Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Pressure Gauge cuts out

[DDomin]

The stock dash oil pressure gauge intermittently cuts out in my 2001 Dodge

2500 Turbo Diesel. When it cuts out, the "check gauge lite" comes on simultaneously with a double chime. It the mysteriously resumes working and the warning lite goes out. It's as though there is a loose electrical connection because in the course of driving a mile it will cut out then come back on several times. Often going over a bump seems to effect it. I have checked the

cable connecting to the oil pressure sensor and it seems fine. Any suggestions?

 

[WalterRyan]

It is probably a bad sender. I had the same problem 6 years ago and bought one from Cummins and it has been fine since. It seems there was a flaw in the design because there were enough failures that the part was superseded with a new version that required a re flash of the PCM. That makes it always show 40 I believe as long as there is any pressure. Effectively the gauge becomes an idiot light. I think I read recently about people buying the original style from Cummins so they may be available again but probably not from Dodge.

 

[FCrowder]

I agree it's the oil pressure sender. I have replaced 2 of them. One of them went bad when the o'ring on the fuel heater went out and leaked fuel on the sender. genos carry's the sender at a good price.
Francis

 

[toomeyddt]

I knew I keep renewing for a reason. My '99 has been doing that for the last few weeks and I am really happy to see this post!

 

[HBarlow]

My '01 did that years ago when it had about 60k miles on it and was under warranty. Apparently Cummins (and Dodge) are so confident of the crankshaft, oil pump, bearings, and oil pressure they replace the original oil pressure gauge with the phony gauge which is ECM driven to alway read approximately 40 psi.

 

[toomeyddt]

I hate idiot lights! Guess I will have to do something additional. This thing has been sitting at a steady 50 psi for a lot longer - since late last summer. 249,000 miles, so I guess something has to give.