DIY: Replace Oil Pressure Sensor

yourpalmike · 03-16-2008, 07:19 PM

Whenever I started my 2001 Explorer Sport the oil pressure gauge sat at zero (which is quite scary) until a few minutes later when the gauge jumps up to a normal reading.

Since there was no pinging and my Explorer hadn't exploded I decided it was probably the oil pressure sensor.

Go to FORD to fix it? F-that.

Fix it yourself for $15 and 20 mins of your time:

Start by taking the drivers side tire off and peeling back the small upper bit of the rubber wheelwell

Look in from the wheel well. This is the culprit with the single white/green wire comming out of it. Start by unplugging the connector.

Unplug that sucker and unscrew it using a deep socket.

Old and new. Screw it in using your hand first, then tighten with a wrench. Put everything back in reverse order (plug it back in, replace the wheel well, put on your tire, etc.)

The gauge pops right up every time you start it up. Problem fixed.

99SportX · 03-17-2008, 12:31 AM

I had this same problem on my V8. The sensor is in about the same location. It was a little tight getting a socket in there, but I used a really long extension.

Great pics.

ttbit · 03-17-2008, 08:33 PM

Waited for nice weather I see.

Great write-up.

wrigley_1285 · 03-24-2008, 01:38 PM

Great write up. Now I can get mine working right.

Yaco · 03-24-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99SportX

I had this same problem on my V8. The sensor is in about the same location. It was a little tight getting a socket in there, but I used a really long extension.

Great pics.

Where is it on 99 5.0 Mountaineer? I took a 3 min look during lunch and could not find it.Got a picture?
Thx
Lee

99SportX · 03-24-2008, 08:31 PM

It is real hard/impossible to see unless you look through the drivers fenderwell. It is at the front of the block drivers side.

Yaco · 03-24-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99SportX

It is real hard/impossible to see unless you look through the drivers fenderwell. It is at the front of the block drivers side.

Hi,
Could not view the pics at work so I guessit is pretty much the same as the 4.0? I should just remove the wheel, it is in basically the same place ?
Thx
Lee

mackgoodman · 04-04-2008, 10:34 AM

Thanks so much for the pictures of where this is and how to fix.. I have been needing to do for a while and have just put it off because I wasn't sure where the sensor was, etc.

Yaco · 04-04-2008, 10:42 AM

Hi,
Sensor was the problem.. Now to Fix the bulbs in the dash, Front Pass. side Door acctuator, Right Rear Door Window motor, and the pinging.
With the pinging 99% goes away 89 Octane gas. I have not changed the plugs or wires inat least 75-80k miles. I got it used from the dealer and they said they replaced them @25k. Could this be the Pinging issue?
Thx
Lee

*Blazepet7* · 04-05-2008, 10:06 PM

i didnt know anyone would have the same problem if i went to the auto parts store what is it called , oil pressure sensor? nice write up

99SportX · 04-05-2008, 11:53 PM

Yeah, I think it is officially called "oil pressure sender" but they will know what you are talking about.

*Blazepet7* · 04-12-2008, 01:54 AM

Going to do it this weekend mine usually shoots back to normal when i rev the gas if not when it warms up like you said.

2doorsplor · 04-12-2008, 05:26 PM

Mine is normal when the engine starts, but when I hit the Gas the pressure drops to 0 pressure. Does anyone think simply changing the sensor would fix this?

martin123 · 04-13-2008, 08:59 AM

Hello maybe a dumb question but what did you use on the treads to make a seal? Just want to know so I do not use something that the oil will eat away at. Also can it be used on other areas of the vehicle. Thanks

yourpalmike · 05-06-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin123

Hello maybe a dumb question but what did you use on the treads to make a seal? Just want to know so I do not use something that the oil will eat away at. Also can it be used on other areas of the vehicle. Thanks

Its just teflon tape.

