I have inherited a 2010 Ram 1500 slt hemi with 129000 miles from father in laws passing. I had the oil changed about 1400 miles ago and 5-20 was put in, recommended type, now I have a low oil pressure code and cel. Check eng light code also came up cam sensor retard, changed it. Not sure on the low oil pressure. Thoughts on changing the oil pressure sensor, doing my own oil change with 5-30 or 10-30, or any other thoughts.

Thanks in advance
Ray

 

You can connect mechanical gauge to check what oil pressure is actually at? Make sure its at operating temp and may want to check it in drive.
You can take a chance and replace oil pressure sending unit and see what happens..

 

Update. I replaced the oil pressure sensor and it doesn't appear to change anything. Was idling at 30sih psi, drove around and it was between 23 and 35ish depending on speed and if in eco. Got home and parked in idle at 17-20psi. Not sure how to check on a gauge, next thought is a new oil filter, Pennzoil was put on at last oil change, may go to k&n.
Any info is appreciated.
Thanks

 

If the filter were getting clogged, it would be bypassed. Standard fare for quite some time now.

Go to the parts store, pick up a cheap mechanical gauge, I got one for less than 20 bucks. Screw it in where the OPS goes, see what the gauge has to say.

 

Are you sure the place that did the oil change actually used 5W-20? Going to a thicker viscosity oil (5W-30 or 10W-30) would decrease oil pressure, not increase the pressure due to more resistance to flow. Think of it like trying to suck pop through a straw versus sucking a milkshake through the same straw. If you suck each with the same force, the pop will flow in to your mouth at higher pressure than the milkshake will.

-Rod

 

Sorry Rod. Gotta disagree with ya bud. pop flows easier but will also go between your teeth easier. Milkshake flows slower but requires more pressure to push thru your teeth. Lol
Thinner oil will come out around bearings easier which will decrease oil pressure. Thicker oil will not be exhausted from bearings as easy and pressure will go up.

 

while the mentioned oil pressure readings are lower than typical, they are within what I consider acceptable numbers. Anything above 10 at idle is fine and above 20 to 30 while driving. Maybe you have some worn journal bushings but I would just drive it as is.