Oil pressure guage in 2001 Dakota 3.9-move or stay in the middle?

Hi all Just picked up a 2001 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9 V6 in it. I have had it for a month no problems at all.But tonight i noticed when i stop for a light the oil pressure needle dips down to the first normal range line,then when i am moving it goes up to the middle of the guage.Its not in the red area,its in the safe area, is this normal? I seem to remember most of my cars it stays in the middle, but it would be logical for pressure to drop as the engine speed drops, plus i have never owned a dodge before. Thanks

Reply to
RH
Loading thread data ...

Yes, that's normal.

Reply to
.boB

As already stated this is normal. Your other cars had what is commonly called an "idiot guage". That is when the car maker has so little faith in the buyer the guage will always show normal unless pressure (temp etc.) is way out of whack. Since you are not the original owner I would still say put in a mechanical guage that shows exact pressure and compare this to the service specs.

Reply to
td

Yep, Ford has not used a true mechanical gauge in their truck line and auto line for over 20 years they use idiot gauges. Chevy has done this off and on for years including some Chrysler products mainly their car line. A lot of foreign manufactures are trending this way too except for high end vehicles. The main reason is cost, the idiot gauges are half the cost as a true sensing gauge. The idiot gauges just need a pressure switch closes the contact and magic the vehicle gauge reads a voltage signal. I agree if you really want to see what is going on regardless of manufacturer gauges install a good set of mechanical gauges.

Coasty

Reply to
Coasty

I am glad to hear all this.I'm not much of a mechanic but when you think about it,it makes total sense for the guage to go up and down as pressure increases and decreases with engine speed.

I do have a ford ranger 2002 as well,the guage is always in the middle.

Reply to
RH

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.