Oil gauge fluctuation...

I have a 96 XLT with 4.0 and auto trans. Mileage is approaching 162,000. Since about 2 weeks ago I noticed my oil level gauge will "flash" momentarily to bottom red, then return to the middle position. This seems to occur when its cold, and if I take sharp turns. Since it always returns to the normal position I suspect the gauge, but can anyone suggest possible causes? I'm not low on oil, and nothing else seems unusual. This "flashing" of the gauge can either be several quick movements, or one that lasts for a second or two. It also seems to taper off after a period of driving, but can still do it. One more thing. I had my speedometer rebuilt about a month ago, so the instrument cluster was removed. However, this problem didn't start soon after that work was done. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

Randy

We're living in a world that's been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit?

Reply to
Randy Pavatte
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I would suspect a bad connection or a bad oil pressure sensor. I have an old (78) F350 and the "Oil" light comes on when I come to a stop and goes off when I start going again. It's not low on oil.

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Reply to
Ulysses

You do realize it is a oil "presser" gauge, not an oil "volume" gauge? You can have the appropriate amount of oil, and still suffer from a lack of oil pressure.

Reply to
My Names Nobody

So, are you saying that my oil pressure might actually be dropping when I come to a stop? Got any ideas what might cause this?

Reply to
Ulysses

An intermittant electrical connection is a good possibility. The "gauge" is also misleading, the stock sender is just a switch. So you'll never see the gauge read anything except zero and something near the middle, as the switch is either on or off.

The recent removal of the dash makes me suspect something like a cracked solder joint on a dash cable connector. I replaced the speedo in my '94, and it was difficult to get those connectors off. Using too much force can crack a solder joint, which will still make contact until the fractures oxidize. Then it becomes intermittant because the oxide is an insulator.

Try tapping on the dash with the engine running, see if you can get the gauge to jump around. If that has no effect, take a look at the wire where it attaches to the sender. I think those are the most likely problem areas, the dash and at the sender.

-Paul

Reply to
carbide

Yes it can and will. At idle the engine and oil pump are turning slower, less oil is being pumped,less oil pressure. When you come to a stop the oil will slosh forward in the oil pan and if the oil level is low enough, the pickup tube could be momentarily uncovered causing the pump to suck air instead of oil.

Reply to
jrchilds

As I posted here a few months back, I had a similar experience. My mechanic said it was a faulty sending/sensor unit. He said no problem, and the next time I got the oil changed he would replace it. A couple of thousand miles later he changed the oil and replaced the unit. It is about the size of a spark plug, and cost around $10. It apparently screws into the underside of the engine somewhere, and a wire connects to the other end. I think replacing it is similar to replacing a spark plug, except that you have to drain the oil out first and then replace it later.

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noticed my oil

return to the

turns.

the gauge, but

movements, or

off after a

ago, so the

didn't start soon

to blind us

Reply to
CWLee

Reply to
yves

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