How to Test the Oil Pressure Sensor on a Chevy 4.3L Engine
by Kyle SanstromUpdated July 30, 2023Locate the oil pressure sensor. It is on the right side of the engine, just below the intake manifold. It is approximately 3-inches long and is made from black plastic. A two-wire electrical connector is attached to the end of the sensor.
Clean any residual oil off of the sensor and start the engine. Watch the sensor to see if any oil leaks out. If oil seeps out of the sensor at any point, then the sensor is faulty.
Turn off the engine and disconnect the oil pressure sensor's electrical connector and remove the sensor from the engine using a 1-inch box-end wrench. Install an oil pressure gauge into the oil pressure sensor hole on the engine block.
Start the engine and watch the gauge. It should read at least 6 psi at 1000 rpm. If the oil pressure meets or exceeds this specification but the oil pressure light is on, then the sensor is faulty and must be replaced.
Tips
- Oil pressure gauges are designed to measure the oil pressure inside an engine. They are available from auto parts stores and automotive tool retailers.
Things You'll Need
- 1-inch box-end wrench
- Oil pressure gauge
Writer Bio
Kyle Sanstrom has been writing professionally since 2008. His articles have been published on several websites including eHow and Automobile Insight. Sanstrom has undergone advanced automotive training at the Dunwoody College of Technology, holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Century College and has more than 10 years of experience in all aspects of automotive repair and diagnosis.
