oil pressure gauge problem

[buffalostang00]

So this is my first post . I'm having a problem with the oil pressure gauge on my 2000 v6 mustang. When i start the car the oil pressure gauge doesn't move. After 5-7 minutes of driving the gauge will go up to center and then back down, then after another minute or so it will go to the regular ok middle position. The weather here has been cold for a month or so however this problem just started a few days ago. I orignially thought that the cold had an effect on the wiring though I am a bit unsure. After doing a bit of research I hear that some people have had trouble with the oil pressure sensor in the cold. Any other ideas about what this problem might be? Thanks!

 

[Skymarshal]

Well, it's probably not an actual problem with the oil pressure, or your engine would have already seized!

Replace the oil pressure sender. It's about $20 and gets erratic sometimes (mine went out a few years ago). It's on the front of the engine near the top behind the belt.

 

[buffalostang00]

i figured it wasn't an engine problem, the car runs great even in these winter months. How easy is the oil pressure sender to replace? Can I do it fairly quickly, its damn cold around these parts and I don't have access to a garage.

 

[Skymarshal]

It's easy. It's no more difficult than a spark plug. The sensor is on the top front of the engine under the intake manifold, hidden behind the belt and a bracket for a pulley. It's kind of tough to get a wrench on. I have a picture somewhere- i'll try to find it.

It just unscrews from the block, and has a plug that plugs into the engine wiring harness.

 

[buffalostang00]

Thanks for the help!

 

[Skymarshal]

Here are pictures of the sensor...

picture 1

picture 2