of what follows. Engine light has been glowing for some time, not flashing, we think it was an O2 sensor.
2. Abrupt loss of ability to accelerate, though the engine continues to run; needed to pull over it was that bad. Engine light glowing (as it has been) but not flashing.
3. Restarting the engine immediately failed (no response, just the engine light flashed), but after waiting a few moments and the engine started as normal.
4. But after a short drive, loss of acceleration again, pulled over again.
5. Kicker: Managed to pull into a nearby shop last night, but today the garage says it won't start, need to replace the starter before they can proceed to sort out the rest.
20 year old car, only 120K miles. Dodge Caravan.
???
1. Engine getting worn out. Switch to 20W-50W oil. I'm betting the oil light comes on mostly when temperatures is above 85ºF or lot's of city driving.
2. Abrupt loss of power is usually plugged Catalytic converter.
If original starter, it may have really failed. Not enough info to tell from here.
It would not hurt to flush cooling system. Running a bit hot will contribute to oil light experience.