so i am driving along and i go to stop and the oil pressure gauge drops, the check gauges light comes on dings and then everything goes back to normal. any sugestions???

 

yep oil pressure switch, same exact thing happened to me 3K miles ago, replaced it with a $27 switch from autozone and was good to go, its easy to change but takes time and isnt fun, dont forget the special socket!

 

is there a DIY link?

 

Not that im aware of, but i can tell you real fast how to change it out:

1) Go to parts store and pick-up oil pressure switch and socket
2) Buy ratchet if you dont have one
3) the oil pressure switch is located on the back of the motor towards the passenger side
4) locate switch and disconnect sensor from it (its clipped on from the top)
5) connect socket to ratchet and place over the oil pressure switch
6) after unscrewing for probaly 15 mins, remove oil pressure switch
7) put new switch on, make sure to thread it well at first, ratchet it down really snug
8) connect sensor to the new switch
9) thats it, its really easy but just takes time and the switch is a bitch to reach especially if you're short, the best angle to reach the switch is from the passenger side fender, problem should be fixed and the new switch should last 50-100K miles

 

ok thanx i am a heavy equipment mechanic so it shouldn't be to dificult for me! thanx

 

whats so special about the socket?

 

it probably a split bell shaped thing.

i know this is stupid, but check your oil first. if the sensor doesn't fix it you may have a sludged up pickup screen or pipe on the oil pump.

this is a question, which side of the oil filter is the sensor on? would a clogged oil filter cause loss of pressure ?

 

yeah i had the same problem on my 97 dodge...the first thing i did was replace the pressure switch, then a few weeks later i went an hit a wet spot and it dropped again...but it had knocked all the sludge loose and was cloggin my screen ..so i took everything off an flushed it with diesel

 

Changing your oil pressure switch will yake care of your problem. It costs 9.99 at Oreily's.

 

The sensor is after the oil filter in the system but the oil filters have a bypass so that if they get clogged up the oil will still flow.