Car oil temperature sensor

Oil temperature sensor serves to measure oil temperature in the engine. This information is transmitted to the oil temperature indicator. In the majority of automobiles oil temperature is not displayed because it is not so important for the driver. As a rule, executive-class cars and sports cars are equipped with oil temperature sensor and have the respective indicator. If there are meaningless figures on the indicator, probably the sensor or the indicator failed. It is easy to check by means of a simple function test.

Many of car tuning fans insert oil temperature sensors. For this purpose there is a wide range of goods on car parts’ market. When buying the parts you need to pay attention to the fact the oil sensor and the oil indicator to be compatible with each other and with the car. The sensor may be installed into the engine basic block. You need a special adapter for this. It is easy to install the sensor and you can do it without assistance. Be careful using the used parts, in most cases they are not suitable.

The oil temperature sensor itself is not expensive, but to install it you may need other details. You may order them in our Internet shop, and thus you can save your money. If the sensor has been installed and you need to substitute it, you need just to buy the sensor itself. In our online shop you can also buy ABS sensor, stub axle, clutch plate, bumper, oil filter, accelerator, turbo- charger, bonnet, body wings and any other parts you need for your car. Take advantage of our online store. It is very easy to order goods by means of the Internet.

How to detect oil temperature sensor malfunctions

First of all, you should check if the contacts are not damaged, and if the sensors are located correctly in the system. After that, measure pressure and resistance with a manometer and an ohmmeter. The first value with the engine working at low rpm must be approximately 2 bars. At increasing of rpm up to 5 thousand, pressure can increase up to 6 bars.

The part electrical resistance changes at its heating. When oil temperature is 0 оC, resistance must reach 5–7 kOhm. Maximum allowed motor oil temperature is 120 оC. At such value sensor resistance must be 150–220 Ohm. Lubricant loses its features at more intense heating.

The component is diagnosed within the framework of regular engine lubrication system check. Ideally, it should be performed every 50000–70000 operational kilometers.

You can notice that the oil temperature sensor needs to be diagnosed, by the following signs:

• the indicator that signals about sensor malfunctions is activated on a dashboard;
• the engine is overheating;
• pressure in the engine lubrication system is exceeding the norm;
• engine power decreased;
• fuel and lubricant consumption increased;
• the engine produces strange sounds when working.

Causes of oil temperature sensor malfunctions

The component operates in heavy conditions, constantly undergoing the influence of oil, high temperature, moisture and the other adverse factors. The rubber parts are especially sensitive to such aggressive environment. That is why wear or tear of the seals is one of the most common defects of oil temperature sensor, which leads to loss of tightness of the mounting hole where it is installed. Eventually, this causes significant lowering of the oil level and defects connected with increased abrasive wear and overheating of the certain engine components.

Sometimes the component breaks down because of errors in connecting the wires. Poor contact of the connector and the terminal causes voltage variations and may become a cause for insulation melting, short circuit and contacts sticking. Errors in sensor operation may happen because of voltage instability, so it is recommended to exclude the open circuit before device replacement. In some cases, part malfunction is caused by burnt-out thermistor. Usually it is connected with use of the poor-quality components.

It also happens that the oil temperature sensor breaks because of intense force impact at road accident or obstacle run-over. In these cases, repair jobs will not be limited to sensor replacement only: most likely that the oil pan replacement will be required.

Replacement of the oil temperature sensor

The defective part cannot be repaired due to thermistor special features. Most commonly, the part is located in the bottom part of crankcase oil pan, though its location should be specified in the technical documentation of the vehicle.

To start with, choose original or the completely matching sensor. Make sure that it has a suitable size. Drain the oil, demount the broken part, then install the working sensor and seal the joints. It is important to check that the wiring is correctly connected and works well.