How to Fix Low Oil Pressure Gauge in Your Car (Oil Pressure Sending Unit)

[@scottykilmer]

⬇️Things used in this video: 1. Step Stool: amzn.to/2yTDD4W 2. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY 3. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 6. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 7. Flashlight: amzn.to/2kwtiu3 8. Common Sense 9. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 10. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 11. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 12. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@MrCloftin]

Scotty Kilmer when I check my oil cold it is showing full but when I check my dipstick hot it says the oil is low why??

[@lindafisher3660]

Scotty Kilmer why is my oil pressure flutuating on my 2002 Ford mustang

[@sabinovielmas1234]

So I changed the sensor and still low oil presure!

[@crand20033]

I don't have a gauge for oil pressure.

[@joncarlosramos5469]

Hey Scotty, I just have this problem with my 96 jeep 5.2 oil gauge buried to 0 and now when you start there’s a ticking sound I did replaced the sending unit and nothing happened any suggestions Thank you and stay safe always!

[@baptizedbyfire13]

I thought this guy was off his rocker when I first started watching the videos. However, Scotty knows how to put things in layman terms with clear and concise depictions and demographics. He authors one of the best tutorial series found on youtube that I have ever seen. He also breaks the monotony with his enthusiasm to keep things entertaining. I like that. His approach and demeanor is encouraging and eases self doubts and anxiety about DIY auto repairs.

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@scottykilmer]

@HappyEisentrout yes, if the engine makes noises too, stop driving it and fix the oil pressure problem quick.

[@scottykilmer]

if it's the engine rattling, then it's already damaged from low oil pressure. Would need rebuilding or replacing in that case

[@lionlegacy6652]

Why didn't you use a oil test Gage? Idk. I felt that was missing in the video. Like your videos. Have a good one.

[@scottykilmer]

could be both, but change the sending unit first, if it leaks badly, it can lower pressure a lot

[@RebBerry-fw7ue]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I know little of motors so I had no idea as to why my 93 Chevy pickup had a low oil Pressure or why the red light was constantly on. Went to You Tube to find out what weight oil I should be using and ran across your video, not only did you explain the problem but how to fix it. I bought the part Oil Sender ( never heard of such a thing) and as per your instructions installed it. Pressure is high red light off. Your the MAN

[@klinthuffman5153]

Was your oil preassure low when hot? Or low all the time?

[@williamowen5342]

scotty you remind me of my dad when he was alive .i could tell him what my car was doing or acting like and he tell me what it was and how to fix it.thank you so much for all your shared knowledge and. advice .

[@wilborth5th]

MR Scotty always helping us out, thanks Mister God bless

[@scottykilmer]

testing them would require a pressure machine and knowledge of how much power comes out of them. a switch costs 8 bucks in most cases, and is much easier to do.

[@kylesherwood4740]

Hey Scotty I replaced my oil pressure switch on my 99 Yukon 5.7 but still reading low and goes to zero when warm at idle? What next? Is there something else that could be plugged?

[@808breaksbad]

You saved me thousands. My 07' F150 5.4 3v Triton pickup threw a warning sound, then dash showed CHECK GAGES. The oil pressure gage showed 0 pressure. I had to get home and drove the next ten miles with 0 pressure on the gage, but there was no unusual noise coming from the engine. Sounded normal. I researched KZbin and came across your video. Not hearing an unusual noise I followed your advise and changed the oil pressure sensor. That turned out to be the culprit. An honest mechanic would have charged me $300 parts and labor for the job. A dishonest mechanic would have charged me $3000 to do a complete tear down and replace everything from timing chains to phasers. The part itself cost me $26 and some scrapped knuckles for about 30 minutes work.

[@scottykilmer]

it's normally hiding behind the distributor, at least on the V 8 engines I've done.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@scottykilmer]

pray you have a bad crank sensor and not a bad main computer. If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@dannygeorge1073]

Thank you so much Scotty....I was thinking my engine was done for. I just bought this truck 2 1/2 months ago and put 10k miles on it. 2002 v8 Tritan. Thank you Love you channel.

