Oil Pressure Drop

HEEEEEEEEEELP! My oil pressure drops to 0 psi whenever there is some incline present (i.e. driving from the street to a parking lot). However, 0 psi is displayed for only few seconds when it happens. Comments?

A shop can hook-up a "real" oil pressure gauge and check it for you. Otherwise, if you know there's 7-8 quarts and it's not getting hot, it's probably the cars sensor. These are usually inexpensive to replace.

Thanks for the prompt reply Indy8. You are right...the car is not getting hot, and there is enough oil in there (I am changing it every 3000-4000 miles). Can I replace this sensor myself? If so, where is it located? Thanks.

Right by the oil filter. It sort of looks like a small black tube. With wire connector on it.

Thanks bustedratchet. I'll look for it. Does the sensor have any special/fancy name instead of oil pressure sensor?

This is what I have found on the Internet....Is this the right part?


oil pressure SENDING UNIT, Aurora 96-99 $32.52
Electrical - Chassis electrical - Senders - oil pressure sending unit

Sounds right, This sensor is longer than most, you may need a special deep socket for it. Or you might be able to remove it with a 12 point box end wrench. It might also be easier to remove the oil filter first.

Thanks for the tip bustedratchet (tahnks to other fellas as well). Will order the part today.

Check your PCV valve and replace rubber grommet and elbows. $20.00 check. This should increase your pressure.

Just changed oil pressure sending unit. No help. There are some suggestions to fill additional 10 quarts of oil to the engine, then rev the engine from idle to 3500 rpm (open the throttle) in order to prime the pump (cycling the relief valve forces any debris from the relief valve). Thoughts?

Adding 10 extra quarts of oil to a full oil filled engine and running the engine is guaranteed to break something. After adding the extra oil the crank-shaft would be submerged in oil and the load it would put on the crank-shaft would ensure damaging some internal engine components. Try fitting a mechanical oil pressure gage, in addition to the electronic sending unit, to get an accurate reading. At the same time inspect the wires going from the sending unit and make sure the insulation in intact.


Just changed oil pressure sending unit. No help. There are some suggestions to fill additional 10 quarts of oil to the engine, then rev the engine from idle to 3500 rpm (open the throttle) in order to prime the pump (cycling the relief valve forces any debris from the relief valve). Thoughts?

Actually 99intrigue, that was a GM service procedure that got posted a little while back here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=255510

Don't get me wrong, I love GM but they can screw up some-times.
They have a design problem with the oiling system in the engine and I'm supessed to trust that their Service Procedure will resolve the design problem?

I have done it, and it did not work? I also replaced oil pressure sensor. No results. Next suggestion?