I have low oil pressure showing on the gauge until the car warms up and then it goes to the middle and stays there. While it stays low the oil warning light comes on the dash as well. As soon as the needle goes to the middle the light goes out and all is well. My oil level is perfect. My instinct is to just replace the oil pressure sender on the filter tower. Is there a quick way to test it first to make sure? Also, do I need to drain the oil first before I remove the oil pressure sensor? Thanks.

 

Hi there JagYour, I just started a thread with similar probs. Did you get to the bottom of your problem? Cheers

 

Yes I did. I jacked up the car and had a look. The sensor was actually coming apart from the body of the sensor. When I tried to unplug it a piece of the sensor came with it. The metal part stayed in the filter tower. I just ordered a new one and, while changing the oil as well, swapped it out. Everything was perfect. I never did find out if it was necessary to drain the oil to remove the oil pressure sender. Luckily I was due for an oil change anyway.
I think what was happening in my case is that the sensor was cracked and that it had enough contact that it would eventually register the pressure. Register the oil pressure in this case is just a resistance reading from what I understand. The sensor either has enough resistance to register the needle at the middle of the dashboard gauge or does not. All or none so to speak.

 

The "sensor" on these is only a pressure switch. Not sure what the switch is set at, probably 5-8 psig. The gauge is just eye candy; no oil pressure = open switch = gauge on 0; oil pressure closes switch = gauge points up (50%).

 

ok ive read many forums on this matter but i wanted to post this .
If you are car savvy then Id recommend you inspecting the oil screen.

In my case I had erratic low oil pressure at idle I deiced to do my own oil change and look what i found when I took off the oil pan and removed the oil screen.(steel wool and rtv gasket maker..along with deposits)



***twice I've almost blown up my car due to this issue.
(oil restriction and excessive oil pressure).

please dont forget that pvc valve these cars are very much alive.

I hope this helps someone out.
AS JF has been very good to me.


btw I did buy a oil sender but my oem one is still working fine ..I guess ill hang on to it.