I just got this truck. It's a 94 ram 1500 with a 5.9L and only 56k original miles. No rust or anything very well kept. But I noticed the oil pressure gauge acting weird at times. It runs just above the 40 line and idles between the 0 and 40 line. But when I'm driving I noticed sometimes after coming to a stop light the gauge won't come all the way back up from idle. I'll drive with it right around the 30 mark and then all of a sudden it will come back up to normal.

I've changed the oil and checked the level. The Gauge seems to be very unpredictable. At idle I'll notice it flickering alittle bit sometimes.

How accurate is the gauge and is this a reflections of what's going on in the motor or is the pressure switch bad or where should I start to fix this problem. I know the pressure switch is near impossible to get to. If that's the issue does anyone have a DIY thread. I'm new to these dodges. And I'm not sure what goes wrong on these

 

"Not Very" comes to mind when considering the oil pressure gauge accuracy.

Might be time for a new sending unit. They are know to have some odd failure modes. Changing it really isn't that bad. You can spend the 13 bucks on the specific socket for it, which makes it about a ten minute job. If you get really lucky, a 15/16ths socket *might* work. (don't hold your breath) I just used a pair of channel-loks. It worked, but took a bit more time. I pulled the air filter housing, put a piece of plywood up there to lay on, and that worked out fairly well.

 

I bought the special socket and the switch. It's such a pain to get to. I broke the little clip that holds the plug on and I still can't get the thing off. I'll try the plywood thing. Any other tricks or better angles ? I'm really short and I can bearly reach the top of the plug

 

Lay the board across the radiator support, and the throttle body. (throw a rag over the throttle body to keep stuff out....) You can kinda/sorta reach around stuff with the left hand to get down to the sensor, and use like a six inch extension on your ratchet, and go straight down on it. Gives better leverage, and more swing. Once you break it loose, you will prolly be able to just unscrew it by hand.

 

Do u feel this is the issue. I know it's hard to be sure but I don't wanted to go through all that and still be messed up. It's about 13 degrees here today. And will driving it like that for acouple weeks or so be alright and not damage anything. Just until it warms up outside

 

I had this exact issue so I am near 100% sure the sending unit is your problem.

I had little issue changing it, I just climbed into the engine bay and straddled the engine (almost have to anyway as my truck is lifted) I did have the special socket and used a ratchet with swivel head.

 

It isn't critical.... so long as you have pressure, it's all good. Let it wait till its a tad warmer.... at least above freezing.