Can anyone tell me where the oil pressure sensor is for a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, please?

Does it use the same sensor for the oil pressure light and the gauge?

Any info on how I check that it is accurate. My oil pressure gauge drops off once in a while and the oil light comes on.

Thanks,

Rich

 

I am going to presume you have a V-8 in your truck. Also, presuming that the 96 version is the same as my 98, the oil pressure sender should be located to the left of the distributor (looking back from the front of the engine). You may have to climb up into the engine compartment to see it as mine is located pretty much out of sight.

As for IF the sender for a gauge and light are the same, I don't believe so. I'm sure someone will chime in with more information.

 

It is a V8.... Wonder why the gauge drops off to nothing then back up.... the light can come on sometimes (im talking every few rides, flicks on a few seconds or 6) but the gauge shows pressure ok. Later, both will flick up and down.

I have not had the truck too long, a week. Maybe an oil change and filter may correct?

 

I would definately try to figure it out before you drive it any more. It could be a very simple problem, but if your pump is going or you have something clogging the pick-up you could be screwed. I would put a mechanical gauge on it to see how much the pressure is fluctuating. How many miles on the motor?

 

173,000

 

Ok, I was confused when you mentioned a light AND a gauge, and didn't connect that we have both! DUH! Big Red Truck just ran me over!!!![sm=icon_beat.gif]

The same sender operates both. And I would definately do what Mopower said and put a mechanical on it to verify your pressure. If it reads ok with that, then your sender is more than likely screwed. If it reads the same as your gauge on the dash, then you definately have a problem that is going to require more in depth investigation.

 

You have a bad connection or the gauge is going bad. Mine would drop to zero when it was in drive but read fine in park, I guess it's a common problem. Wear a long sleeve shirt when changing, it's not too bad but not very much fun trying to work on something you really cant see.

 

IF the mechanical shows the prssure isnt constant, one other possiblity is the oil pump drive shaft is slipping. The gear for it is only press fitted onto the shaft. I have an MP pinned shaft to go in my 408. Small price to pay for a little insurance in my case.

 

I am in the process of replacing a broken oil pump drive shaft.
Anyone have any instructions on how to do this and put it all back together correctly? It would be much easier if I could see what is going on, and I'm not a mechanic so I don't have the aptitude to feel my way though a distributor installation. The Haynes repair manual says if it's wore replace it... but doesn't give instructions, illustrations or any other information on HOW TO DO IT... stupid book.

also... RM_Indy .... or anyone else who knows..
What is an MP pinned shaft?

 

heres a pic of the oil pressor sensor next to the distributer.

[IMG]local://upfiles/15914/8D4B4F01147A47B389D9BB07356E75C3.jpg[/IMG]