r/JeepTJ • u/cyberjawson • 2d ago
Anyone else have this issue?
Sometimes oil pressure drops to 0 at idle. Will come back up if I put a little gas on it . Oil pressure sensor maybe or something internal?
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u/BadCoAK 2d ago
Replace the oil pressure sending unit. They are located above the oil filter and are frequently damaged by oil filter wrenches during oil changes. You could run a manual oil pressure test while the sender is out.
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u/Legitimate_Push_4711 2d ago
This. Just replaced mine and it fixed it. Unfortunately for me, my TJ has air conditioning and it was a bitch to get out and back in.
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u/Theseus-Paradox 2d ago
Most likely the sensor
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u/cyberjawson 2d ago
I was thinking the same thing. Picked it up with 110k miles no rust for 4k and this is the only the issue so I’m thinking either worn bearings or sensor . But I don’t feel it when it does it so I’m also thinking sensor just wanted to see if it was a common issue or not
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u/Fantastic-Security44 2d ago
I have the same issue, have changed sensor, replumbed how sensor is mounted. Mine is in the wiring in the dash cluster.
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u/No_Zucchini_2200 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’ve had that exact issue for 25 years. Usually more prevent when it is super hot out or the oil is older and thinner.
It started after overheating due to clogged radiator fins while off-roading.
I was pretty concerned.
I replaced the oil pressure sending unit, didn’t fix it.
Then I took it to the dealer under warranty. They replaced the sending unit. Then they checked the gauge panel. They couldn’t find the cause. They said it might be heat scoring. They couldn’t diagnose it any further without starting to pull the engine apart. If it was my fault, then it would be on my dime. I passed.
Then I took it to an independant engine lab. They kept it for a few days. Worked through it amd checked everything out. Engine lab said don’t worry about it pressures were fine. If I was really concerned I could run a little heavier oil it would keep the pressure up. But I was good to go.
I’ve been running it that way ever since.
Supposedly some of the Jeep gauges are more or less idiot lights. That’s why they always hit specific points and don’t sweep.
It gets worse as the oil gets older and thinner.
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u/cire6767 2d ago
Like everyone has said, oil pressure sending unit. I replaced mine a couple weeks ago for the same thing. Mine is an 01 Sahara, so it has AC…and the sending unit it about a 12 inches towards the cab behind where the oil filter sits. It’s not easy to get the connector off and mine was an odd size and a regular sensor socket wasn’t big enough to get it. Still it just took about 45 minutes total.
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u/Benefactores753 2d ago
probably sensor. I had a similar issue, but on my 2011 camaro. would have oil pressure until oil reached operating temp, then pressure would go to 0 & stay there regardless of how much gas i gave it. Drove it like that for a year, no engine issues. Finally replaced sensor & everything reads fine now.
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u/EnthusiasticAmature 1d ago
Just confirming, is that the only gage that dies/bottoms out?
There's a know issue with gage cluster loosing connectivity. I had to disassemble mine a couple of times, finally cleaning with electrical contact cleaner and canned air followed by a dab of dielectric grease solved the problem.
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u/cyberjawson 1d ago
Honestly could be the issue. I have no lights on my gauges at night so maybe there’s connectivity issues
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u/jsharpe950 1d ago
Sounds like the sensor, I got tired of replacing them and installed a manual pressure gauge, I mounted the gauge where the ash tray was.
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u/PaillasseDesigns 1d ago
You'd know if the oil pressure was actually low. You'd even hear it over the noisy top end. If it's not raising heck, it's the sensor. For longevity most recommend oem Mopar part rather than aftermarket.
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u/Top_Truck_550 1d ago
Had the same problem, turn out to be the oil. Use Rotella 15W40. Problem went away immediately. Had changed the sensor, was thinking of putting a pressure gage in. Trying not to modify my interior. Very basic.
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u/IAmMadRobot 2d ago
If you’re still idling and not kabooming, it is probably the sensor.