Car oil pressure sensor

How to detect the oil pressure sensor failure

To perform an independent diagnosis of the sensor. you have to demount it from the seat and install a mechanical pressure gauge instead. You have to measure the oil pressure with it. If at idle it is over 0.65 bar and increases with increasing revs. it indicates that the sensor has failed. Besides. check the electrical circuit. If there is any damage or short-circuiting of the contacts. then the cause of the sensor failure is likely to lie in this.

You may identify that the oil pressure sensor requires to be checked by the following symptoms:

• oil pressure readings exceed the limits of 4.5-6.5 bar at high revs;
• with a normal oil level in the system. the engine oil pressure indicator lights up on the instrument panel.

Causes of the oil pressure sensor failure

Ingress of moisture or dirt on the component has a disruptive impact. It can entail the contacts oxidation. Usage of a poor quality or too viscous oil promotes contamination of the part components. If an extensive mechanical force is applied to the sensor. this can lead to damage and. consequently. improper part performance.

If the vehicle frequently starts driving with a cold engine. or the electrical circuit voltage is increased. it may entail a fuse blowout. damage to the electrical connector. or short-circuit of the wiring.

Repair and replacement of the oil pressure sensor

To prevent faults. regularly perform replacement of the liquid sealant and the part cleaning. with a particular focus on the area around the mounting hole. Do not use sharp or abrasive tools: you may damage the part.

If in the course of inspection you have defined that the sensor has failed. carry out the replacement. For this. follow the procedure below:

1. Dismantle the engine undercover.
2. Disconnect the wire harness connector and take out the defective sensor.
3. Treat the thread of a new component with a liquid sealant and install it in its mounting seat.
4. Reassemble all the elements.