Worried about erratic oil pressure gauge

[24V-DSL]

Check gauge light came on and oil pressure gauge dropped to zero



Crankcase is full, and no leaks anywhere. Over the last two days the gauge will either:



1. Function as normal (not often)



2. Read much higher than normal, and sometimes drop to zero and the check gauge light comes on again. The check light is only on when the gauge drops to zero, and stays there. It has gone off when the gauge starts working.



My mechanic says he thinks it is a faulty sensor, and as long as I have oil not to worry. I can't get in to his shop for another week. I don't want to go to the dealer. The truck runs fine otherwise and has 13K.



Any other opinions/suggestions about this? I hate looking at the gauge reading zero.....

 

[Archive]

Sounds a lot like my problem... it would read fine on the gauge, then go to zero... after a bit, it went back up.



My dealer replaced the sending unit, and it has worked great since.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

The mechanic telling you "As long as you have oil you fine" is not entirely true, if your oil pump was not working your dipstick would still show full. Oil pumps usually work, or they just fail, its usually not progressive, it just hapens. But it does sound like a gauge or sender problem. My guess would be a sender. I agree, zero oil pressure on the gauge is scary

 

[troutlips]

Been there, it was the sender for me. I opened it up and found a flex circuit with passive components mounted on the flex. No semiconductors. I think the design is marginal and heat from the oil eventually takes its tole on the components. The replacement is easy and straight forward. Sensor is on the left side (driver side) of the engine

 

[BigUgly]

No worries 24V. I had mine do the same dang thing, scared the bejeezus out of me! It turned out to be the sending unit. Dealer replaced in about 45 min. after a 5 day wait for the part, running around with the gauge readin' 0 was a bad thing.

Hope it works out. Josiah

 

[24V-DSL]

Another issue

Thanks for the replys and assurances.



I'm not going to the dealer and have this fixed under warranty 'cause I don't want to have a problem with my bombs.



Easy enough to take off the EZ, but with no boost module and DD2's I'm afraid I couldn't even coast to the dealer without setting off boost or some other kinda codes??



Everyone talks about the "stealth" benefit of the EZ, but if you've got hot injectors and no boost module after unhooking the EZ is it even possible to get through a dealer visit without ending sitting under the "hot lights" for an interview with Adolf?



just wondering.....

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Unless your dealer drives your truck, i dont think they will know you have injectors. Same with disabling the wastegate with teh . 22 shell, if the truck is just sitting there and driven only from the lot to the service bay, you are safe i would say.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

DIY??

24V-DSL, do you have a DC or Cummins shop nearby that you could buy the sending unit from? These are about the same level of difficulty as changing a spark plug. Personally, I wouldn't let a dealer touch it - probably reflash your ECM at least.

 

[mbrolin]

Yes it is possibly just the sensor. There is also a TSB for this as well. There is a reflash which may be needed due to sensor voltage spikes. Had to have it done to mine. This reflash does not change any powe.

 

[Archive]

Before you buy...

Check out the prices... it is 1/3 the cost thru Cummins!

 

[rargo]

oil gauge

My 99 acts exactly the same way and has for over ayear. I just make sure the oil is flowing and don't worry about it. It will work one minute and not the next. Checked on a new sensor and the price kept me away.