Engine Oil Pressure Gauge of Vehicles (A Sneak Peak Into How They Work)

An engine oil pressure gauge is a car instrument that keeps track of oil pressure by measuring the resistance of the oil from the pump.

To operate, it taps into the engine block onto which (for electric gauges) is screwed a sensor or (for mechanical gauges) installed as a dipstick.

How Does a Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge of Vehicles Work?

All mechanical gauges make use of pipes. Through the tapping in the oilway, oil is delivered to the gauge via a small 3mm pipe. It is placed away from any elements that could damage it to avoid oil leakage.

Through an opening in the partition, oil gets to the passenger section joining to the back of the gauge.

The pipe connects to the opposite side of the needle placed on a pivot in the gauge scale. A supply pipe feeds oil to the bulb which straightens due to the pressure making the needle in the gauge scale move.

How Does an Electric Oil Pressure Gauge of Vehicles Work?

Electric oil pressure gauges are powered by a wire positioned behind a vehicle’s dashboard.

Current goes through a coil placed in or around the needle’s pivot producing a magnetic field. The needle’s movement is determined by the amount of current flowing through the calibrated gauge.

The flow of current also depends on the gauge’s resistance of the return wire that is earthed through a sensor on the engine block.

Once the oil gets into the sensor, it pushes the diaphragm which in turn pushes a wiper within the sensor. The wiper goes up and down the resistance wire making the needle move accordingly.

Importance of Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

Oil Level Monitoring

The oil pressure gauge helps you examine the level of oil in your engine. It indicates the overall health of your engine.

Whenever the oil pressure gauge light goes on, it means that your engine’s oil has very low pressure.

It is an early warning system that tells you to investigate the cause of low oil pressure to avoid a costly engine breakdown.

Oil is the lubricant for your engine’s moving parts which gets hot because of the high RPMs. Failing to properly lubricate the engine can cause disastrous damage to it.

Any oil leak or regular wear will result in low levels of oil which can kill your engine if unchecked.

Manufacturers recommend that an inspection of the oil level be done at every gas refill.

Oil lubricates your engine parts helping them work without friction in addition to dispersing the heat to keep the engine cool.

Different signs appear whenever your car is low on engine oil telling you to take the necessary action. This includes an oil pressure gauge turning on your dashboard.

When you start driving your car and smell burning oil or hear a clunking sound in your vehicle, it’s best to have it serviced immediately.

6 Signs of Bad Oil Pressure Gauge and How To Diagnose

1. Oil Pressure Light Turns On

Normally a good oil pressure gauge will accurately display your engine’s oil levels. However, if it turns on and you find that the oil levels are okay, the oil pressure sensor could be faulty.

2. Oil Pressure Gauge at Zero Reading

This is mostly seen in older cars because they use a mechanical oil gauge that displays a reading of the oil pressure. A zero gauge reading with good oil levels means it is faulty.

3. Constantly Blinking Oil Pressure Gauge

There are cases where the oil pressure gauge will blink on and off before it malfunctions. You wouldn’t want to constantly check the oil levels as it can be tiring and time-wasting.

4. Worn Out Bearings

The oil pressure gauge may sometimes show a low oil reading because of worn bearings. Get a mechanic to have them changed.

5. Incorrect Oil Grade

There are times when the oil pressure gauge will show a high reading because of using the wrong oil grade. Your mechanic will help you choose the right grade of oil.

6. Faulty Oil Pump

A faulty oil pump is a good reason for low oil pressure interpretation. Get your mechanic to replace the oil pump to continue getting good readings.

Step-by-Step DIY Oil Pressure Gauge Replacement Guide

Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement

Step 1: Find the Oil Pressure Sensor: This sensor is usually mounted on the cylinder heads or engine block as there isn’t an industry standard for its location

Step 2: Disconnect the Oil Pressure Sensor’s Electrical Connector: Slowly remove the connector from the sensor after freeing the retaining tab. This exposes the pressure sensor to elements within the engine as fragments may gather around the plug

Step 3: Take Out the Oil Pressure Sensor: Use a suitable socket or wrench to loosen the sensor then unscrew it out with your hand.

