Oil Pressure Sending Unit

Engine problems have their source in heat and friction caused between its moving parts. There are two main combating methods against their onslaught on engine performance, and they are lubrication and cooling. The lubrication is achieved by a supply of oil that constantly lubricates the engine bearings and other moving parts. The oil pressure sending unit is a part of the oil supply mechanism which is used with a gauge to monitor engine's oil levels. A failure of the oil pressure sending unit can impair the monitoring and feedback mechanism that controls engine oil levels. A low oil pressure indication from the oil pressure gauge sending unit along with a similar signal from the oil pressure sensors, can lead to a shutting down of the engine instantly if your car's engine is monitored by a ECU (Engine Control Unit).

An oil pressure sending unit leaking out, can lead to a false indication of low oil pressure. That is why it is best to get the oil level checked immediately if the dashboard light for oil pressure gauge lights up. In case the oil pressure level is normal and the oil pressure sending unit is indicating a low level, it is in need of replacement. The replacement job is not that difficult to pull off on your own. I explain how you can change your oil pressure sending unit on your own in the next section.

How to Change Oil Pressure Sending Unit?

In case of oil pressure sending unit failure, it is advisable that you replace it as soon as possible. Here I provide a generic procedure for changing oil pressure sending units. Specific details for your particular car model will vary. Refer to the appropriate Hayne's manual for specific details related to your car model.

No car repair job is possible without the right tools at hand. The things you will need for this job are the following:

• Wrench set
• ½ Inch Sockets and Ratchets
• Floor jack
• Teflon tape
• Jack stands
• New oil pressure sending unit (Appropriate for your car model)

Let me begin with oil pressure sending unit replacement instructions.

The oil pressure sending unit location will be near the oil filter. Refer your car manual for the exact location. You will have to raise the vehicle on jack and jack stands for the job. Make sure that the car is well supported and balanced on the jack stands before you go ahead.

Before you do anything, disconnect the car battery negative terminal. Look for the oil filter first which will lead you to the oil pressure sending unit location. It is a device shaped in the form of a cylinder with wires attached to it. This unit is usually threaded into the car assembly block. Located nearby, will be the inch long sensor for oil pressure light with connected wire.

First thing to do is remove the electric connection made to the oil pressure sending unit. You will have to squeeze the connector on the unit to unlock and remove the electrical connection. You will be able to remove it by pulling it off by hand. Since the sending unit is threaded in, you will have to remove it by turning it with an appropriate size wrench. Turn anticlockwise until you can loosen it by hand and remove it.

Before you install the new unit in place of the old, on suggestion is to wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leakage. Warp about three revolutions around the tapered threads of the sending unit. Then you can begin fixing the sending unit by carefully putting it in the slot and turn it carefully by hand first. Then using the wrench, you can tighten it clockwise until it fits snugly. Do not press hard while tightening as the threads could get damaged that way. Then reconnect the electrical connector and reconnect the car battery. With that your job is done and you can safely lower your car down.

As you cans see, replacing an oil pressure unit is one of simplest car repair jobs. Taking care of such minor car problems on time can prevent major car repairs in the future!