2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Logo
Dorothy Evans Posted on Dec 13, 2012
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My check gauges light is on, oil hands goes over to zero, moves up, light goes off, when it drops back to zero, gauge light comes back on.

Trying to figure why the gauge for the oil hands going all the way to zero?

1 Answer

Stephen

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  • Jeep Master 21,873 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 13, 2012
 Stephen
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Well the warning light is supposed to come on if any of the gauges display a dangerous condition, such as no oil pressure.
You may have a faulty sending unit for the gauge, or a wiring problem, or the engine may actually be loosing oil pressure when the gauge drops.
You could replace the sending unit as a test, or have someone check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 295 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 12, 2009

SOURCE: oil pressure gauge goes up when car started, but then down to 0

u Have a problem with the oil sending unit. The sensor is located beack right side of the engine block. Take out the switch and make sure u have good oil PSI. Should be 6 psi at idle and around 50 at 4000 RPM. If the presure is ok replace the switch they are very cheap about 20 bucks. Please rate.

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Mar 07, 2009

SOURCE: check gauges light comes on

The PCM has the voltage regulator inside it that controls the charge from the alternator to the battery, unlike older vehicles that have the voltage regulator directly on the alternator. Also there is a battery temperature sensor under the battery that the PCM uses to decide how much to send the battery. Possibilities; bad alternator, bad PCM, bad battery temp sensor, bad battery, and bad connections. Battery tests are easy check when fully charged should get around 12.5v then turn on headlights for 2 minutes and check again should still be around 12v. To test charging system start engine and test at bettery terminals should get 13-15v if not then something wrong with charging system take alternator to advance auto and they will test it for free if its good you are down to connections, PCM and battery temp sensor. test battery temp sensor at 75 to 80 degrees fahrenheit should get 9000-12000 ohms resistance (9k-12K ohms) if thats good check ground connections on vehicle body , connections on alternator, and plugs into pcm as well as the two above it (depending on model and year). If all that is good your PCM is bad get one on the internet preprogrammed for your vin number for $250 if you get one at the parts store it is $250 and then you have to get it programmed about another $80. You can also test the alternator your self by disconnecting the 3 tiny nuts and removing the connection from the field terminals (plastic piece with two terminals) and checking again at battery for 13-15v ( stay away from pulleys and belt,no loose clothing or long hair if you value your health). The PCM shorts the field connectors to regulate the voltage so removing that connector eliminates the PCM , battery temp sensor and the wire to and from them.

Anonymous

  • 6982 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 20, 2009

SOURCE: oil pressure gauge reads normal when first starts.

Two things...when it reads zero, is there any engine noise (tapping or knocking)? After you rev the engine does the pressure read normal at idle and function normally, or does it go back down? Either way, you should not drive the vehicle 'till you have a mechanical gauge (yours is electro-mechanical) put on there and the actual pressure is tested. The condition may be a bad sending unit, a bad bearing or possible obstructed oil pump screen. The repair is obviously different for each one and the price is as well.

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 28, 2008

SOURCE: Oil pressure Gauge drops to

Change your oil pressure sending unit? it wouldn't be my first.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 10, 2009

SOURCE: OIL GAUGE GOES DOWN AT STOPS

I had the same problem with my 97 Wrangler 4.0..Change your antifreeze, replace with some new 50/50 mix...Also chanke your oil, replace the filter with a mopar filter and use stratght 30 weight motor oil...Solved my problem

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Oil pressure gauge goes up when car started, but then down to 0

u Have a problem with the oil sending unit. The sensor is located beack right side of the engine block. Take out the switch and make sure u have good oil PSI. Should be 6 psi at idle and around 50 at 4000 RPM. If the presure is ok replace the switch they are very cheap about 20 bucks. Please rate.
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'oil pressure gauge

Replace the useless oil pressure sending unit with one from a early year such as 1986 .connect only the wire to the oil light.if you want a pressure gauge install an after market one..The stupid factory sending units can not rear pressure under 40lbs.at less than 40psi the light is on and the gauge reads 0 good luck carl
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