[@scottykilmer]

@metalhands84 Often those gauge systems don't work right, but to check yours, WHEN it's hot, remove the oil sending unit and put a gauge (or pay a mechanic to do that). Then see what the actual pressure is. If it is low, then you have a serious internal oil pressure problem with your engine, like a weak oil pump or worn bearings causing excessive space and making the pressure drop. See it all the time. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@Toobs138 Located in the right rear face of the cylinder block. Very hard to see unless you jack it up and go from the bottom. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@kurtnin42manson just fill it to the top of the mark, regardless of what the book says, all engines retain a certain amount inside when changing

[@j.g.9274]

Scotty, you are priceless! I watched 4 other videos with much frustration b/c they were blah blah blah and wouldn't get to the point--just to have waisted my time b/c they never answered my question. I watch your video, that was just on the topic, and your wealth of knowledge answered my question. THANKS! I can't imagine how many people you help.

[@scottykilmer]

@brandon1997bmx on the side of the engine under the ac compressor, hard to get to

[@scottykilmer]

@Matthew55904 all vehicles vary somewhat. 13.9 to 14.2 volts, but oil pressure varies widely, check the specs on yours . Scotty

[@dienekes4364]

I recently bought a 1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bower edition for $800 and have been working on it. Had to buy a new battery, front shocks, struts for the back gate, back window, and hood, just put new tires on it, and while I was fixing the battery cables, I realized that the Check Gauges light was on and it had NO oil pressure. Checked the oil level and it's fine. I was thinking of having a mechanic come over and check the oil pressure (I don't have a gauge and don't really want to buy one), but this video saved me the expense. The engine runs fine with no knocking, so, as I suspected, it's probably the sensor. I'll replace that before doing anything else because $35 or $40 is pretty cheap and it won't hurt to replace that anyway.

[@scottykilmer]

@XralphiX that's not normal, IF that gauge is working correctly, you have internal engine wear causing that, anythying from a worn pump to worn engine bearings creating too much space thus lowering oil pressure

[@crazypict]

I must say that I appreciate the recommendation to begin with checking the oil level in the engine. I have trouble with a low a low oil pressure in my engine - and I have not checked the oil level... I will do that!

[@scottykilmer]

@dc007fan Yes, change the oil, put in fully synthetic oil and one quart of lucas oil additive. Then pray the noise goes away, cause otherwise there's serious internal engine wear. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

you have to remove the dash, but it's all plastic snaps you just carefully pop off and then unscrew the 4 bolts holding the dash unit in.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event.

[@scottykilmer]

@BigCountry8677 replace the sending unit and start it up. If the gauge goes back up, yes. If not, you either have a wiring problem, a dash problem, OR a bad oil pressure problem like a shot pump. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@mattmopar440 Good point, but normally those single wire jobs don't have tapered threads, but instead use a washer to seal oil. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@spelunkerd That's right, the teeth on the gears only allow certain rather wide positions to be pushed back into the hole. Makes it easier. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@bignate678 rattling and low pressure is bad, means the engine is being damaged from low oil pressure. You probably need serious internal engine work, either an oil pump or engine bearing replacement. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@alexlove2012 often that's a leaking crankshaft seal. Check that first. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@3gencamaroguy Try replacing the sending unit first, the spring could just be weak inside, but if that's not it, IF the engine does not clank, it's in the wiring or gauge that's bad. If it clanks, stop driving it and fix the engine internally. Scotty

[@reneeryer1099]

Thank you Scott you video was very helpful to change the oil pressure cap I drive a 1999 Dodge Durango and by me looking at your video I change this myself so once again thank you very much one of your newest biggest fans

[@clearingbaffles]

What is an oil pressure cap?

[@scottykilmer]

put a real gauge on the sending unit hole and see what happens., if it goes to zero when warm, engine needs major oil work, like pumps and or bearings.

