What is an oil pressure sensor?

Content

What you need to know about the oil pressure sensor
- How does it work?
- What happens after starting the engine?
Ways to check the oil pressure sensor

In this article, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about oil pressure sensors, including how to test them.

Undoubtedly, the oil pressure sensor is one of the most important components of your vehicle. Poor oil pressure can damage the engine or completely disable it. A good understanding of the oil pressure sensor is essential whether you are a mechanic like me or a car enthusiast.

So what is an oil pressure sensor?

An oil pressure gauge is a device that can monitor the oil pressure in your engine. In other words, the oil pressure switch combines an oil pressure switch and an oil pressure switch.

I'll go into more detail below.

What you need to know about the oil pressure sensor

Keeping track of engine oil pressure is an important part of your vehicle. This will give you a good idea of leaks or any other issue. You can monitor the oil pressure in the engine using a properly working oil pressure sensor. This is why oil pressure sensors can be called the most important sensors in your car.

How does it work?

To understand the importance and uniqueness of an engine oil pressure sensor, you must first understand its mechanics. So, in this section, I will try to explain it.

Most standard engine oil pressure gauges display a warning light if the oil pressure is low. This indicator will flash on the instrument panel. However, check the headlights only after starting the engine.

The car's dashboard will display a low oil pressure warning light whenever you turn the ignition key on. But this does not mean that the oil level is low. You must start the engine to get a clear view of the oil level. Otherwise, the oil transfer process will not start.

The oil pressure sensor consists of two main parts. Actually there are more than two. But to understand the mechanics of an oil pressure sensor, you need to at least know about the spring-loaded switch and diaphragm.

Examine the image above. As you can see, the diaphragm is connected to a spring switch. And the spring is connected to the positive end of the indicator. The negative end of the lamp is connected to the oil sensor housing. Therefore, the circuit is connected and the signal light will flash. This is why the warning light flashes when you turn on the ignition key. (1)

What happens after starting the engine?

After starting, the engine will begin pumping fuel. The diaphragm will push the spring when the recommended oil pressure is reached. This will break the circuit and the warning light will automatically turn off.

However, the circuit will be active if the recommended oil level is not reached. Therefore, the light will be on.

Ways to check the oil pressure sensor

Most people quickly panic when they see a low oil pressure warning light on the dashboard. But they shouldn't. There are two main reasons for this.

Oil leakage in the oil line or oil pressure sensor
Faulty oil pressure sensor (wiring problems)

You will need a mechanic to check for oil leaks. Believe me; this is the best way. I have seen many of my clients get frustrated trying to find leaks. So hire a professional for this. (2)

However, if you need to check your oil pressure sensor and are fixated on doing it yourself, there is an easy way. For this testing process, you will need a digital multimeter, a wrench, and a screwdriver.

Start the engine and check that the oil pressure is low.
Turn off the engine and open the hood of your car.
Locate the engine block and remove the oil pressure sensor from it.
Set the multimeter to test for continuity.
Place the black probe on the sensor housing.
Place the red probe on the sensor head.
If the multimeter starts beeping, the oil pressure sensor is working properly.

Quick-Tip: This test only checks the oil pressure sensor wiring and does not indicate any leaks at the sensor.

If the sensor wiring is OK and the warning light is still on, there is a leak in the oil line or pressure sensor. Have the problem checked by a qualified technician. A good mechanic will always find such problems fairly quickly. But for you, it may take 2 or 3 days.

Also, if the mechanic recommends replacing the oil pressure sensor, feel free to do so. Most often, oil pressure sensors are inexpensive. So, let's start with the replacement.

If none of the above methods work, the problem could be a bad oil filter, a clogged oil line, or something else. That's why it's best to leave the hard part to the mechanics.

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