Where is the oil pressure sensor location?

Tiny
STRATTON.M23
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 10,000 MILES
I need to replace my oil pressure sensor and I cannot find its location. I have tried looking online with no luck. If anyone can tell me where it is and the procedure to replace it, I would really appreciate it. It is a pzev engine.
Friday, February 4th, 2022 AT 7:41 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

It's behind the alternator, below the intake, at the rear of the engine. See pic 1. In pic 2, I highlighted two connectors. Number 1 is the oil pressure switch and number 2 are the reduced oil pressure sensor. Number 1 will be blue, and number 2 is brown.

As far as replacement, simply disconnect the electrical connector and the sensor (using a deep well socket) will screw out.

I added pic 3 so you could get a better view of what the sensor looks like.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, February 4th, 2022 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Is it easier to access from underneath the car or above? And will I need to remove anything to access the sensor?
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Saturday, February 5th, 2022 AT 3:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you have a lift to place the vehicle on, you will need to remove the splash shield from under the vehicle, but it should be easier.

Let me know how things work out for you.

Joe
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Saturday, February 5th, 2022 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Thank you for the help. A little background to my situation, the low oil pressure light comes on intermittently when driving at low speeds, so I wanted to change the sensor to see if that is the issue. Oil was recently changed, and is still clean, and no abnormal sounds coming from the engine. I'm new to VW'ss, so my question is what is the difference between the oil pressure switch and the low oil pressure sensor? And should I replace both of them at the same time. My mechanic is going to try to work on it this week and he hasn't worked on a VW, so I'm trying to get him as much info as possible.
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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 4:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The oil pressure switch is nothing more than a toggle switch that will turn a light on if a specific pressure is reached. (Too high or low). A sensor provides a digital signal which you measure (in this case) specific pressures and doesn't toggle on or off.

Just for curiosity, did this happen after a recent oil change? I have seen the filter collapse and cause the flickering light at low RPMs.

One good thing is there are no sounds coming from the engine. That is usually a good indicator that it is a sensor issue and not an internal engine issue.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Yes, I just got my oil changed at a shop at the end of December. It's one of those roll in and out oil shops. I talked to my mechanic, and we are going to check out the oil filter first and replace it if necessary. I will let you know how it goes.
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Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Sounds good. Let me know what you find. I hope it's something that simple for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Sorry it took so long to update, but he checked the filter first and it was crushed. So far that seems to have resolved the issue. He did notice some condensation in the oil, so he completely changed the oil and cleaned up what he could. Some of it resembled water but had the smell of gas. With my oil light coming on, I didn't let my car warm up long before heading to work. Could that cause condensation? It has also been below freezing in my location.
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Absolutely that can cause condensation. When the engine is hot and you turn it off allowing it to cool, that is when it happens. Just like when you see the white steam from the exhaust on a cold morning evaporating from the exhaust.

I'm glad to know it's taken care of. Also, don't worry about the late reply whatsoever. I'm glad to hear it's fixed and am certain your reply will help others.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Joe
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Thursday, February 24th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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I have an update on my situation. My oil pressure light just started coming on again. I have read that the oil pickup tube filter could be clogging up on me. Could this be causing the issue?
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 5:43 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

There is a pickup tube/screen that can cause low or no pressure. However, that is usually the result of not changing the oil and it being really dirty internally.

Has the vehicle been serviced regularly?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Yes, the oil and filter were changed a couple of weeks ago. Is there any other things I can check before the pickup tube?
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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I have only had the vehicle less than a year and the Carfax only showed minimal on the types of service done, but it did seem to have regular servicing recorded.
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Open up the oil filler cap on the valve cover (where oil is added). Take a flashlight and look down inside to see if it looks like burnt oil or sludge.

Joe
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
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Will do. We had the valve cover off a few weeks ago and there was a lot of condensation in there, so that's when we changed the oil and filter.
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Also, make sure the PCV or according to VW (crankshaft housing vent) isn't plugged and isn't restricted.

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know how much condensation was found under the valve cover.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below for PCV hose location.
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Monday, March 7th, 2022 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
STRATTON.M23
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Will do, I had read an article online talking about the PCV valve and I ordered a new one yesterday, just to be safe. The article had mentioned that sometimes the diaphragm inside tears cause condensation to form. I will check it to see if there are any clogs as well. And I will see if my mechanic still has the picture from under the valve cover before he cleaned it.
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Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 AT 4:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That's a good idea. Let me know if it helps. I will watch for a pic of what was found.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 AT 1:20 PM

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