[@stevebarrios5904]

Scotty, you're the best! Whenever I have to do anything with mechanics, I also check out Scotty Kilmer. Thanks for all you do.

[@scottykilmer]

@brandon1997bmx bottom, but get the socket or you'll break things.

[@scottykilmer]

@itsbc753 I assume you mean the low oil pressure warning light. I would change the oil and filter, and see if it goes away, if not, have a mechanic run an actual oil pressure test to see if the pressure is actually low or not. Many times the gauge on the car is inaccurate. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@coolshariq Fix the leak first, that's what lowers oil pressure most. But when you hear engine sounds, that often means damage has already been done, and Audis are money pits to repair when their engines go south. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

check the alternator to see if it's wearing out. If not, check the ground wires on the dash

[@scottykilmer]

@tweety33122 generally near the distributor on the back of the engine. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@BessieMorrison It's inside the transmission inside the valve body. So you have to remove the oil pan to access it. And in typical Audi fashion, you have to buy the whole valve body to replace it. they don't care about you spending money for sure. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@slowride55 change the oil pressure sending unit and pray that fixes it. If not, probably needs a new oil pump

[@scottykilmer]

@Hectino1 Just change the sending unit like in this video, they go out a lot in Hondas like that. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@undergrd2001 It should be there, put a new sending unit on, they are cheap and break a lot.

[@scottykilmer]

@BIoodThirst55 Personally, I'd just go and get a used dash from a junk yard, as your dash unit obviously has problems. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@dc007fan you can use synthetic oil in any car, if you don't mind the high price. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@TheCamaroTRANSAM left hand rear of the engine, behind the distributor, a Bitch to change, have to remove the dist, great design there. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

often a bad sending unit, but if not, flush the engine out with oil flush and change it, cause clogged passageways can do that too

[@happy543210]

My dad and I had this exact problem with his Chevy Silverado. We didn't remove the distributor--just the cap--and it was an ABSOLUTE nightmare to remove and replace that part! My dad now drives a Nissan pickup. Well done, General Motors!

[@scottykilmer]

any worn parts like engine bearings cause too big a space and that lowers oil pressure. But if it makes no noises, go ahead and drive it. Cause only a full rebuild would fix that problem anyway.

[@scottykilmer]

@inablisslive08 It should be by the oil filter, screwing in right next to it. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

you mark it so you put it back in the correct position.; Otherwise your timing would be waay off, then you're in a pickle and will have to reset it correctly which involves a LOT of guessing, then testing with a timing light.

[@scottykilmer]

@18mylegz Yea, don't be that picky about a Jag, all kinds of things will soon go wrong knowing Jags. But if you're worried, go to a good front end shop and have them check it out. the snobs at the jag dealer often do sloppy work. If you're near houston, go to cotton brothers front end. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

if it rattles, you have actual low oil pressure. Big job there, can be bad oil pump, clogged up oil galleys inside the engine, OR even worn engine bearings causing loss of oil pressure

[@bumprjak]

Thank you Mr. Kilmer, It is so great to see how something is performed before you tackle a job, Wish they had KZbin 30 years ago.

[@scottykilmer]

@superfootdan Try vice grip pliars and a small torch to heat it up. good Luck, Scotty

[@johndenelsbeck8075]

Thank god for you video. Got Low Oil pressure and no rattling and plenty oil. Start my truck and at 40psi then after 30/40 min at idle I’m down to almost 0 psi and stalling. Shut off and restart and back at 40 psi.

[@scottykilmer]

@Matthew55904 I've never used one, so I have no experience with them. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

@RetroFan1992 there are 3 different engines. ON the V6it's next to the oil fllter. Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

I would flush the sytem for sure. But those things are notorious for low oil pressure, if the engine doens't make noises when the pressure is low, live with it and keep clean oil in it.

