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How to Remove an Oil Pressure Sensor Electrical Connector

This article will help you remove the oil pressure sensor electrical connector.

Working part-time as an electrical mechanic, I have had to remove the oil pressure sensor connector several times. Successful removal of the connector is a must before replacing a faulty sensor. In most cases, removing an oil pressure sensor connector is a simple task. However, the steps will differ depending on the car’s year, make, and model.

You may need to uninstall additional parts to access the sensor connector on some vehicles.

In General, to Remove the Oil Pressure Sensor Connector in Your Car, You Need To:

  • Remove the Negative Battery Cable
  • Remove the Oil Pressure Sensor Electrical Connector
  • Use a Ratchet and An Oil Pressure Sensor Socket to Loosen the Sensor Connector
  • Take the Oil Pressure Sensor out Of the Vehicle

I will cover more details in the following sections.

Steps to Disconnect Oil Pressure Sensor and Connect The Electrical Connector

Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement Tools and Equipment Required:

  • Socket for oil pressure sensor 
  • Set of ratchets and sockets
  • repair manual or database
  • Wrench for torque
  • Wheel restraints

Location of The Oil Pressure Sensor in a Car

The oil pressure sensor is typically located near the bottom of a cylinder head in a car engine block. It can, however, be attached to the cylinder head as well. It will be outfitted with a block connector and one or two wires.


Conduct a Preliminary Inspection

If your dashboard device indicates low oil pressure, you should inspect the engine oil level first. A low oil level can cause a loss of oil pressure and expensive engine damage.

dashboard device indicates low oil pressure
Video | AutOdometer

Thoroughly check the oil pressure sensor or switch. Look for problems like damaged cables and poor connections.  Check the engine oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to ensure no wires are damaged.

damaged cable on the oil pressure sensor
Video | AutOdometer


Checking Pressure Gauge with a Mechanical Gauge

This step eliminates the possibility of low oil pressure within the engine.

oil press metter

This is How You Can Do It

  • Disconnect the oil pressure sensor (or switch) — detailed in the “How to remove oil pressure sensor connector” step below.
  • Connect the mechanical gauge adapter to the engine.
  • Connect the gauge to the adapter.
  • Start the engine and write down the gauge reading.

If the gauge reads normally, the problem is with the oil pressure sensor, the dashboard instrumentation, or the sensor circuit.

Because oil pressure sensors are relatively cheap, most people choose to replace them at this point.


How to Remove the Oil Sensor Connector

Step 1. Remove the negative battery cable to make sure there is no current flowing through the vehicle.

removing the negative battery cable

Step 2. Disconnect the oil pressure sensor’s electrical connector.

disconnecting the oil pressure sensor's electrical connector
Video | AutOdometer

Step 3. To loosen the sensor, use a ratchet and an oil pressure sensor socket. In some instances, you may be able to replace the specialized sensor socket with a regular socket or a wrench.

use ratchet to loosen the sensor
Video | AutOdometer

taking-the-oil-pressure-sensor-out-of-the-vehicle
Video | AutOdometer

Step 4. Take the oil pressure sensor out of the vehicle.


How to Install a New Pressure Sensor

Procedure

Step 1. Check whether the new and old oil pressure sensors are the same design. (Autozone has a handy app to enter your make and model.

new and old pressure sensors
Video | AutOdometer

Step 2. Put the sensor into place.

putting the sensor into place
Video | AutOdometer

With a torque wrench, tighten the sensor to the manufacturer’s specifications.

tighten the sensor with torque wrench
Video | AutOdometer

Step 3. Coat the threads of the oil pressure sensor with sealant — if the replacement sensor does not come with sealant pre-applied. Attach a new oil pressure sensor to the engine.

(Note: It’s important to use sealant so the unit does not leak, A good suggestion is using Permatex high temp Teflon thread sealant (white) to put some in the middle section of the tapered thread. Screw it in carefully and let it settle.)

Step 4. Reconnect the electrical connector for the oil pressure sensor.

Step 5. Reconnect the negative battery cable or wire.


Wrapping Up

You can remove your oil pressure sensor in a straightforward procedure outlined in this guide. However, if you are experiencing some technicalities, stop the repair and consult an expert to avoid the problem spreading.




Video Reference

AutOdometer

a2z car service

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About Sam Orlovsky

AvatarCertifications: B.E.E.
Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering
Lives In: Denver Colorado

Electrical engineering is my passion, and I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. I’m not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share.

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