Low oil pressure when engine is idling

Tiny
KIMBERLY1227
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE RAM
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
So once my truck has warmed up and is at an idle the oil pressure drops low to the point of not registering. But whenever I take back off driving again it regulates back normal. Does this mean my oil pressure switch needs changing?
Thursday, March 17th, 2022 AT 7:46 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

If the pressure drops to nothing, you normally will hear a ticking or knocking from the engine. If that isn't the case, it sounds like the oil pressure sensor is bad.

Oftentimes, they leak into the connector plug. This allows the pressure to appear low.

If you wanted, you could confirm oil pressure using a mechanical gauge. Basically, you remove the electric sensor and screw in an adapter that goes to a mechanical gauge. Start the engine and see if the pressure is truly low. However, if you don't want to try that, check the sensor for leaks. Also, disconnect the connector and inspect it as well for oil

I attached a picture below showing the sensor location. It is up and to the right of the oil filter. Simply disconnect the connector and using a deep well socket (some require a special oil switch socket) unscrew it from the engine and replace it.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, March 17th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

If the pressure drops to nothing, you normally will hear a ticking or knocking from the engine. If that isn't the case, it sounds like the oil pressure sensor is bad.

Oftentimes, they leak into the connector plug. This allows the pressure to appear low.

If you wanted, you could confirm oil pressure using a mechanical gauge. Basically, you remove the electric sensor and screw in an adapter that goes to a mechanical gauge. Start the engine and see if the pressure is truly low. However, if you don't want to try that, check the sensor for leaks. Also, disconnect the connector and inspect it as well for oil

I attached a picture below showing the sensor location. It is up and to the right of the oil filter. Simply disconnect the connector and using a deep well socket (some require a special oil switch socket) unscrew it from the engine and replace it.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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answer
helpful?
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Thursday, March 17th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM

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