Oil pressure gauge

[foodfisher]

While we're on engines may I ask---- I have an '03 Dodge ram 5.7 hemi that, on the first cold start, the oil pressure gauge fails to activate. Dash lights up-check gauges-. Shut down and restart activates the gauge. No problem with warm engine. In a hurry once and didn't restart. No check engine light and seemingly no pressure problem either. What might be causing this PITA?

 

[MTboatguy]

Is it a electronic gauge or a gauge with an oil tube that goes to the back area of the engine? If electronic, you need to replace it, if it is a tube, then something is blocking it.

 

[bigdee]

Pretty sure yours is a "dummy gauge" with a simple pressure switch. Sounds like switch is sticking. Closed switch= zero on gauge, open switch= mid scale on gauge.

 

[Volphin]

The switch/sending unit is faulty. It is located on the passenger side of the engine just above the oil filter. Access is best from under the truck. A little tight, but not too bad. Use only OEM part as other have had issues with cheap offshore electrics.

 

[foodfisher]

Volphin- You hit it dead on. The connection at the sensor/switch was full of oil. Going shopping for an OEM sensor now. Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Same crappy OEM sender that failed on the PT Cruiser