Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil Pressure Sending Unit ?

[rrl989]

Anyone replace one of these, what would I pay for one, where to buy ?



'm get the fluctuating 0 PSI to normal. I used to just turn up the idle, but that's not it anymore. It happens to often now. I hope to replace it myself, is it an easy job?



Thanks.

 

[snappy]

Drivers side of engine. Easy job if you have the correct sensor socket. Not a cheap sensor, I bought at Cummins.

 

[hsmith]

I've used NAPA units. Around $30. Work fine. It's on the block almost hidden by the power steering pump. Does require a special socket.

 

[GOTSOOT]

you are probably wasting your $$$ on a new one. the problem exist in the PCM. just put a good old mech. Oil press. ga in her and forget the dash.

 

[rrl989]

Thanks, can I order a special socket thru NAPA, anyone have a part number? Is it the same one as a GM Oxygen sensor or that type with a slit on the side ?



As far as the PCM, it took 10 years before this intermittent issue popped up. I figure I will change it to fix or eliminate it as a cause. I know there was/is a reflash to "fix" it, maybe that is the way to go. But why did it not happen for 10 years if it is the program?

 

[HerbW]

Hi, The 1998 trucks need the PCM reprogrammed to stop this zero pressure mess. I think the 98s are the only models with the problem. Please read below about it from Geno's Garage. My 1998 Dodge diesel does the same and drives me crazy. I just haven't got it done yet. I thought about adding a resister to the system to fool the dumb PCM. I replaced the oil sender two times now and I only have 108K miles. It goes to zero everytime I go into reverse and back to 40 PSI over and over. Let us know what fixed it. Good luck, Herb

TSB 08-22-99

Intermittent Operation Of Oil Pressure Gauge



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Date: July 2,1999

Models: 1998 (BR/BE) Ram Truck



Discussion:



This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes).



Symptoms:



Oil Pressure gauge intermittently drops to zero pressure. In addition, the warning chime may sound when the oil pressure gauge drops to zero pressure and the check gauge lamp may come on.



Diagnosis:



1. Verify proper engine oil level.



2. Remove the engine oil pressure sensor and install Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool C-3292 with a suitable adapter.



3. Start the engine and warm to operating temperature.



CAUTION: IF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IS ZERO AT IDLE, DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE.



4. The minimum oil pressure at idle is 68. 9 kPa (10 psi). If the pressure is below the specified value, refer to the Mechanical Diagnosis Charts - Diesel Engine located in the 1998 Ram Truck Service Manual, (Publication No. 81-370-8108), page 9-20 for information regarding diagnosis of low engine oil pressure.



5. If the engine oil pressure is within the proper specifications, perform the Repair Procedure.



NOTE: WHENEVER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) IS REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE, THE SOFTWARE OF THE REPLACEMENT CONTROLLER MUST BE VERIFIED FOR THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL. USE THE FLASH PROCEDURE TO UPDATE REPLACED CONTROLLERS AS NECESSARY.



Parts:



1 04669020 Label, Authorized Software Update

1 04275036 Label, Authorized Modification



EQUIPMENTREQUIRED:



1 C-3292 Oil Pressure Line and Gauge Tool

1 CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III")

1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)

1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable

1 MDS2



Repair:



NOTE: THE MDS2 AND DRB III ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR. THE MDS2 AND DRB III MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD2032 OR HIGHER.



1. Log onto the MDS2 system.



2. Connect the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III" (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to "ON"



3. Using the arrow keys, select #2 CONNECT TO MDS1 OR MDS2 on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.



4. Using the arrow keys, select #2 RUN MDS2 APPLICATION on the DRB III MAIN MENU SCREEN.



NOTE: ONCE MDS2, DRB III, AND VEHICLE COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, THE CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III MESSAGE (ON THE MDS2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON ON THE MDS2 TO REQUEST A MDS2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE "OK" BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.



5. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.



NOTE: A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.



6. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.



NOTE: A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS, MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED, AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.



7. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.



8. The MDS2 and DRB III" will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.



NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW 9. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Figure 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.





10. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI label (Figure 2).







notes:



POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.



TIME ALLOWANCE.

Labor Operation No: 08-19-41-99 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0. 5 Hrs.



FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module

 

[fest3er]

The best oil pressure sending unit is still the official Cummins sensor. Start with this post: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/1969246-post1.html. I've never had the PCM reprogrammed. It seems I change the sensor every 5 years or so which, IMO, is good enough, especially at the price from the local Cummins shop.

 

[rrl989]

HerbW, thanks for the SW Flash update info. Sounds like a work around for the weakening sender ? I'll have to consider what the dealer wants $$ for the flash, and if they can even do it ? Thanks Fest3er for the links, it might be easier for me to just order and replace the sender over the net. I'll check out Cummins here in NY to see if the $ is reasonable. Thanks again.

 

[fest3er]

Doh! I forgot the actual work. It is easier to use a crow's foot wrench and a long extension from the driver's side front wheel well to remove the sensor.

Also, very important: install the larger brass adapter (if equipped) tightly into the block before installing the sensor. That is, don't install both as a unit; it's far too easy to split the brass adapter.

 

[HerbW]

I called my local Dodge ******* in Gresham, Oregon yesterday and they couldn't look up the TSB for some dumb reason. He said it can't be looked up due to the volume of the TSBs available. I told him to do a search for TSB 08-22-99 on the internet and he'd find it promptly and it would tell them what to do. He said bring the truck in and they'd test my truck's gauges for (I think) $93. 00 and maybe the mechanic will find the TSB then as a fix. What a bunch of crap. So I still have the ding, ding noise daily. Has anybody converted any other sender off any other rigs that are more reliable? Thanks, Herb