Here's what you should do:
1. Pull Over Safely: Immediately pull over to a safe location, away from traffic. Do not continue driving.
2. Check the Oil Level: Once safely stopped, locate your dipstick (usually marked with a dipstick symbol on the engine). Remove it, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and remove it again. Check the oil level against the markings on the dipstick. If the oil is significantly below the "LOW" mark, or even close to it, you have a problem.
3. Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect the area under your engine for any signs of oil leaks. Look for wet spots, drips, or puddles. This can help identify the source of the oil loss.
4. Add Oil (Cautiously): If the oil is very low, you can add oil of the correct type and viscosity (check your owner's manual for the recommended type). Add a small amount at a time, checking the dipstick frequently to avoid overfilling. Overfilling is almost as bad as underfilling.
5. Do NOT Drive Until the Issue is Resolved: Adding oil is a temporary fix. The low oil light indicates a problem that needs professional attention. Driving with low oil will likely worsen the damage.
Possible Causes of Low Oil:
* Oil Leak: This is a common cause. Leaks can occur in various places, such as the oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, oil filter, or elsewhere in the engine.
* Oil Consumption: Engines sometimes burn oil, especially as they age. Excessive oil consumption could indicate worn piston rings, valve seals, or other internal engine problems.
* Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor: While less likely, the sensor itself might be malfunctioning, giving a false low oil pressure reading. This is less likely to be the cause if you visually confirm low oil levels.
* Punctured Oil Pan: A damaged oil pan can result in significant oil loss.
What to Do Next:
* Have your Ford Expedition towed to a qualified mechanic. Do not attempt to drive it until the problem is diagnosed and fixed.
* Describe the situation to the mechanic: Tell them about the low oil light and any leaks you observed.
Ignoring a low oil light can result in catastrophic engine damage, costing thousands of dollars to repair. Get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
