NTC-19A: Checking Oil Pressure Sensor

1999 Dodge and Ram Dakota SLT, 2D Pickup, 3.9 X, 4WD, StandardSECTION NTC-19A: Checking Oil Pressure Sensor
  1. Turn ignition off. Check and correct oil level as necessary. While holding down TRIP ODOMETER button and observing oil pressure gauge, turn ignition on, with engine off. Instrument cluster self-test will now run for all gauges and lamps. If oil pressure gauge does not reach calibration points 0, 1/2 and FULL, replace oil pressure gauge. Perform TEST VER-2A. If oil pressure gauge reaches calibration points, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on, with engine off. If oil pressure gauge reads FULL at all times with ignition on, go to next step. If oil pressure gauge does not read FULL at all times with ignition on, go to step 4).
    NOTE: For circuit identification and wiring diagram, see appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
  3. Turn ignition off. Disconnect oil pressure sensor connector. Clean and/or repair connector as necessary. Turn ignition on, with engine off. If oil pressure gauge does not read FULL at all times with ignition on, replace oil pressure sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A. If oil pressure gauge reads FULL at all times with ignition on, repair short to ground in oil pressure sensor connector, signal circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A.
  4. Turn ignition off. Disconnect oil pressure sensor connector. Clean and/or repair connector as necessary. Connect a jumper wire across oil pressure sensor connector. Turn ignition on, with engine off. If oil pressure gauge does not read FULL at all times with ignition on, go to step 7).
  5. Turn ignition off. Remove oil pressure sensor. Install oil pressure gauge in oil pressure sensor opening. Start engine and allow it to idle. Record oil pressure. If oil pressure is 4 psi (.28 kg/cm2 ) or more at idle, go to next step. If oil pressure is 4 psi (.28 kg/cm2 ) or less with engine at idle, repair mechanical engine oil pressure problem as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A.
  6. Turn engine off. Ensure oil pressure sensor is still removed. Install oil pressure gauge in oil pressure sensor opening. Start engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Read oil pressure. If oil pressure is not at least 4 psi (.28 kg/cm2 ), repair mechanical engine oil pressure problem as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A. If oil pressure is at least 4 psi (.28 kg/cm2 ), replace oil pressure sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A.
    NOTE: For circuit identification and wiring diagram, see appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
  7. Using a 12-volt test light connected to battery voltage, probe oil pressure sensor connector, sensor ground circuit. If test light does not illuminate, go to next step. If test light illuminates, repair open oil pressure sensor signal circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A.
  8. At this time, sensor ground circuit is assumed to be open. Repair open sensor ground circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.