2001 Oil pressure issue

[dragford]

2001 Expy, 5.4. Last week, every now and again, the oil pressure gauge would instantly drop below zero, the oil light would come on, and then 15 seconds later the gauge would pop right back to normal, and the light would go off. Today it started doing it every minute or so. I changed the oil pressure switch ($7.95) to no avail. Otherwise, truck is running well, and normal oil pressure registers as usual. To be clear, the gauge doesn't slowly drop and rise, it clicks off and on. Any ideas?

[bnovak]

Sounds like the connector at the back of the gauge is loose or corroding. Unfortunately, this means removing the dashboard and cleaning the contacts on the back of the cluster. On the good side, you can change any blown dash light bulbs

Only other thing I can think of is that it's actual connector at the sensor - might need to have it's connections crimped back togethor?

[alloro]

Originally Posted by dragford

To be clear, the gauge doesn't slowly drop and rise, it clicks off and on. Any ideas?

When the pressure drops does the engine make any additional or unusual noises that would lead you to believe there is an actual loss of oil pressure?

[dragford]

When the gauge drops and rises, there is no other evidence of anything else happening. If you didn't see the gauge actually quit and turn back on, you would never know it had happened.

[alloro]

Then I'd have to agree with bnovak that it is a wiring or connector issue.

[heterodox1]

Mine did this on and off for about 3 years! (Especially in cold weather) I finally replaced the oil pressure sending unit and all is well. The sender is cheap to replace but it's a pain to get to. I see you replaced the sender already but it sure is acting like a bad one.

[totalrecall]

Same for me - 2001 w/4.6. Had sending unit replaced and all has been well since.

Mike