I have a 95 1500 4WD with a 5.2 V8

When I am on the gas the oil pressure is normal. But when the truck comes to a stop and is idle the oil pressure drops right to 0 and the light comes on. I dont know if it could have anything to do with the fact that is has been extremely cold recently. Any ideas would be great.

Thanks

 

cold shouldn't have much to do with it if you are running a 5-30 or 10-30 type oil. I would be tempted to put a manual gauge in and check the pressure as the one's in the dash are notorious for failing.

 

my truck experienced a similar issue, but it was all due to low oil. The pressure light would drop drop to zero at a stop as well and a "check gauges" light would pop on. Checked and added oil the issue went away.

 

oil level in mine is good.

 

Most likely a sticking / stuck oil pressure gauge / sending unit.

TO TEST:

Take a 1/2 inch allen wrench or open ended wrench and LIGHTLY tap on the oil sending unit. WHERE IS IT LOCATED: It's all the way in the rear of the block on the passenger side of the dizzy. Lightly tap on it a few times and note pressure reading at cluster.

<IF> the pressure comes up on the cluster readout, it's a non-issue and - root cause was a sticking assembly.

<IF> the pressure DOES NOT change, either:

a. the sending unit is on it's way out

b. there's an issue at the oil pump level such as clogged screen, wear etc.

c. there's an issue with the bearings at the low end of engine

d. idle speed is below acceptable minimum requirements to maintain proper PSI level.

e. combination of any of the above

I had mine drop to zero while driving cross country during the summer time. Gone. Thought I'd lost the pump. I pulled over and tapped on it with it running and it shot back up to 1 o-clock. Those sensors are dirt bag sensors and really aren't worth anything more than an idiot lamp. If it's of concern, there's some after market sensors that are very accurate and reliable.

CM

 

i have to disagree, increased main and rod bearing clearances, to a point at which oil psi is about 4 at idle. 6psi for the pcm to register as AY-OK on the dash gauge. as long as you have good flow, she'll be fine. a rebuild is needed

if the gauge was at 0 full time, yes the sender is the way to go, BUT thats not the case.

 

The oil pressure senders in these critters often fail in the way the OP described. The forum's full of reports of it, and of it being fixed by a new sending unit.