Here we’re going to discuss the following engine sensor: The oil pressure sensor (or oil pressure switch). I will be explaining what the functions of this sensor are and what symptoms may occur if this sensor malfunctions.
How an Oil Pressure Sensor / Switch Works
The main job of an engine oil pressure sensor is to keep track of the oil pressure in the vehicle and then transmit this information straight to the combination meter or the instrument panel.
If the vehicle has an electronic control module, then the oil pressure switch will send this information to the module where it can be calculated. After it is calculated, the information gets sent to the combination meter or instrument panel so that the engine oil pressure warning light or the oil pressure gauge can be activated.
Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pressure Switch or Sensor
If there is a problem with the oil pressure sensor, then this will usually activate the engine oil pressure light. It could also cause an inaccurate reading to be given from the oil pressure gauge. Below are the three most typical signs of a faulty oil pressure switch or sensor:
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Repeated Blinking from the Oil Pressure Light
Sometimes if the oil pressure sensor is not working properly, there will be blinking from the low oil light on the dashboard. This could cause a driver to panic because they’ll believe that their oil levels are low, which would end up damaging the engine if it were true.
In order to determine if this is a real warning or not, you should manually check your oil level. If it isn’t low, then it is likely you have a faulty oil pressure sensor and you need to replace it right away. -
Wrong Reading Shows on the Oil Pressure Gauge
If you are driving an older vehicle, then it likely has a mechanical gauge. Whenever the oil levels are normal but the gauge is showing zero, this means the oil pressure sensor needs to be replaced because it is faulty or there is some type of connection issue.
If you are driving a modern vehicle, then your oil pressure gauge is probably electronic. Whenever an oil pressure sensor is not working properly in a modern car, it will cause the gauge to have strange readings or it will sit on full or zero. Check the wiring to the sensor and replace as needed. -
Oil Pressure Light Turns On
The best way to test if your sensor is bad is through the lights on the oil pressure gauge. If the light for “Low Oil” comes on when the engine’s oil levels are normal, then you likely have a bad oil pressure sensor. Anytime this sensor is defective, it will give you false readings.
Eventually, these readings will go beyond normal specifications which will cause the warning light to turn on. At this point, you should replace your sensor right away in order to stay properly informed on your oil levels.
