Recently, the oil pressure gauge on my 98 XLT w/ 68K mi acted bizzard. The needle began to show erratic movement, similar to when an excited dog wags his tail! My mechanic says it's probably electrical/ connection related and not mechanical operation failure of the oil pump. Also says should not be worried, and okay to continue to drive until he has time next week to work on it. Can anyone confirm this from their own experience? What locations can I check to see if connections are loose? Thanks to all help!

 

Ford started duping all of us in the early 90s when they changed from the traditional variable oil sender and gauge to an oil switch setup. The oil switch circuit uses a resistor in series with the gauge and switch. Your truck has an oil switch that changes state at 5 psig. As long as you have >5 psig, the gauge deflects to half scale. It's total crap if you want my personal opinion. Others have referred to it as a "idiot gauge" because it is in essence no better than the old idiot light scheme.

I have seen this switch go bad and was worried just like you. For about $12 get yourself a new switch at your local autoparts store and see if it takes care of it. The switch location is based on which engine you have. According to photos in Haynes, 4.0L SOHC V6 just behind the lower radiator hose; 5.0L V8 just left of the oil filter.

 

>Ford started duping all of us in the early 90s when they
>changed from the traditional variable oil sender and gauge
>to an oil switch setup. The oil switch circuit uses a
>resistor in series with the gauge and switch. Your truck
>has an oil switch that changes state at 5 psig. As long as
>you have >5 psig, the gauge deflects to half scale. It's
>total crap if you want my personal opinion. Others have
>referred to it as a "idiot gauge" because it is in essence
>no better than the old idiot light scheme.
>
>I have seen this switch go bad and was worried just like
>you. For about $12 get yourself a new switch at your local
>autoparts store and see if it takes care of it. The switch
>location is based on which engine you have. According to
>photos in Haynes, 4.0L SOHC V6 just behind the lower
>radiator hose; 5.0L V8 just left of the oil filter.
>
>
>
>


Thanks!!!! You were right on the money!