Oil Pressure Switch

If there's anything your car's engine needs besides air and fuel, it would have to be oil. It's what keeps engine parts lubricated. Oil also keeps engine temperature at ideal levels.But for oil to do that well, there has to be an adequate amount of it in the engine. One device that helps safeguard against low oil levels is the oil pressure switch. The switch is hooked to a light on your dash. Once oil pressure levels dip to 5 psi or lower, the switch is triggered and a light on your dash flashes to warn you.If the oil pressure switch breaks down, you'll have no way of knowing whether there's enough oil in the engine or not. That's one sure way of allowing your car's engine to overheat.Replacing the switch should be fairly easy as long as you're able to locate it. And to make things easier, quality oil pressure switches are available here at Carparts.


• The switch warns you of dangerously low oil pressure in the engine.

• By warning you, the switch helps you avoid engine overheating.

• Our oil pressure switches are guaranteed to work accurately.

The engine’s longevity is largely dependent on how efficient its lubrication system is. This is the reason vehicles are outfitted with an oil pressure switch. Also known as oil pressure sensor or sending unit, this switch ensures that engine oil is of the right pressure to be able to lubricate the engine’s moving parts.

If your oil sensor has been with your ride for a while now and you’re starting to notice fluctuations in the engine oil pressure readings, you’d better have it checked as soon as possible. If your troubleshooting efforts suggest that you’re now in need of a replacement switch, don’t think twice in getting one. A faulty switch sends out inaccurate readings, making it difficult to gauge if the engine oil level has dropped to critical level.

When looking for a replacement, here are some factors to consider for you to find the switch that will fit your ride well, address your needs, and offer the best possible value for your money.

For the switch to work efficiently, it must be compatible with the engine management system and the entire lubrication system. You see, incompatibility issues can shorten the sensor’s service life, or worse, render it useless. So if you’re purchasing online, see to it that the one you’re going to purchase is designed specifically for your ride. Remember that not all oil pressure sensors are the same; they may vary from one vehicle to another, depending on the engine and lubrication system’s setup.

For you to get the oil pressure switch that will fit well in your engine, take note of the stock component’s specifications, including the terminal type, connector, and the thread size. Compare those with the specs of the replacement unit you’re eyeing. If they have the same specs and the sensor’s part number matches your stock’s part number, then you’ve probably found the replacement switch you’re looking for.

While the oil pressure switch rarely gets damaged, it is still important to get one with good warranty coverage. This is because there are defects that only come out after using the part for some time. The product’s warranty will assure you that if the switch breaks down within the covered period, you will get a replacement for free.

The oil pressure switch, otherwise known as the oil pressure sensor/sending unit, gauges the capacity or integrity of the engine’s lubrication system. It measures the pressure of oil at which the engine is running and responds to the changes in oil pressure to make sure the engine is well lubricated. While it isn’t among the vehicle’s most replaced components, age and constant use will wear the switch out, causing it to fail over time.

When it’s time to replace your ride’s oil pressure switch, here are the steps to help you carry out the task without the help of a pro:

• Rag
• Wrench
• New oil pressure switch
• Automotive thread sealant
• Small, flathead screwdriver

Step 1: Park the vehicle in a properly ventilated, well-lit area with enough room for you to comfortably carry out this DIY task. Turn off the engine and let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Open the hood and look for the switch. Depending on your vehicle model, it can be positioned on the front of the engine, facing the radiator; right behind the distributor; or in the driver side, lower right corner between the oil filter and the header. If you can’t seem to find the switch, consult your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Get the shop rag and clean the area around the switch, making sure you rid the area of oil and grit. Disconnect the electrical connector or wiring harness from the switch. In some cases, you may need to gently pry the locking portion of the switch and wiring harness using a small flathead screwdriver, wiggle the connector left and right, and pull it until the connector is detached from the switch.

Step 4: Remove the old switch by rotating it counterclockwise using a wrench and unscrewing it until it is released.

Step 5: Check the replacement oil pressure switch. If it doesn’t have thread sealant, coat its threads with automotive thread sealant before inserting and screwing it into its place in the engine block.

Step 6: Secure the switch in place by tightening it according to the manufacturer’s specs. Be careful enough when tightening the switch because its threads are of National Pipe Thread standard and they are tapered, so it’s easy for a DIYer to over-tighten the switch.

Step 7: Plug the wiring harness into the replacement switch, making sure the electrical connector seats well and clicks into place.

The replacement process is fairly straightforward and can be done even by an inexperienced DIYer in less than an hour.