GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Express 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge Always Low

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: The engine oil pressure gauge reads low.

1

Did you review the instrument cluster circuit description and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms

2

Start the engine and allow to reach operating temperature.

Does the engine oil pressure gauge read normal?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  2. Install a mechanical oil pressure gauge.
  3. Start and idle the engine.
  4. Measure the actual engine oil pressure.
  5. Compare the actual engine oil pressure with the pressure indicated on the instrument panel oil pressure gauge.

Is the difference between the actual engine oil pressure and the indicated engine oil pressure less than the specified value?

68.95 kPa (10 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Disconnect the engine oil pressure gauge sensor connector.
  2. Place the ignition switch in RUN.
  3. Connect 1 red lead of a J 33431-C to engine oil pressure gauge sensor connector cavity A for CKT 31 (TAN).
  4. Connect the other lead to ground.
  5. Adjust the tester to 88 ohms.

Does the oil pressure gauge indicate pressure greater than or equal to the specified value?

211.60 kPa (80 psi)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Disconnect the instrument cluster connector.
  2. Connect a J 39200 DMM between instrument cluster connector cavity B8 for CKT 31 (TAN) and ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Is continuity present?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

The oil pressure gauge functions properly.

Inspect the engine for operating conditions which might cause low oil pressure. Refer to:

    •  Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L
    •  Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing in Engine Mechanical - 5.0L, 5.7L
    •  Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing in Engine Mechanical - 6.5L
    •  Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing in Engine Mechanical - 7.4L

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 3

7

Repair the short to ground in CKT 31 (TAN) between the instrument cluster and the oil pressure gauge sensor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 3

8

Replace the engine oil pressure gauge sensor. Refer to:

    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.3L
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.0L, 5.7L
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 6.5L
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 7.4L

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 3

9

Replace the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 3

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3