What kind of mileage are people getting out of the 3.6-liter V6 engines? The reason I ask is my 2013 2-dr Rubicon 6 speed has 187K miles, and the check engine light just came on for low oil pressure. My first thought was bad sensor, but could the engine be worn out? I have noticed it seems down on power a bit and sounds different when accelerating. It is not knocking or ticking, just a different tone. I've owned it since new, but not hard miles. I change the oil every 5k, all the other drive train fluids every 50k, it still has the original clutch and front brakes pads, and while it gets off road, I don't do the tough trails anymore (e.g., keep it to 5 rated trails at Moab). I'm hoping it is just a sensor, but is it time to look for a replacement engine?

 

I had about 160K on the 2012 Cherokee. Is the oil pressure low all the time or just at idle? Does the engine make any noises now? I assume the oil level is good. Has she been using oil? There are several things that may make oil pressure drop. Besides low oil. of course the sensor is one thought and the next may be that the oil pump is going bad. I would not drive it with low oil pressure. Those are a lot of miles but you can still have a good running engine. A compression test will help determine the overall engine state.

 

My mind goes more to the oil pump itself rather than the sensor. It seems that when these sensors go that they tend to get pegged to high oil pressure and throw the related CEL. It does seem I recall a few people dealing with actual pump issues, though I've never dealt with either on my 3.6L. Outside of the known oil filter/cooler unit issues and the '12 head issues these engines seem to be pretty reliable. I think the real frustrations often come about with TIPM and PCM issues....ie, electrical more than mechanical.