Signs of a Failing Oil Pressure Sending Unit

There is a reason behind your car running smoothly and showing optimum performance. This happens because of the various components in your car. All the components in your car function intricately to make the car run without any issues. However, failure of any of these components adversely affects the performance of your car and also other parts related to it. Moreover, there is also a need for the proper amount of fuel and fuel pressure for the smooth running of the car. There are many components in your car which are used for monitoring the fuel or oil activity.

If there is an issue with these components, then you are going to face trouble in driving your car. One of the most important components is the oil pressure sending unit or oil pressure sensor which is used to keep an eye on the oil pressure in the car. If this sensor malfunctions, then you will not be able to drive your car. However, there are certain signs exhibited by your car when the oil pressure sending unit malfunctions. Let us have a look at these signs and the reason behind the sensor's failure.

Signs of failing oil pressure sending unit

There are certain signs exhibited by the car when the oil pressure sensor malfunctions. They are as follows-

Blinking of the oil pressure light

The blinking of the oil pressure light is the first sign of something wrong with the oil pressure sending unit. The low oil light will blink continuously indicating issues in the fuel system of the car. However, most of the drivers interpret this signal as low levels of oil and their actions can end up damaging the engine. The first thing to do when you see the low oil light blinking is to manually check the oil level in your car to inspect if it is low. However, if there is enough oil in the tank, then the oil pressure sensor is at fault.

Wrong data on oil pressure gauge

Most of the old cars are equipped with the mechanical gauge that is used in calculating the oil pressure. If you are driving an old car, then you can easily ascertain the cause of oil pressure sending unit failure by looking at the mechanical gauge. When the oil levels are normal but the gauge is indicating zero, then you need to replace the oil pressure sending unit as it has malfunctioned. However, in modern cars, the oil pressure gauge is electronic and transmits an electronic signal as reading. If the oil pressure sending unit has failed in a modern car, then the gauge will display strange readings.

Illumination of the check engine light

The check engine light will also indicate if there is anything wrong with any of the components in your car. The same thing also holds true for the oil pressure sending unit. Whenever you see the check engine light illuminating, then you must check your car for engine oil leak. However, if there is no engine oil leak, then the oil pressure sending unit is the main culprit behind the illumination of the check engine light.

Reasons behind oil pressure sending unit failure

There are varied reasons behind the oil pressure sending unit failure.

Faulty oil pump

The oil is pressurized inside the engine by the oil pump which pushes it through the engine. The oil lubricates the various components of the engine so that they can function smoothly. However, if the oil pump malfunctions, then the oil pressure would decrease which will cause the oil pressure warning light to illuminate as the oil pressure sending unit will send erroneous signals.

Clogged oil filter

The oil filter prevents the contaminants in the oil from getting into the engine as they can cause abrasions & wear out the internals of the engine. However, in this process, the oil filter tends to get clogged afterward. If this happens, the oil pressure in the vehicle will decrease and the oil pressure sending unit will not be able to send any signals to the car's computer. This will activate the oil pressure warning light of the engine.

Finally

These are all the details concerning the oil pressure sending unit. Though the unit is very small but it is critical to the overall performance of your car. Whenever you experience any issues with the oil pressure sending unit, then take your car to the automotive repair shop to fix the issue.

DreamCars Auto Repair is a specialized European Auto Repair shop and parts store in the High Desert of Hesperia, CA. It is a AAA approved facility & the only authorized Bosch service center in the High Desert with highly trained ASE