Oil Pressure Question

[FDziurda]

While driving into town today, the "Check Gauges" warning light came on and I noticed I had no oil pressure reading on the gauge. I pulled over immediately and shut the engine down. There was no change in the sound of engine and the temperature looked fine. No "codes" appeared to be set. :--)



When my son arrived, we opened the oil fill plug and watched the lifters, while I started the engine. Everything sounded normal and oil started flowing on top of the lifters after a few seconds, indicating presence of oil pressure.



I drove the truck slowly back to the house, without incident. While returning, the oil pressure gauge intermittantly jumped up to 40+ lbs, then back to zero (rapid changes).



My question is whether or not anyone knows if there is a "fail safe" on the Cummin's engine that would prevent it from running, if there is no oil pressure. I'd rather be safe than sorry, when I have to get it to the dealer.



I suspect the oil pressure sending unit, which I hope is covered by the engine warranty, which is still in effect. Cummins Intermountain quoted me $76+ for a new sending unit and they would have to order it. :{



Any comments would be appreciated.



Thanks,



Frank

 

[Ram4Sam]

Watch out!!

F, there is a tsb for this:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2001/09-001-01.htm



But think twice about having it done. They flash the computer and install a new sender and the guage doesn't work like a guage anymore, more like an idiot guage. I had it done and wish I hadn't because now the guage always shows alot of oil pressure and barely moves with rpm and different oil temps, like it used to.



Sam

 

[BFC]

You nailed it! Oil pressure sensor is bad. dealer will probably want to reflash your truck instead of replacing the sensor. If that is the case I would just buy the sensor and replace it myself(if the dealer won't replace it) takes 5 min. Don't feel to bad about the 76$, Dodge wants 189$ for the same sensor



Glenn

 

[FDziurda]

IS TSB for 2001 only?

Ram4Sam and BFC,

Thanks for the reply, however the TSB indicates it is for 2001 trucks only, and between certain serial numbers. My truck is a 99 and never had any problems since I got the truck. I suspect the sensor and will tell the folks at the Dealer NOT to reflash with the 2001 program.



Thanks for the "Heads up".



Frank