2000 Pontiac Bonneville Oil Pressure Gauge Fix

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LSUSSEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 252 POSTS
Hi

I have a 2000 pontiac bonneville. 51 K

My oil psi guage has been all the way over to the right the highest it can go. and I know its not stuck because when I turn off the car it goes down, but when the car is running or im driving it doesnt fluxcate, it doesnt move period. its at the highest it can go. I keep up with all regular oil changes ect and I have checked over and over the oil temp and level and its perfect. what do you think is wrong? its been like this for 6 months and I have done 3 or more oil changes and still no change.

Can someone help me please!

thanks,
Lee
May 16, 2006 at 6:20 AM
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BURRBRIAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 158 POSTS
It kinda sounds to me like you have a bad guage or sending unit. Seems as if the sending unit is putting out full strenth reaction when it should just be sending a 30-40% strenth signal. Or the gauge is just maxing out on any signal it gets. Maybe not the best way to describe it but I think you know what I'm getting at. Since you changed oil a few times and get the same thing that 's where I would be looking to start with. Esspecially if it's factory guage. Good luck.
May 20, 2006 at 2:30 AM
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LSUSSEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 252 POSTS
Thank you. I have found and corrected the problem. it was the sending unit. funny thing is, when I went to pick up the part I was lookin for a big box type thing and this sending unit was no larger then my finger!

thanks again!
May 22, 2006 at 4:43 AM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the oil pressure sending unit. A faulty sender can drive the factory gauge to full scale even when oil level and changes are normal; check the gauge only if the problem remains.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville with 51,000 miles reported the oil pressure gauge stayed pegged at maximum whenever the engine was running, then dropped when the engine was shut off. Oil level, temperature, and several oil changes were normal. An expert suspected a bad sending unit or gauge. The owner later confirmed the sending unit was the cause and replacing it corrected the problem.

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