Step 4: Compare the replacement sensor with the one removed: Check the internal structure to determine their compatibility however physical dimensions can be the same. Also, ensure that the threaded section is the same size as the pitch.

Step5: Install the Replacement Oil Pressure Sensor: Using a torque wrench, ensure that you tighten the new oil pressure sensor.

Step 6: Reconnect the sensor’s electrical connector: Ensure that the electrical connector is correctly installed and has an engaged retaining tab.

Step 7: Test to know it’s working: Turn on the ignition to see that the oil pressure gauge is on. The sensor should go out within a few minutes after ignition.

Oil Pressure Gauge Replacement Cost Breakdown For DIY

On average, the cost of an oil pressure sensor is in the range of $121 and $160. Labor costs cannot be included because this is a DIY and the parts cost about $48 to $68 excluding taxes.

Oil Pressure Gauge Replacement Cost Breakdown for at Repair Shop

Averagely the price for an oil pressure sensor replacement is in the range of $121 and $160. Estimated labor costs are between $73 and $93 while parts are priced between $48 and $68 not including taxes.

Oil Pressure Gauge Maintenance Tips

• Regularly check your engine oil and ensure it’s topped up and uses oil that is at the recommended viscosity.
• Look for signs of oil leaks externally then address the issues by replacing pipes and hoses. Always consult an automotive repair expert when you see it.
• In case your oil pump or pressure gauge is irreparable, have that car part replaced.
• Listen for engine vibrations and noises. Engine oil helps several car parts run smoothly however low oil pressure causes pounding, grinding, or clanking.

Difference Between a Mechanical and Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge

Analog gauges have the same way of showing information. Mechanical gauges are commonly known as full sweep while electric gauges are referred to as short sweet variety.

Full sweep gauges provide 27⁰⁰ of needle movement while a short sweep gauge allows movement from 90 to 180 degrees.

It can be hard to obtain a fast reading in a short sweep gauge because of the 90–180 degrees needle movement.

The full sweep gauge however can be accessed at a glance and is also more precise than an electric gauge. This however is not something to be worried about.

The reference mechanical or electric gauge means that they display information to you differently. The mechanical gauge is connected through tubing from the engine block to the gauge on your dashboard.

The electrical gauge works by installing an oil pressure sensor at the engine block and connecting it to the gauge through an electrical wire.

The needle is affixed to a motor for movement control rather than having a physical connection.

Comparison Table for Mechanical and Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge

Comparison table for Mechanical And Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge:

Which Is the Best Oil Pressure Gauge

GlowShift’s Tinted 7 Color Series provides the best oil pressure gauge that lets you monitor the oil pressure of your car in real time.

It ensures that the crankshaft, bearings, and other engine parts are well-lubricated.

This oil pressure gauge comes with an electronic oil pressure sensor that can read 0–100 psi and a pressure sensor harness that is connected to two ports at the back of your gauge.

It also has a backlit red needle that can sweep 27⁰ powered by technology from the stepper motor.

What Makes It The Best?

GlowDhift’s Tinted 7 Color Series allows you to monitor your oil pressure in real time. It also ensures proper lubrication of the crankshaft, bearings, and other engine parts by giving you accurate oil pressure readings.

Pros

• It is more reliable than the conventional dash light
• It is very accurate
• Price friendly

Cons

• Unless ordered units come with a short cable
• Durability issues

FAQ

What causes oil pressure gauges to fluctuate?

This is a normal occurrence because the faster your vehicle goes, the higher the RPM which in turn raises the oil pressure.

When you’re driving at slow speeds the RPM goes down as well as your oil pressure. This is mostly the reason for oil gauge fluctuation.

Why is there zinc in motor oil?

Zinc is an anti-wear additive on motor oil that prevents parts from wearing out faster. It joins with the engine’s metallic surfaces creating a coating capable of handling high pressure from the camshaft and followers.

What are the features of a digital gauge?

A digital gauge is battery-powered for the sensors to work, it is backlit enabled, and does not need operator interpretation.

Conclusion

The gauges in your vehicle have been designed to help you by giving you clues on engine issues before they become serious. Consult a technician when your oil pressure light goes on. Regularly check your car’s engine oil, have it serviced, and replace a faulty oil pressure gauge.