I have a bunch of my wiring harnesses that have been destroyed by a rat. 99 Ram 5.9. A couple of fuel injector wires, the MAP sensor wires, a few vacuum tubes, etc. no problem there. But as I was checking spark plug wires, I noticed a sensor (or something) that appears to screw in to the left (passenger side) of the distributor. It’s black, and has a small red tag or button toward the top. The wires to it are gone, so I can’t tell much more about it. Anybody know what this is?

thank you!
Tim

 

Should be the oil pressure sensor. Does your oil pressure gauge work?

 

That's the oil pressure sending unit. They like to leak so if it's oily, now would be a good time to replace it.

 

With the MAP Sensor wires completely destroyed, it’s a crank no start situation, so no idea…but I suspect not! I’m sure there are other issues. It’s a real mess. I suspect the ECM isn’t activating. Turn the key to “on” and there’s no Check Engine light, and the fuel gauge doesn’t move. Turn it over, and the tachometer doesn’t budge.

 

thanks for the reply. I’m not sure if it’s oily or not yet. I’m trying to do a total damage assessment, so I can start to prioritize the work. But great point. I’ll definitely be checking that!

 

You can try this procedure to check your instrument cluster -

 

Mice are no fun. I've had to repair several wires chewed up by a mouse on a '96 Dakota. Luckily, he only munched on some insignificant wires and the truck still starts and runs..

 

this year has been bad for mice and rats. The ranchers here kill off a lot of the natural predators, and all that’s left is hawks, owls and eagles. So I’ve had to replace the spark plug wires in this truck, a couple of fuel injector wires on my car, and a massive train wreck of vacuum lines for the hvac system on my van. All this year.

 

A lot of it also has to do with the reformulation of the wiring materials that allow mice to like eating them.

 

I'm getting ready to park my PT Cruiser convertible for the winter. I've already put several "Bounce" fabric softener sheets in it and cleared out the jackets I usually carry. This remves nest material and they can't stand the smell of the fabric softener sheets. f you don't believe me, take a wiff in the laundry aisle next time toy're at the grocery store. Slap that box up to your nose and sniff.