2doorsplor · 05-10-2008, 05:25 PM

I just replaced mine. The unit I bought already had the coating on the threds. It looked like teflon, it was red and seemed thicker, but i thought i read earlier in this forum that a "semi-conductive" style tape should be used.

Cobraguy · 05-27-2008, 08:54 AM

Now if Ford would have just put an actual gauge in these things I would be happy. My understanding is these "gauges" are nothing more than glorified idiot lights. On and off...that's it. It does nothing to read actual pressure. I actually had to start my new engine with a manual gauge installed so I could see what my actual pressure was.

*briwayjones* · 05-27-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobraguy

Now if Ford would have just put an actual gauge in these things I would be happy. My understanding is these "gauges" are nothing more than glorified idiot lights. On and off...that's it. It does nothing to read actual pressure. I actually had to start my new engine with a manual gauge installed so I could see what my actual pressure was.

That is correct. There is a write-up on here somewhere on how to make it an actual real oil gauge.

FordCastle08 · 08-23-2008, 11:54 PM

I did it...I am official do-it-yourself-er. Thanks to your posting and the excellent picks, I managed to get the job done and save myself some money. I did have some help though because I could not loosen the sensor myself. I need to work on my muscles I guess

...thanks again!!!

Vera

**Turdle** · 08-24-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCastle08

I did it...I am official do-it-yourself-er. Thanks to your posting and the excellent picks, I managed to get the job done and save myself some money. I did have some help though because I could not loosen the sensor myself. I need to work on my muscles I guess

...thanks again!!!

Vera

We'll have you swapping cams and transfer cases in no time-

03-16-2008, 07:19 PM	#1
yourpalmike Wannabe Elite Explorer Alberta 2001 Explorer Sport 4X4 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	DIY: Replace Oil Pressure Sensor Whenever I started my 2001 Explorer Sport the oil pressure gauge sat at zero (which is quite scary) until a few minutes later when the gauge jumps up to a normal reading. Since there was no pinging and my Explorer hadn't exploded I decided it was probably the oil pressure sensor. Go to FORD to fix it? F-that. Fix it yourself for $15 and 20 mins of your time: Start by taking the drivers side tire off and peeling back the small upper bit of the rubber wheelwell Look in from the wheel well. This is the culprit with the single white/green wire comming out of it. Start by unplugging the connector. Unplug that sucker and unscrew it using a deep socket. Old and new. Screw it in using your hand first, then tighten with a wrench. Put everything back in reverse order (plug it back in, replace the wheel well, put on your tire, etc.) The gauge pops right up every time you start it up. Problem fixed.

03-17-2008, 12:31 AM	#2
99SportX Wannabe Elite Explorer Duluth, MN '99 Sport Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,933 Vehicle Specs	I had this same problem on my V8. The sensor is in about the same location. It was a little tight getting a socket in there, but I used a really long extension. Great pics. __________________ '99 Explorer Sport 5.0 AWD t-case with 2wd spindles (identity crisis) '99 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC 4x4 for daily driver/off road use

03-24-2008, 01:38 PM	#4
wrigley_1285 Wannabe Elite Explorer Decatur, Illinois 00 Sport Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 514 Vehicle Specs	Great write up. Now I can get mine working right. __________________ Trail Rig - '00 Sport 4X4, Mobile 1 Full Synthetic, K&N Air Filter, Cherry Bomb, TT/shackle & 3"BL, 35x12.50/15 ProComp MT's Daily Driver - 04 F150 - Silver, 4X4, Black 20x9 American Racing Clash rims with 275/65R20 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S, dual straight pipes, tinted windows

03-24-2008, 08:31 PM	#6
99SportX Wannabe Elite Explorer Duluth, MN '99 Sport Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,933 Vehicle Specs	It is real hard/impossible to see unless you look through the drivers fenderwell. It is at the front of the block drivers side. __________________ '99 Explorer Sport 5.0 AWD t-case with 2wd spindles (identity crisis) '99 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC 4x4 for daily driver/off road use

04-04-2008, 10:34 AM	#8
mackgoodman Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20 Vehicle Specs	Thanks! Thanks so much for the pictures of where this is and how to fix.. I have been needing to do for a while and have just put it off because I wasn't sure where the sensor was, etc.

