Oil pressure sensor (switch): location, how it works, symptoms, problems, testing
An oil pressure sensor (switch) is an important component of any car engine. It monitors the oil pressure in the lubrication system. The engine lubrication system supplies oil under pressure to all rotating and moving parts inside the engine. An oil pump draws the oil from the oil pan, and pumps it through the oil filter and into the lubrication system channels. Through the channels, the oil is delivered under pressure to main and other bearings, camshafts and other rotating and moving parts of the engine. Without the right oil pressure any engine won’t last more than a few minutes.
Oil is the lifeline of any engine; without the right amount, it could lead to serious damage. There are multiple systems inside a vehicle designed to monitor the oil level and pressure, thus preventing potential damage. For your car’s computer to effectively regulate the oil flow, and temperature, the oil pressure sensor needs to work correctly.
Where is Oil Pressure Sensor Located?
An oil pressure sensor is hooked directly to the oil pressure gauge on your car’s instrument cluster. It is usually installed in the cylinder block close to an oil filter or at the oil filter housing.
There are two types of oil pressure sensors: In most cars, an oil pressure sensor is a simple switch that opens the electrical circuit when there is minimum required oil pressure. In other cars, an oil pressure sensor measures the actual oil pressure. When it detects lower than normal oil levels, the pressure sensor will trigger the indicator to reflect the change on your dashboard.
