Oil gauge

[dizzy]

Was driving around today and noticed that the oil gauge was not working. The needle was pointing straight down.It seems like the spring in it must be shot. Anyone else experience this? I really don,t want to replace the cluster just because of the oil gauge. Any suggestions?      Thanks

[shotgun-cam]

Dizzy to check Gauge 

1 check wiring find the oil pressure sensor disconnect  it



2 place a d cell battery in circuit in place of  sensor see if gauge deflects ( d cell will cause meter to move but not fry it)

        iif gauge moves sorry to say sensor is dead replace same



3 repeat operation at dash end this time hook battery to gauge  if it deflects the wiring is bad check all connectors (this is where 

        it usually fails .)



4 if gauge fails check for smalll obstructions in meter had one fail once on a motorcycle because of a small spider.

            If this is the case use a can of air or a computer vaccum to remove it.  repeat 3



    hope this helps  Ron

[dizzy]

Thanks for the detailed suggestions.I will try and locate the oil pressure sensor.I don,t have a manual.

[dizzy]

I noticed today that before I start the truck the oil gauge needle.is pointing straight down. When I start the truck the needle does flex about a quarter inch and does move slightly as I drive but the needle is always pointing down.It is moving along the bottom of the gauge. It is almost like it is working but upside down if that makes any sense. I still have no idea what the reading is.I did locate the sensor on the side of the oil pan and disconnected it and reconnected it. This did,t make any difference. The senser would cost me $60 but don,t want to just throw money at it .Do you know if checking it withthe d cell would make any difference?  Thanks

[shotgun-cam]

Dizzy

    The good news is the guage is most likely ( 90% ) good. The bad news is the wiring or sensor are  bad. So you can skip the battery test(the guage is responding to power).

      Now to check wires  an easy test is with power on to gauges but engine off wiggle wires while someone watches guage. If it moves check the connections there.  Also bang gauge face if it moves here your meter has disconnected from the module and needs to be reattached (very unlikely). 

    The reversed read is caused by the following on start up the meter recieves power to "0" read position from bottom rest. When either wiring reconnects , sensor shorts / reads the  guage moves up then rebounds down below "0" before returning to zero. You can also get a bounce read caused by sudden movement caused by gauge getting only "0" read power level.

   My bet is on the sender (sensor ) at 60 its possibly the cheapest if your going to have the shop do the work then have them test it before replacing it. Wiring if not easily found can be way more expensive to trouble shoot. 

[dizzy]

Hey Ron Thanks for the quick reply. Maybe I will just replace the sender switch and hope for the best.I agree the gauge is responding to power on startup.That's a good sign.If I replace this myself do you think I will lose much oil? Or is it high enough in the pan? An alternative would be to wait untill I need an oil change and ask them to install the switch.Thanks for your help Ron.        Doug

[dizzy]

Just realized that the sensor that is into the side of the oil pan is for the oil level not oil pressure. After more research I think the oil pressure sender is at the top rear of the motor.Still Havn,t figured out how to disconnect this sensor.I,m afraid of breaking the connector.

[dwaxman1]

Hey Dizzy.. welcome back.. have not heard from you in a long time!

[dizzy]

Hey  DerekYa it's been a long winter. My arms were so sore.from shoveling snow(every day) I couldn,t type on my iPhone.  LOL

[dwaxman1]

well welcome back...hope to see you in Etobicoke soon..