03-17-2008, 08:33 PM	#3
ttbit Wannabe Elite Explorer Maryville,TN '01 ST 5.0 AWD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 210 Vehicle Specs	Waited for nice weather I see. Great write-up.

04-04-2008, 10:42 AM	#9
Yaco Wannabe Elite Explorer Allendale NJ 1999 5.0 Mountaineer Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs	Sensor replaced Hi, Sensor was the problem.. Now to Fix the bulbs in the dash, Front Pass. side Door acctuator, Right Rear Door Window motor, and the pinging. With the pinging 99% goes away 89 Octane gas. I have not changed the plugs or wires inat least 75-80k miles. I got it used from the dealer and they said they replaced them @25k. Could this be the Pinging issue? Thx Lee Last edited by Yaco; 04-04-2008 at 10:43 AM. Reason: spelling

04-05-2008, 10:06 PM	#10
Blazepet7 Zombie Prepper Queens, NYC 99' XLT 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 452 Vehicle Specs	i didnt know anyone would have the same problem if i went to the auto parts store what is it called , oil pressure sensor? nice write up __________________ 99' 5.0 V8 XLT-FORD Red, Hella 500 Fogs,Pioneer AVIC D1 Navi, Sony DVD Player,TT/Shackles, AAL, Custom Rack lights, Rancho 5000's, LED Puddles, Custom Front Tow Hooks Many More Mods to Come

04-05-2008, 11:53 PM	#11
99SportX Wannabe Elite Explorer Duluth, MN '99 Sport Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,933 Vehicle Specs	Yeah, I think it is officially called "oil pressure sender" but they will know what you are talking about. __________________ '99 Explorer Sport 5.0 AWD t-case with 2wd spindles (identity crisis) '99 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC 4x4 for daily driver/off road use

04-12-2008, 01:54 AM	#12
Blazepet7 Zombie Prepper Queens, NYC 99' XLT 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 452 Vehicle Specs	Going to do it this weekend mine usually shoots back to normal when i rev the gas if not when it warms up like you said. __________________ 99' 5.0 V8 XLT-FORD Red, Hella 500 Fogs,Pioneer AVIC D1 Navi, Sony DVD Player,TT/Shackles, AAL, Custom Rack lights, Rancho 5000's, LED Puddles, Custom Front Tow Hooks Many More Mods to Come

04-12-2008, 05:26 PM	#13
2doorsplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Bay Area (vacaville) California '93 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 28 Vehicle Specs	Mine is normal when the engine starts, but when I hit the Gas the pressure drops to 0 pressure. Does anyone think simply changing the sensor would fix this?

04-13-2008, 08:59 AM	#14
martin123 Wannabe Elite Explorer Toronto 1998 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 102 Vehicle Specs	Hello maybe a dumb question but what did you use on the treads to make a seal? Just want to know so I do not use something that the oil will eat away at. Also can it be used on other areas of the vehicle. Thanks

05-10-2008, 05:25 PM	#16
2doorsplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Bay Area (vacaville) California '93 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 28 Vehicle Specs	I just replaced mine. The unit I bought already had the coating on the threds. It looked like teflon, it was red and seemed thicker, but i thought i read earlier in this forum that a "semi-conductive" style tape should be used.

08-23-2008, 11:54 PM	#19
FordCastle08 Wannabe Elite Explorer Davis, CA. '00 Limited 4x4 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7 Vehicle Specs	Excellent Post--Thanks!! I did it...I am official do-it-yourself-er. Thanks to your posting and the excellent picks, I managed to get the job done and save myself some money. I did have some help though because I could not loosen the sensor myself. I need to work on my muscles I guess ...thanks again!!! Vera