Symptoms Of A Faulty Oil Sensor In Trucks

How do you know that you have a faulty oil sensor? Modern trucks have oil sensors within the engine block. Its role is to sense and let the engine control unit know the oil pressure within your engine. It enables the engine control unit to monitor the pressure of the oil as it lubricates the engine’s moving parts. When the pressure of the engine oil goes down, it can result in hefty and costly damages, which is why it is essential to monitor the oil pressure.

Where does this pressure come from? The oil pump generates adequate pressure that lifts the engine oil from the sump to other parts for cooling and lubricating the moving parts within the engine. When the oil pressure goes down, the oil will not move from the sump to every part of the engine. 

Oil’s vital role in the engine is why it is essential to monitor oil pressure. When you have a faulty oil sensor becomes, the timing chain will be noisy, the oil check light will appear, and you will observe leakages from the sensor. 

Symptoms of a Faulty Oil Sensor

Oil Check Light

The oil check light will appear on the dashboard when the oil sensor is faulty. The light appears when the oil pressure is either high or low and sends the signal to the ECU. If the sensor is faulty, it will turn on the oil light even if the pressure is okay.

To determine if your sensor is faulty, use an oil pressure gauge to determine the pressure of your oil. If your oil is at normal pressure, then the sensor is faulty. Alternatively, use a code reader to determine if the code indicates a faulty sensor.

Noisy Engine and Timing Chain

When your engine has a timing chain, it is essential to have the right oil pressure. The chain itself relies on the oil for lubrication and to move freely. The tensioners also depend on oil for lubrication.

If the pressure of your oil goes down, the tensioners will slacken, and the timing chain will be loose. When the timing chain is loose, it will move freely over the pullies and the housing. As a result, you will hear a noisy sound from your engine block.

When you hear the sound without the appearance of an oil check light, the oil sensor might be faulty.

Oil Leaks from the Sensor

The oil sensor is located in the oil system within the engine for it to detect the oil pressure. Its location can lead to oil leakage if it becomes faulty. The oil sensor has a body, and it is from this part that leaks oils. 

To diagnose this, check for oil leakages around the oil sensor. You can also remove the sensor’s block connector and check for oil leakages. You can also check if the sensor leaks oil when your engine is idling.

Conclusion

The appearance of an oil check light on the dashboard, a noisy engine, or even performance issues are some of the common symptoms of a faulty oil sensor. Oil leaks are also common signs you need to pay attention to.

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