If an oil pressure sensor goes out, and the oil level is fine, can I still drive the truck without hurting the engine?

Those trucks have bad pressure sensors. Youre probably ok. But replace the sensor just so you have a working gauge. Its easy.

Thank you Mark. I was told by a mechanic at a shop in Canon City, Co. today that I need to buy an intake manifold kit and leave the truck with him for at least a day. So, I don't need to purchase a special socket?

Me again. I'm getting conflict answers on exactly where the oil pressure sensor is located on my truck. Some say by the oil filter and others say behind the engine. As it looks like I'm going to be changing this myself, I need all the advice I can get. I bought a 1 1/16 th deep socket for this also. Thank you in advance guys.

On line there is several articles on how to change the sensor, and they state it is on the top rear of the engine on the passenger side. type, "change oil pressure sensor on 2008 Silverado". Find a wire loom on the top of the engine and follow it. Also go on line and you will will where it is, what the loom looks like, and how to change it. Have fun, good luck. Wear mechanic gloves to protect the nail polish. Do this and your a gear head for sure. This way you can enjoy the beer yourself and not share. Plus you'll feel good.

I am an official gear head guys! Let me tell ya...being a 6' tall, 51yr. Old woman, it wasn't easy fitting all of me under the hood, but I "Got 'Er Done" as they say. Lol Couldn't be happier! I sincerely thank you for your help.

So it's a fix? Back top? One beer? Clean finger nails? Glad to be of assistance. Ride on. Picture of my Grandson and my first place car he helped get ready.

It is fixed. Back top, dirty nails, but intact. Sweet car! Congratulations on the win. Proud moment with your Grandson. Priceless! I have two Grandaughters, and although they laughed at me today and wondered how I got up into the engine compartment, they learned a valuable lesson that I hope they can keep with them through life. They can always depend on themselves.

I had same problem,I visited my box so they said i should not drive. Then i bought new oil pressure sensor and also installed electrical oil pressure gauge.for more information you can visit http://caroilpressure.com/ and pick right one part for your truck.

Can I drive the truck 11 hours with out hurting the engine

James, if only the gauge is reading zero, and all other tests indicate you have oil pressure, it is a gamble, but yes. I'd change the sensor and make sure it is reading correctly first. If you start out on your journey and you hear strange noises from the engine, like the valve guides are knocking, shut off the engine and tow it to the nearest repair facility. Same as if your temp gauge read other red line or no temp at all. Wouldn't you want to know how it really is doing? I started driving 50s cars that really are no match to today's cars/trucks as far as reliability and longevity, so constant reading of the gauges was a must. I never got rid of that habit. If my oil gauge or water gauge are reading off normal ranges, I want to know why. Why the 11 hour drive? Need to get it to a place you trust for repair? A local garage repair is far less expensive than replacing an entire engine and sensor about 7 hours into the drive. The gamble is yours. Make sure it is just a bad sensor. Don't forget the plastic Jesus for the dashboard of your car. That way you won't care if it rains or freezes as long as you have your plastic Jesus ....

I have changed my oil pressure senor 2 times in the last month. My mechanic said it might be a short somewhere. Another mechanic told me that I might need to switch out my oil pump and replace the sensor again. What do you advise I do.

I forget what the answer was that was submitted by a knowledgable GM Tech, but he said there was something in the oil pressure system that gets plugged and needs to be cleaned out. Go back a month or two and the answer is there. It's not the sensor, or pump. Sorry I thought I saved it, but can't find it. Perhaps if he is looking at this post, he'll post his advice again. It means pulling the pan off, but it will solve the issue.

Ya, there should be a screen that needs to be cleaned or replaced, my mechanic friend said your wasting your time replacing the sensor without addressing the screen also.

im having the same issue different situation my oil pressure reads 0 at idle and 22 when driving ive replaced my oil pressure sensor and still have same problem i looked for the screen underneath the switch and no screen was presence so why is my pressure still reading 0 ......side note im pretty handy around the motor but this has me puzzled my last thought was placing a oil screen in it but wasnt sure how that would help my pressure my engine isnt knocking or making any funny noises its a 2005 lq9 6.0l motor from a escalade i dropped it into an 86 monte carlo ss

