Oil pressure gauge problem

KyleW2 · Jul 23, 2014

Hey everyone,
I have a 2001 Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 with the 5.9L V8 in it. When I idle, the oil pressure gauge shoots to zero and I get the "Check Gauges" message. The truck is not necessarily dropping oil pressure, because you can sit there and idle for 30 minutes and the truck will stay running and not make any strange noises. I have 147,000 miles on the truck. After it happened I checked the oil level and it was up to normal, and it was clean. The minute I come to a stoplight, the check gauges symbol comes up and oil pressure gauge drops immediately, but if I barely step on the gas it shoots back up. Have any suggestions on what the problem may be? I'm thinking it may be the Oil Pressure Sending Unit, but I want to get a second opinion on it before I get that fixed.
Thanks for the help!

2NDGENGASSER · Jul 24, 2014

I've heard that's a pretty common problem, try just replacing the oil pressure gauge switch before you go with the sending unit... RockAuto ususally carries Standard brand, they're part number for that switch is a PS291. that'll prolly fix your problem. check your local auto parts store for a price on that switch as well... it may be cheaper

Austin On The Coast · Aug 1, 2014

I have the exact same thing happening but I have a 00' 1500 5.9 V8 and it does drop, and go back up. But it's doing it a lot and it's driving me nuts I looked up on here and saw another post where someone said it might be the battery failing?

2NDGENGASSER · Aug 1, 2014

Austin On The Coast said:
I have the exact same thing happening but I have a 00' 1500 5.9 V8 and it does drop, and go back up. But it's doing it a lot and it's driving me nuts I looked up on here and saw another post where someone said it might be the battery failing?

I would think that it's highly unlikely that a bad battery is the issue, take your truck to your local auto parts store/ or shop and see if they can to a load test in your battery. That'll determine if the battery is bad. Most machines can also do a starter/ charging system test to check starter/alternator as well.

Usually under 10 means the battery is bad. Charging system should be between 13-15

Austin On The Coast · Aug 2, 2014

My alt needs replaced and in getting it replaced, maybe that's why?

BlackMagnum2000 · Aug 5, 2014

I've had multiple issues with my oil pressure sending units. Including one that was brand new that I found literally broken in half. I would suggest replacing that first and see where that gets you.

KyleW2 · Aug 13, 2014

I brought my truck up to the dodge dealership to have a diagnostics done on it. They came back and said it was the switch after looking at it, as well as the truck had a few minor leaks. They fixed the switch and came back and told us there was still problems. Turns out the pump wasn't giving proper pressure which caused even more problems. Came back with about a $3000 repair bill. The guy at the dealer who looked over it told me they think the previous owner or the person I bought it from (bought it from a used car dealer - Taylor Investments TX) had rigged it to look like it was only a minor problem. I'm speechless about it still even after knowing for 2 weeks about it.
Thanks everybody for the help!
Kyle

Oil pressure gauge problem

KyleW2

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2NDGENGASSER

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Austin On The Coast

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2NDGENGASSER

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Austin On The Coast

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BlackMagnum2000

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KyleW2

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