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I have a '97 Ford F150 2X2, 6 cyl.. Here is what


Sent to Car Experts January 17, 2006 10:29 a.m.

I have a '97 Ford F150 2X2, 6 cyl.. Here is what happens: when the engine is cold, the oil gauge reads normal, however, as the engine warms up, the oil gauge drops (acutally starts 'bouncing') and the oil light comes on. This only happens when I come to a stop and the engine is idling. If I press the gas and the rpm's go up, the gauge returns to normal and the light goes out. I have replaced the sending unit but the problem persists.   I have not lost any oil, change it regularly. Engine performance has not deteriorated and gas mileage is fine. Suggestions.

Optional Information:
1997 Ford F150 6

Already Tried:
replace sending unit
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
January 17, 2006 11:00 a.m. (31 minutes and 13 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

The diagram below shows the oil pressure switch that controls the cluster gauge. Note that the gauge only shows whether there is pressure or not. It is an on/off switch so the voltage on circuit 31 will be 0v when the engine is running with normal oil pressure. The cluster provides 12v on circuit 31 with no oil pressure.

What you need to do is isolate whether the problem is in the wiring, cluster, or the oil pressure itself. The easiest test to do is to disconnect the sender, and jump the sender wire to ground with a jumper wire. This should drive the oil pressure gauge to its normal pressure position. Wiggle the wire while someone watches the gauge. You can also drive the truck with the jumper in place, and see if the gauge still jumps around.

If the gauge still jumps around when the jumper wire is in place, then the problem is in the wiring or cluster. The next step is to carefully inspect circuit 31 for breaks causing an open circuit condition. Check every connector that the circuit passes through for problems. It could be a bad connection. You can run a new wire from the sender to the cluster in place of circuit 31, and see if the gauge starts working right.

Finally, if there is any question about the true oil pressure of the engine, it is recommended that a real pressure gauge be connected directly where the sender is screwed into the engine.

If the true pressure is normal, and overlaying the wire to the gauge does not fix the problem, double check the terminal on the cluster connector where circuit 31 connects. Verify the circuit is good by testing it with an ohmmeter or test light connected to circuit 31 at the cluster connector. If the circuit is good and the pressure is good, then the problem is in the cluster itself. You might be able to find a broken solder connection inside, otherwise just replace the cluster as an assembly.
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Brian  -- Service Engineer -- 100% Positive Feedback on 209 Car Accepts
ASE Certified Master Tech, Bachelor's of Science in Automotive Technology, Ford Factory Trained

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