oil pressure problem

I have a 2001 explorer sport 4.0. The pressure gauge would stay low and then a minutes later it would shoot up to half way.. changed the pressure switch and now it stays low. Oil level is good, i hear no pinging sounds.. any ideas? Thank u

It sounds like a sender or wiring problem, but you should start by putting a good gauge on it and measuring what the oil pressure really is.

Have to get a gauge tomorrow. Truck idles fine nothing seems different..

What should the oil pressure range be at idle??

oil pressure

The oil pressure "gauge" in the instrument cluster is not actually a gauge but just a glorified idiot light. The pressure switch at the oil port closes when the pressure exceeds about 5 psi. That's when the indicator jumps from low to medium if working correctly. My oil pressure is 45 to 50 psi at cold start with synthetic oil. When the engine warms the pressure drops to around 20 psi at idle.