Location of oil pressure sensor/switch

Tiny
RONGLASS2013
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 3.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Where is the oil pressure sensor/switch located on the van listed above? Is there a diagram showing location?
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 7:58 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Ron,

These are not the best illustration to show you orientation but this is under the alternator and alternator bracket. Once you get those out of the way you will see a sensor that looks like the one in the illustrations. That is your oil pressure sender.

Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks
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Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
JORGEHOYOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 301,000 MILES
I'm having the problem that when after starting the engine and running for a little while, when I come to a stop the oil light comes on. When I go, the oil comes off. I've gotten the oil changed, levels are all good.
I've done a little bit of research and the common problem seems to be the oil pressure sender. I bought one from auto zone but now I can't find a diagram of where the sender is. Any help?
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 7:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,922 POSTS
At the mileage you listed it's more common to have worn engine bearings. Your comment about "after running for a while" the problem starts, and raising engine speed makes the light go off, supports that. Warm oil is thinner and runs through the bearings easier so it's harder to maintain pressure. Raising engine speed overcomes the pressure loss by pumping the oil faster to keep up with the accelerated internal leakage. A defective pressure sending unit isn't affected by engine speed and often not by engine temperature, so your observations suggest this isn't a sending unit problem. Regardless, if you want to try a new one first, they are almost always very close to the oil filter.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 7:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORGEHOYOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the response. Let me say that it happens only when I come to a complete stop and then the light comes off when I go again.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 7:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,922 POSTS
That's because oil pressure always goes down at lower engine speeds. I'm willing to bet the new sending unit won't help.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 7:41 PM (Merged)

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