Started driving the truck and noticed the tachometer was wildly fluctuating. Then noticed the oil pressure gauge needle was at the halfway mark (straight up) when normally sits on the first leg of the arch). Stopped the truck, the needle stayed in place. Tried to start the truck and heard "tic tic tic" and it wouldn't start. Waited about 5 minutes and it started. Drove it home, by the time got there the oil pressure gauge was all the way to the right/high.

Let the truck sit for a couple of days, tried it today. Tachometer is okay, but the oil gauge goes to halfway as soon as the truck is put in gear. When I turn off the vehicle the needle stays straight up and doesn't go back down.

It's 6 miles to my mechanic and I'm afraid of driving it and burning it up...but it's got plenty of oil. Any help appreciated.

 

Sounds like the oil pressure switch has went bad. The tic tic tic sounds like the starter solenoid maybe going bad or the battery dropped voltage. Dont think you have much to worry about.

 

Yea your starting issue is likely your battery voltage being low or your starter is shot. I had the same issue last year more or less. Mine ended up being my starter I replaced that and it runs great. Get your battery tested at a shop first since it'll be the fastest fix IMO.

As for your Oil pressure, both of my Dakotas the old 98 and my Current 93 both were the 318 V8 Magnum. The oil pressure gauge sat in the middle most of the time and when driving on town. It was always a bit past that when I was on the highway or 4x4ing though. I'm under the impression those are the standard readings you should be getting if you change your oil regularly and have no leaks.

 

Thanks. Don't have a choice will have to get it to the mechanic's.