[@scottykilmer]

as long as the engine doesn't make clanking noises and runs normal temp wise, it would not be an oil problem in the engine but a gauge problem. We mechanics check it with a mechanical gauge hooked up to the engine, if the pressure is normal, it hurts nothing

[@frankiewhite9774]

What if it's low but my Engine is running normal 🤔

[@scottykilmer]

@playstation2bigs only if the old one was bad.

[@scottykilmer]

either the battery is bad, the wiring, or the alternator. Have battery and alternator load tested, places like auto zone do that free.

[@scottykilmer]

@julianbell90 I rarely fight anyone, the ones I did are all now gone. Scotty

[@hishh6251]

Mines the exact same model, sounds amazing still, the oil gauge is fine when I first start driving it but when I start getting to the end of my destination, or when I start going faster the gauge will go down once I come to a stop or I hit the brakes

[@johndenelsbeck8075]

Hishh I’ve got the same issue. ‘94 GMC Sierra 5.7 tbi

[@caayydenn]

My 90' Bonneville does the same thing. Just GM oil sending units going bad

[@scottykilmer]

yes, if it's bad, the unit will turn power off so it can't start. It's a gm safety feature

[@scottykilmer]

yes, try that first and pray the pump isn't getting weak

[@scottykilmer]

check motor and transmission mounts then

[@scottykilmer]

@3gencamaroguy see the above comment, it's the same problem as yours. Scotty

[@351WINCHESTER]

I had a 1979 Ford 4x4 & the oil pressure went to zero. I was in Orlando, Fl & stopped by a big Ford dealership to have the sending unit replaced. As I suspected they came back about 2 hours later with some bad news. Yep, I needed a new engine. I told them to put the old sending unit back if they even bothered to remove it. CROOKS!!! I checked the oil before I left fearing they had sabotaged my engine & drove that old truck for a decade before I sold it. I wrote FORD MOTRO CO. a letter naming the dealershlip & sent a copy to the dealer & never heard from anyone!!! Did I say they were crooks?

[@sergioduenas1533]

Thats why they call it the stealership

[@scottykilmer]

sure, often it will go down a little, but that doesn't hurt anything.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, it will shut off the fuel if damaged or if the engine loses oil pressure

[@grettagrids]

what if it's bad and leaking oil all over? I guess these are notoriuos for leaking.

[@robertpresha9504]

Scotty you are the man.when i am trying to fix something that i do not know about i search untill i see you.lol.and you tell it easy and how to fix with no problem and no bull.thank you.

[@scottykilmer]

it if doesn't even crank, do the test on my video "getting a car running that's sat for years" and try turning it by hand. If you can turn it, check the starter and battery first.

[@scottykilmer]

@switch55 should be near the oil filter. Scotty

[@piebag]

Thank god for you Scotty was driving my 94 Chevy and just like this one oil gauge is bottoming out but no noise I was trippin but I now know thanks to you what’s going you da man thanks so much kind sir for all the knowledge

[@scottykilmer]

check for oil leaks, do my video "finding and fixing engine oil leaks" and I would also just change the oil sending unit too

[@scottykilmer]

yep, bad turbos do that all the time, their seals go back and suck oil into the engine

[@scottykilmer]

change the oil and filter and see what happens. If it still does it, replace the oil sending unit, they often go bad.

[@montanan1997]

I drive a 98 Chevy Blazer and I changed the oil filter and the pressure sending unit and it's still doing it

[@MrHavasquez88]

please don't stop the videos on these trucks Scott! lol thanks from Houston, TX

[@scottykilmer]

many jeeps do that as they age due to stupid overuse of computer electronics and how they break down in jeeps when they get old. It hurts nothing. Realize your speedo is also computer run

[@johanolsen2103]

have a 1991 K2500 GMC. Oil pressure reads low and check gauges light flickers on from time to time when the engine is warm after highway driving. Just changed out the sending unit - no real change in the readings on the gauge. Have to say the job is not as easy as the video had me believe - certainly doable, but you have to be in good physical shape and a bit of a contortionist to be able to do this. Smaller people can climb inside pretty easy, but for the rest of us it is extremely uncomfortable.

