How to understand that the oil pressure sensor is faulty?
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The oil pressure in a vehicle's engine plays an important role in ensuring that lubricants reach the required areas, including the camshaft, mainshaft and balanceshaft bearings. This helps to reduce wear on engine parts,…
The oil pressure in a vehicle's engine plays an important role in ensuring that lubricants reach the required areas, including the camshaft, mainshaft and balanceshaft bearings. This helps reduce wear on engine parts, ensuring that the engine does not overheat and continues to run smoothly. When checking the oil pressure gauge, be aware that in cold weather pressure readings are higher due to the thicker (also known as viscosity) of the oil.
How does the oil pressure gauge work
The internal structure of the oil pressure gauge largely depends on its type: electrical or mechanical. A mechanical pressure gauge uses a spring that is acted upon by oil pressure. A coiled tube, called a bulb, is attached to the outer housing of the oil gauge and to a linkage mechanism at the bottom of the needle. Oil is supplied to the bulb under pressure, as in a car engine, from a supply pipe that causes the bulb to try to straighten itself. This pressure moves the oil pressure needle on the instrument panel to indicate the level of oil pressure in the engine.
An electrical pressure gauge uses a transmitter unit and a circuit to send electrical signals to the pressure gauge through a wire wound coil. These parts allow the system to change the gauge needle to show the correct pressure. The oil enters the end of the gauge and presses against the diaphragm, which moves the wiper inside the gauge up and down the resistive blade, creating a signal that moves the gauge needle.
Some vehicles use an oil level warning light instead of an oil pressure gauge. In this case, the warning light is connected to a sensor that uses a simple on/off switch that reads oil pressure through a diaphragm attached to the engine.
Symptoms of a bad oil pressure gauge
When an oil pressure sensor stops working properly, have a mechanic check that it is working. Some common signs that the oil pressure sensor is not working properly include:
Oil pressure sensor not working: Reasons for this range from a faulty pressure gauge to the need for an oil change. Have a mechanic check the oil level.
Oil pressure gauge too low, typically below 15-20 psi at idle. Cold weather can also cause oil pressure to drop until the oil pump supplies oil to the engine.
Oil pressure gauge too highor more than 80 psi while driving, especially at higher rpm. Vehicle owners can check their manuals for information on how high the oil pressure gauge should be when the engine is running at a certain RPM.
Other Causes of High or Low Oil Pressure Gauge Readings
In addition to a faulty pressure gauge, problems with other engine systems and parts can cause high or low readings. The mechanic will check these problem areas to make sure these parts remain in good working order and are not causing oil pressure problems.
Oil needs to be changed: Over time, the oil decomposes and loses some of its viscosity, resulting in low gauge readings. The mechanic will check the condition of the oil and change it if necessary.
A clogged oil filter can lead to high oil pressure.: In this case, the mechanic will change the filter and oil.
A blocked oil gallery can also cause high readings.: In this case, the mechanic flushes the oil system when changing the oil.
Sometimes wrong type of oil causes high oil pressure. The mechanic will ensure that your vehicle is filled with the correct grade of oil and will replace it with the correct grade if necessary.
Worn bearings sometimes lowers oil pressure. If necessary, the mechanic will replace the bearings.
Broken oil pump can result in a low oil pressure measurement. In this case, the mechanic will replace the oil pump.
