Have you ever noticed the ford explorer oil pressure gauge problem? It can happen due to faulty gauge, stuck sensor and most importantly electrical problems.
To avoid any risk or extra hassle during the trip you should check the oil gauge regularly. A faulty gauge can lead to a terrible accident, even death. As a car owner, I’ve faced too many problems because of faulty gauges.
After reading this content, you can know the most possible causes and the way of solution of a faulty oil gauge. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
How Does the Oil Pressure Gauge Work?
The oil pressure gauge is a device that monitors the oil pressure in main oilways near the filter and pump. It is used to check if the engine has enough oil to run properly or not.
The main components of an oil pressure gauge include:
- A sensor: It measures the flow rate of oil through it
- A tube: It connects the sensor with a small opening in the base of the gauge head.
Here is how the oil pressure gauge works in Ford:
Step 01: Send information back to a dashboard
The oil pressure gauge is usually connected to an oil pressure sending unit. It sends the information back to a dashboard or electronic display screen.
Step 02: Measures the pressure
The gauge measures the pressure coming from a source. This will display numbers between 0 and 100. The higher numbers indicate the higher pressures. The engine’s capacity is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).
Step 03: Display readings
The gauge will then display readings on an analog or digital display screen. It depends on how it was set up by the manufacturer.
Step 04: Level falls or up
When the level of pressure falls below, it means that there is a problem with the engine. This problem may be due to a leaky valve or faulty piston rings
What would Cause Ford Explorer Oil Pressure Gauge Problem?
Have you noticed that the oil pressure gauge not working? Maybe it’s just once in a while or possibly, left and right regularly. There are many causes of the Ford Explorer oil pressure gauge problem. Here are several causes:
Main Causes:
(i) Sending Unit Problem: The sending unit is a small device that transmits the pressure information to the gauge. The sending unit can be damaged. It will cause the gauge to read incorrectly. The most common problem is an electrical short in the sending unit.
(ii) Stuck needle: The gauge tells you when it’s time to add more oil or change your engine oil. But, if the needle on it is stuck at a low level, you may be having some trouble.
(iii) Electrical Problem with the Gauge: The oil pressure gauge on the Ford Explorer is an electronic instrument. It can be affected by an electrical problem. One is that the wiring may be loose or disconnected. This could be due to a bad connection at the gauge itself. It could be because of an issue with the gauge itself.
(iv) Faulty Gauge: If you notice that the oil pressure gauge shows no oil pressure. Then, it’s the possibility that there is a faulty gauge. A faulty oil pressure sending unit can cause this problem as well. If the gauge has faults then all the systems don’t work properly. You should replace this as soon as possible after realizing its fault. I’ll suggest you buy an Actron Bosch Style oil pressure gauge.
Additional Causes:
(i) Dirty spark plugs: Dirty spark plugs can cause oil pressure problems in your Ford Explorer. If the spark plugs are not completely clean, they could cause an oil leak. It would prevent the engine from getting enough oil to operate properly.
The following symptoms may indicate a dirty spark plug:
- Oil spots on the spark plug electrodes.
- Disappearing oil from the spark plug hole.
How to Fix Ford Explorer Oil Pressure Gauge Problem?
Fixing an explorer oil pressure gauge is not too difficult. You can solve it yourself or you can repair it from a repair shop.
If you not want to spend extra money on it, then here are some steps to solve it within an hour:
Step 01: Check the sending unit
First, check the voltage at both terminals of the sending unit’s plug. If there’s a low voltage reading, it means that there has been an electrical short in your vehicle.
Step 02: change the stucked needle
Now, it’s time to check the stucked needle. If that stuck after adding or removing oil, then you have to understand there is a problem.
Step 03: Properly check the wire plugged in correctly.
If you have replaced your oil pressure sending unit, make sure it is plugged in correctly. Then check to see if the wiring is still connected properly.
Step 04: Make sure the gauge has no fault.
You should check the gauge finally. If you have replaced this component, make sure it’s working properly before proceeding with any further repairs.
Step 05: Make sure spark plugs are clean
Sometimes dirty spark creates problems with the explorer oil pressure gauge. So, you should check whether it is clean or dirty.
FAQs
Your oil pressure sensor is probably the culprit. When the engine is running, oil pressure should increase as the engine builds up heat. If the sensor is faulty, it will not be able to tell how much oil it needs. This could cause low engine power and low oil pressure.
If your oil pressure gauge is going crazy, it’s likely because you’ve got a low oil level. The trouble with low oil levels is that they can cause serious damage to your engine. If you don’t regularly check your oil, the engine would overheat and fail suddenly. This can lead to a fire.
If your oil pressure gauge is faulty, you can still drive with it. But it’s a risky proposition. If the gauge malfunctions and you are driving, you could be at risk of losing control of your vehicle. As a result it is causing an accident. To avoid any accident, you should replace the faulty pressure gauge.
The oil pressure gauge is controlled by the engine’s oil supply. This is measured by a small flow sensor located inside the oil sump. The amount of oil flowing indicates how much pressure is being exerted. If the oil supply is not working properly, then you can fall in trouble.
Final Words
Oil pressure gauge can have problems due to several reasons. If you are a beginner then you can identify the problem by following the mentioned causes. After identifying, you should go to the repair shop ASAP! If you have previous experience in this field then you can try it yourself.
Before concluding the content, I want to recommend you to check the oil pressure gauge for safe travel. This will reduce your stress and you will be able to enjoy a nice trip.