[@scottykilmer]

they make a specialty tool for that, any decent auto parts store sells it

[@scottykilmer]

change your oil filter first, crappy filters do that. If that's not it, hook up an actual oil pressure gauge on the sending unit hole and see what the real pressure is. if it's normal, just leave it alone or fix the wiring or receiving unit on your dash

[@Akimbosliced-__-]

Man, you make your video's straight to the point on everything..I have learned so much from you!!!! Thank you man!!!!

[@scottykilmer]

replace the oil sending unit as in this video. If that doesn't fix it, internal restrictions inside the engine build up pressure. Try an engine oil flush for that

[@louievjg]

Scotty Kilmer hello sir how do you do a engine oil flush my 03 dodg ram does the Sam and when in idel I hear a little rattle that comes and goes am I screwed?

[@Doctrtony]

Love the truck bed move at the end, nice

[@scottykilmer]

they often do that with age, as long as it doens't clank while idling, it's fine

[@subzerohedge6519]

how prone are aftermarket senders to failure?

[@sveddish]

Scotty, thanks so much for giving out good mechanical advice for free. You the man!

[@baptizedbyfire13]

I would also like to add my 2 cents that at least on this chevy truck you are working on, there is a fail-safe (oil pressure switch) that shuts off the fuel pump when oil pressure is positively nil. Apparently this sending unit is a common problem especially with these trucks. If there is absolutely no oil pressure for real, and the engine essentially is dry, the fuel pump will shut down preventing a start up by that fail safe switch. Sure wish my 96 Mustang had this handy feature...

[@scottykilmer]

yes, pray it's just that

[@Ralisk86]

Thanks Scotty, my oil gauge is bouncing from 0-15 and I'll be doing this repair soon on my chevy truck. Thank you for making your videos!

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@kyjoe9]

Thanks Scotty. I have a 1986 Chevrolet Chevy truck with a bad sending unit. Had no idea where it is at. Now I know. Keep up the good work

[@scottykilmer]

I don't understand your question about pumps and tanks.

[@ecgodsmack86]

What if pressure shows higher than normal especially when accelerating

[@verinb9]

I had to replace my oil pressure switch yesterday right after I got an oil change on my 02 Ford Explorer XLT. I left and within 5-10 mins the gauge started going crazy, so I went back to the shop. They diagnosed it and told me what it was. The part was $7 but the labor was $55! It took them every bit of 10-15 mins to replace and they charged me $55! If I would've known it was going to cost that much I would've done it my damn self! My oil change was $24, the sensor was $7 and the labor was $55. I spent all that within one hour. Smh. Wish u lived here in NC Scotty. 😟

[@pyronmasters]

Very helpful video, I found my trucks sensor right above the oil filter (2006 Mitsubishi Raider), very funny that I searched "how to change oil pressure sensor" and ALL the results are on Chevy Silverados and Tahoes.

[@adriancastillo1143]

My truck has low oil press at idle but when i press the gas it goes up do you think this is the problem

[@dreroad6095]

Adrian Castillo mine is the same thing. i wonder if it is normal

[@adriancastillo1143]

I changed mine and still low oil pressure think its the oil pump

[@randylee6823]

Thank you Scotty for making this video.i have a 02 Silverado the oil gauge drops on me the engine don't rattle at all or overheat runs great. I feared it might b head gasket.i will put in new pressure sensor.

[@scottykilmer]

then you really have low oil pressure, try an engine oil flush and then change the oil and put a quart of lucas oil additive in. Pray that helps, cause if not, serious internal engine repair will be needed

[@scottykilmer]

you have serious internal engine problems, anything from clogged up oil passageways to a shot oil pump. Try flushing the engine oil system with a can of flush, they come with directons. Then change the oil and filter and PRAY a lot.