How to Change Oil Sending Unit
The oil pressure sender on a vehicle senses the pressure in the oil system and relays that information to a light or gauge on the dashboard. When this sensor goes bad, the proper oil pressure is not relayed to the driver and this may lead to damage, as the driver has no idea if the engine is being properly lubricated. Immediate replacement of this switch is imperative to the safety of your vehicle's engine. Fortunately, this switch is not overly difficult to replace.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Drain pan
- Combination wrench set
- Shop rags
- Funnel
- Engine oil
- Owner's manual
Instructions
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1
Raise the front of the vehicle, using a floor jack. Place the jack stands under the vehicle and lower the floor jack until the vehicle is resting on the stands.
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2
Crawl beneath the vehicle and locate the oil pressure sender, the small, circular electronic component directly above or below the oil filter. Remove the wiring harness plugging into the rear of the sender by pressing the locking button and pulling the harness away from the sender.
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3
Place the drain pan directly below the oil sender. Loosen and remove the sender from the engine, using a combination wrench.
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4
Place a thin coat of oil around the threads of the new oil pressure sender and tighten it, using a combination wrench. The sensor does not require heavy torque, so only snug it.
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5
Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the sender and listen for the clicking sound indicating that it's locked into place.
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6
Raise the vehicle from the jack stands, using a floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground.
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7
Open the vehicle's hood and open the oil filler cap, remove the oil dipstick, wipe the old oil from the stick with a shop rag and reinsert the dipstick. Pull the dipstick from the engine and compare the level on the stick to the recommended level in the owner's manual.
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8
Insert the funnel into the oil filler hole and add new oil until the level reaches that specified in to owner's manual. Close the oil filler cap and the vehicle's hood.
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9
Take the old oil in the drain pan to a local auto parts store for proper disposal.
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