2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Oil pressure gauge not always working..not good

[sheamc]

Last night my check gauges light came on as I got home. I didn't see any difference and all seemed to be in the normal range. This morning, everything good until a couple of miles down the road, the light comes on again and the o-p drops to nothing. I assume(not the wisest thing to do), that gauge is incorrect and get to work. Go out at luch to start truck and o-p is fine. Is this usually a bad gauge or something in the dash to be fixed. Would much rather pull and replace sending unit than electronic boards and the such. Thanks for the help.



Shea

 

[SSolderitch]

something to try, ground the wire at sender, gauge should read full, open circuit should read zero. clean contacts on 3 connectors on computer behind air box. They have squeeze catches top & bottom.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

TSB:09-001-01



SUBJECT:

Intermittent Loss Of Oil Pressure Sensor Output Voltage



OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software (calibration level 01Version 5. 9. T7).



MODELS:

2001 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5. 9L-24V

DIESEL ENGINE BUILT ON OR BETWEEN ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS 56744083

AND 56809910, WITH AN ENGINE DATE OF MANUFACTURE FROM JULY 3,

2000 TO JANUARY 31, 2001. THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE

ENGINE DATA PLATE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE AFFIXED TO THE SIDE OF THE TIMING GEAR HOUSING.



SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The output voltage of the oil pressure sensor may intermittently dropout. When this occurs the sensor output voltage may remain low until the ignition switch is recycled. This condition may cause the engine oil pressure gauge needle to erroneously indicate lower than actual oil pressure. A warning chime may sound and the “Check Gauges” lamp may illuminate.

The Engine Control Module (ECM) software has been revised to address this condition. Replacing the oil pressure sensor will not correct this condition.

 

[georgej]

Personally I would replace the oil pressure sensor first before having the dealer re-program the computer. If that doesn't work try the TSB.

 

[WalterRyan]

The oil pressure sender is bad.



My truck was like that when I bought it, very intermittent. I bought a new sender from Cummins West for about $60. Have not had it happen since. I do not think you can buy that sender any longer. The TSB above fixes the problem by replacing the sender with a new one that is just a pressure switch. The reprogramming of the ECM causes the gage to show the same pressure any time there is oil (I believe it is 40) pressure and 0 if it drops below the new sender point. My gage goes higher with RPM or when cold and down as it warms up or the RPM drops. A truck with the TSB will be rock steady all the time. It basically becomes an idiot light.



I should have bought a spare sender since Cummins has told me they only have the new version now. I told them I did not want Dodge near my truck and they said they could reprogram the ECM for me. That is just what they told me, I have not tried to get them to actually do it.



Walt

 

[DavidC]

Someone on here found a Cummins part # for a pressure switch that would replace our existing one and function properly. It may take a while to search it out but he was unwilling to have a gauge work like an idiot light also. I know it has been a few years since that post happened.



Dave

 

[WalterRyan]

Well it has been over a year since Cummins Northwest in Portland told me they only had the new version of the sender and it did need a reprogram. If anyone comes up with a good part number please post it. If they are still available I would like to buy a spare.



One more thing I found when I bought the last one is there was a 19. 00 core charge. The new one was new and not a reman. I do not see how they could open it up and put it back together anyway. I never had to pay a core on a sender before.



Walt

 

[DavidC]

Found it

"0" Oil Pressure - TDR Roundtable



Part 4088390nx checked to be good, I asked if it was superseded by another part and was told yes that's 4921511 - Bingo again. It's on it's way to me for $83. 46 + UPS +/- $10. 00.



Scroll down about 13 posts.

Let us know if the number has changed again



Dave

 

[MSanford]

I would definitely replace your oil pressure sensor. My 96 was doing the exact same thing for a while. Replaced the sensor, works perfect now.

 

[Joe Mc]

Found it

"0" Oil Pressure - TDR Roundtable



Part 4088390nx checked to be good, I asked if it was superseded by another part and was told yes that's 4921511 - Bingo again. It's on it's way to me for $83. 46 + UPS +/- $10. 00.



Scroll down about 13 posts.

Let us know if the number has changed again



Dave

Hey Guys that's my post that Dave found and just an FYI - it's still operating fine.



When I found out the part (P/N 4076930, "switch, pressure" $11. 37, also required was, P/N 3164755 "cable, electrical" $12. 68) that I bought from Cummins would turn the gage into an idiot light, and only after I had to "re-program" per the instructions. I returned it and called the order in using the part number (4921511 "sensor, pressure) I found on TDR and had it shipped to my house - took about 4 - 5 days well worth the wait. And, to keep the dealer out of my truck - priceless!!!!:-laf



Some other info as well, "Bin Location 614/004" in case someone says "They can't find it so it's not available". The guy at my Cummins parts is a good guy and knows his stuff, but when it comes to locating the part on the computer he looks for the "superseded by" number and that's that. Kind of a bummer . . .

 

[DavidC]

It is good to see your in on this Joe, experience is priceless:-laf.

How is everything in Levittown?.



Dave

 

[rkressg]

Don't get your ECM/PCM reflashed. All that the flash does is turn the oil pressure gauge to a good reading if the engine is running irrelevant of there even being oil inside.

The issue is with a batch of bad sensor (I got one, but I have bad luck). Just replace the sensor with a new one from Cummins and you will be fine.
$80 -> $90 is about the right price.