Oil gauge not working?

RANDALL T

MEMBER
2003 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
68,000 MILES

Oil gauge jumps back and forth erratically and only while braking and not while driving normally nor while stopped. The engine has aprox. 68,000 miles. This started after my last oil and filter change that I did myself and the correct oil and filter was used.
What could be causing this?

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

This can be caused by a faulty sender or the oil pump pick up is clogged let try the oil pressure sensor first here is the the location so you can change it out. If this doesn't work you will need to drop the pan and clean the pickup. Check out the diagrams (Below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Images (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

If you are not experiencing any drivability issues it is likely a bad sensor, loose connection to the sensor or corroded connector, it can also be a faulty gauge.
Visually inspect the connector to the sensor. Make sure it is clean and secured.

I have attached the testing procedure for the gauge (look below).

It will also be a good idea to test the oil pressure, in case there is indeed an issue.
This can be done by attaching an oil pressure test gauge to the pressure sensor port.
With the engine at operating temperature this engine should have 40-60 PSI of oil pressure at 2,500 RPMs.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)