Engine Oil Pressure Switches, Sending Units & Adapters

An oil pressure switch can provide a warning by either a light or audio cue such as a buzzer or warning tone. This will alert the driver that oil pressure is dangerously low and to shut the engine down to avoid potential engine damage due to lack of adequate oil pressure.

When connected to an electric fuel pump circuit, an oil pressure switch helps to cut power to the fuel pump in the event the oil pressure drops below the preset minimum level or if the engine dies. This prevents the fuel pump from continuing to pump fuel into the carburetor, which can then flood the engine, causing damage as well as create a potential fire hazard.

Though similar, a switch and sending unit perform different actions. An oil sending unit provides a resistance reading that is either read by a computer or translated by an oil pressure gauge as a measurement of pressure. A switch on the other hand turns another component on or off, depending on its intended design, at a preset pressure. Components it can control are warning lights, buzzers, electric fuel pumps, nitrous solenoids, and more, depending on the need.

An engine oil pressure switch is an engine component that turns a dash warning light, fuel pump, or other component on or off depending on the pressure reading it receives. It is typically threaded into the engine block at a location where oil pressure is present. Depending on the design of the switch, if enough pressure pushes against the spring plunger inside the switch, it will either complete a circuit (for a fuel pump), or leave the circuit open (for an oil pressure light). If the oil pressure is below the pre-designed set pressure, the circuit will either close, causing the oil pressure light to come on, or open, causing a cut of power to a fuel pump, for example.

Depending on the vehicle and engine application, the steps to replace an oil pressure switch can vary. However, in most cases, the first step is to locate the oil pressure switch. The switch is usually located near the oil filter, on the side of the block, or at the top of the block at the front or back. Most switches require a wrench, socket, or a specific oil pressure switch socket to remove them. They also have an electrical plug connector that needs to be carefully disconnected before removal. In some cases, other engine components may have to be detached in order to access the switch. When removing the switch, some oil will leak, so preparing with a towel or rag will help. Once the old switch has been removed, unscrew the oil pressure switch adapter (if present), clean the threaded hole and area around the opening to prepare for installation of the oil pressure switch replacement. The replacement switch can be installed with the wrench or oil sending unit socket after the threads are covered with either thread sealant or thread sealing / PTFE tape to prevent oil leaking. Then connect the oil pressure switch wiring and replace any removed components. Replacement is then complete.

The replacement cost of an oil pressure switch is fairly affordable. The oil pressure switch price for most applications is between $20 and $50.

Oil pressure switch problems are fairly easy to diagnose. A bad oil pressure switch will either remain stuck (in either the on or off position), or activate at the wrong time. This will cause a warning light to come on when it shouldn't or not come on when it should. If used as a safety switch for an electric fuel pump, a faulty oil pressure switch will either cause the fuel pump to not work when it should or not shut off when the oil pressure is not sufficient.

Improve peace-of-mind for your vehicle's engine by purchasing and adding an oil pressure switch sensor from JEGS. Having a warning light will help keep your mind at ease on how the engine oil pressure is doing while you are focusing on what is in front of you while you are driving. Adding an oil pressure switch to your electric fuel pump circuit will also help keep you safe by cutting off fuel if the engine dies, preventing a possible fire.