Oil Pressure Switch

• The oil pressure switch is a type of sensor that alerts the driver whenever the engine oil pressure drops below manufacturer-specified levels.
• The oil pressure switch is a device that protects the engine from lubricant starvation. The normal range for oil pressure is typically at 7 to 12 psi at idle, and 40 to 60 psi while in motion. The oil pressure switch typically activates the warning light whenever levels drop to 5 psi or lower
•  Low engine oil pressure can result in poor performance and subsequent engine failure. This is why it’s important to have an oil pressure switch that is in good working condition.
• Some symptoms of a bad oil pressure switch: Check Engine Light is on, oil light is always on/off, erratic oil pressure gauge readings, and poor engine performance.
•  Excluding labor costs, an OE replacement oil pressure switch will cost you $50 on average.
•  While it’s possible to drive your vehicle with a bad oil pressure switch, it’s better to have it replaced right away for your peace of mind. The oil pressure switch is designed to protect your engine and its components from too much friction and overheating.

Engine oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. The moving parts of your engine need lubrication to protect metal components from accelerated wear. Maintaining the recommended level of engine oil extends the lifespan of your engine by minimizing friction and preventing overheating. One of the parts that warn you of low engine oil levels or potential leaks in the system is the oil pressure switch.

The oil pressure switch is a type of sensor that alerts the driver whenever the engine oil pressure drops below manufacturer-specified levels. It is usually bolted onto the engine block, near the oil pan and oil filter. In some models, it may be installed behind the intake manifold. Accurate readings from this sensor is critical to the smooth operation of the engine.

The oil pressure switch is a device that protects the engine from lubricant starvation. It closes the circuit which illuminates the oil light on the instrument cluster whenever it detects that oil pressure has fallen below the normal range. In some vehicles, it may be connected to an oil pressure gauge instead of or in combination with the dashboard warning light.

The normal range for oil pressure is typically at 7 to 12 psi at idle, and 40 to 60 psi while in motion. The oil pressure switch typically activates the warning light whenever levels drop to 5 psi or lower. Each auto manufacturer may assign a different range for their vehicles.

The oil pressure switch is normally in a closed position. This is why the oil light typically illuminates whenever the ignition switch is turned on. As soon as the engine is running and oil pressure rises, the switch opens the circuit and disables the oil light.

Low engine oil pressure can result in poor performance and subsequent engine failure. Running an engine that lacks lubrication is likely to cost you a lot in repairs, and in worse cases, may even require engine replacement. These are some of the top reasons why it’s important to have an oil pressure switch that is in good working condition.

Below are some of the common symptoms of a faulty or malfunctioning oil pressure switch. Get your vehicle checked by a trusted professional if your vehicle experiences one or more of these signs:

Check Engine Light is on

The Check Engine Light may be triggered by the engine control unit because the latter has detected that the oil pressure switch is no longer operating. However, this warning light may also be triggered by a slew of other engine problems.

You will need to connect your vehicle to an OBD-II scan tool to check whether your engine computer has logged an error code related to the operation of the oil pressure switch. For a more accurate diagnosis, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle diagnosed by a trusted mechanic.  

Oil light is always off or is stuck on

An oil light that never switches on or stays illuminated, even after checking your vehicle has sufficient engine oil, are common signs that your oil pressure switch is no longer able to activate/disable the light based on engine oil pressure.

Erratic oil pressure gauge readings

Constant readings that show extremely high or extremely low oil pressure could be a sign of a faulty oil pressure switch. If you’ve confirmed that your oil level is good with a dipstick, there’s a good chance you’ll need to have the switch replaced.

Poor engine performance

A malfunctioning oil pressure switch that fails to alert you when oil pressure is low may lead to poor engine performance. Driving with low engine lubrication will increase friction between metal parts, increase engine workload, and reduce its efficiency. Over time, the increase in generated friction may even result in engine overheating.

The cost of an oil pressure switch replacement varies between different makes and models. Excluding labor costs, an OE replacement oil pressure switch will cost you $50 on average. The price will also depend on which type of oil pressure switch (1-pin, 2-pin, or 3-pin) your vehicle needs.

While it’s possible to drive your vehicle with a bad oil pressure switch, it’s better to have it replaced right away for your peace of mind. The oil pressure switch is designed to protect your engine and its components from too much friction and overheating.

If you choose to drive with a faulty oil pressure switch, you will need to constantly go under the hood to check if the oil level is sufficient for engine lubrication. This is simply not practical for most drivers. It is best to take your vehicle to a professional so that you get optimum performance from your engine for as long as possible.

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