Step by step guide on how to troubleshoot and repair low oil pressure, this information pertains to all internal combustion engines.
Difficulty Scale: 5 of 10
Tools and Supplies Needed
Start with the car on level ground, in park with the emergency brake set.
Step 1 - To verify the engine oil pressure is low, start the engine (cold) and observe the gauge or light.
Step 2 - Using the engine oil dip stick, check
the oil level of the engine and ensure a proper level. Step 3 - The oil pressure switch is designed to
send feedback data to the gauge or computer. These switches can go bad causing
the gauge or light to show a false reading, remove the switch and insert a
manual gauge to the engine and restart the engine. The gauge should read between
25 and 45 pounds. Step 4 - The oil pump uses a screen to keep out
impurities before entering the pump. If this screen becomes plugged with sludge
due to lack of maintenance, the pump will scavenge causing low pressure. (Engine
oil pan removed while turned over.) Step 5 - The oil pump is also designed with an
oil pressure relief valve and spring which regulates pressure. If this valve
becomes faulty caused by a broken pressure spring the pump will have low oil
pressure. Step 6 - An engine bearing is designed to
support the crankshaft and other various engine parts while in motion. When
these bearings wear, they can allow more oil to escape causing low oil pressure,
this is a sign the engine has worn out and replacement or rebuilding is needed.