Last week, shortly after startup, I noticed that my "check gauges" light was on. I then noticed that my oil pressure gauge was still on the pin on the low side. I pulled over, turned off the truck, and checked the oil. I was about 500 miles overdue for an oil change, and it *was* pretty black (but didn't smell burnt). I don't believe it was low, though it didn't have time for a proper drain down after the engine was turned off. I restarted the engine, and the gauge worked as normal, quickly settling at the mid-point. I chalked this up to my karma bank giving me a final notice about changing the oil, which I heeded and changed the next day with Royal Purple 5w20.

All was well for a few days, but this morning while taking my daughter to school I noticed the light was on again, and the oil pressure gauge was still on the pin, again. I was very close to the school, and when I stopped I checked the oil again, and it was fine. Upon restarting the engine, the light was off and the gauge was operating normally.

So, what gives? Is this something I should be worried about, or more than likely an electrical gremlin? Any ideas?

 

Probably the sending unit (located just above the filter). Could be the gauge itself, but since you're getting the CEL, the sending unit is the likely culprit.

 

03 Dodge ram 2500HD. I was having the same problem. Replaced the sending unit on front of the engine(Hemi) and took care of the problem. FYI

 

I believe this one has been answered - I was thinking sending unit before I even finished reading your second sentence...

 

Thanks, guys. I'll break out the Chilton's manual today and look it up. Is this a pretty easy fix?

 

Yep. Go get a replacement from you local auto parts store.

 

STOP MOCKING ME!

[/Stewie] :P

 

Ok, from RockAuto: Is this the part I need? This one is $30.99 and is annotated "with gauge". The other one is $8.99 (big difference!) and annotated "with light". I assume I need the one "with gauge"?
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STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # PS418 {#56044777AA} Blade Terminals; Terminal Gender: Male; Direct OE Replacement; Number of Terminals: 3; Connector Gender: Female
WITH GAUGE

 

I never had check gauges come on, but twice my oil press gauge has been pinned in my 04. Completely random, restart fixes it instantly. Twice over maybe 6 years.