Guru9zCNB, I went ahead and took my truck to the dealer. $200 later just for an answer they said its the plug that goes to the oil sensing unit that has to be replaced. The service guy said that the plug must of got oil in it from the first oil sending unit that was actually bad. That's why I am getting a faulty reading on my oil gauge. I didn't let them fix it cause they wanted to charge me $965. Hope this helps. If you replace the plug. Please let me know if it works

I am pissed I spent $ on oil change and it is the sensor messed up. If the oil sensor is disconnected and fluids are all good with this effect the motor it's self 01 expedition 5.4 Triton engine

Idk if it's going to hurt the engine if I run it without the connection of the sensor

Guru9198K, if it is the sensor, fine. I'd not gamble on having an engine seize up on me. The cost of a rebuilt or new engine is far greater than going to a shop and having the pressure tested and having a new sensor put on. Sitting here is hard to do any tests, the informations only as good at the person writing the fact of what is wrong. This blog seems to be getting a lot of oil pressure / sensor issues. GM sells millions of vehicles, and what we see is but a spect of people with issues. Mechanical items wear our, are bad from the get go, or just go ka-put. There are other locations to hook up a sensor to test the pressure. Perhaps spending even a couple of bills is a lot less than 3-7 grand for an engine replacement.

I have a 2009 Tahoe. Engine light came on and code read oil pressure sensor, which i kinda figured by looking at my oil pressure gauge stay at 0 and handy dandy google. I think I have heard a "knocking" that sounds more like a ticking to me. I am a woman and i know absolutely nothing about these things. I want to have it replaced but i need to work a few more weeks to be able to save the money and pay bills as well. It is the winter months and its cold here in Tennessee. My question is, If i drive my car and keep the oil at the correct level can I drive for possibly 2 more weeks before having the sensor replaced. I mean a sensor only allows you to be able to read your oil pressure gauge so #1 why is the pressure gauge so important and #2 if the sensor is out that doesn't necessarily mean its not getting oil pressure right? Thanks in advance for all answers and help.

I've had these same problems, changed my sensor and oil pressure sensor filter which is located under the sensor when you take it out. Still has low pressure. Also in the past my other Silverado had the same issue but come yo find out my oil pump pick up tube seal was bad which caused the low pressure

jamon, Funny that such a little thing can cause such major issues and destroy a beautiful running machine

John, now I think I have the same issue with my 2010. I'd rather it be that than to be an oil pump

I have the same problem as HeavyChevy. I have a 2008 Tahoe 5.3 (flex-fuel) that has an oil pressure reading of 0. The truck has 170,000 miles and runs like a champ, but this just happened. I am assuming it is the oil pressure sensor since I have about 70% oil remaining in the vehicle since I changed the oil about 3 weeks ago. Am I able to drive the truck (without any issues) until I can get to the weekend to have time to replace the part? I don't like to deal with mechanics unless it's a problem I know I have no chance of fixing right.

I drove mine for like 6 months. Until I got it repaired. Just as long as you know you have oil you are good. Just make sure you don't hear any knocking

Thanks guys! I bought the part today and I will have it fixed this weekend. The youtube videos are pretty helpful.

I had the same problem with the oil pressure gauge going flat (0) I read articles to see what it could be and was told it was it was by the oil filter. It is not it's on top/back of the engine where the YouTube videos show. My advise is when you take the sensor off take the screen filter that is located were the sensor goes and clean it or buy a new one. You will need a 1 1/16 socket, extention and a swivel. Took 20 minutes to change it out and it's working perfect again.

any idea on how to get the wires off the top of the sensor? I can barely reach it with finger tips and have no leverage and really don't want to pay the shop $400 to take the top of the engine off to access the sensor to replace a $6 screen.

Awfoxden, I had a hard time trying to do it myself so I took it to a local mechanic and he replaced the wiring harness for $250 way cheaper than paying the dealer $965. But we never found a screen that goes inside the sending unit. So I didnt put 1 in.

Awfoxden: To remove the plug you are supposed to lift the gray safety up (travel is about 1/4”) and then depress the detent underneath it and it should lift right off. Of course, this is actually a terrible joke by one of GM’s design engineers because it’s nearly impossible to do this with one hand at that spot behind the engine while your knuckles fight with the plastic sound barrier and all the perfectly placed junk in the way. I’m not recommending that you do this because I’m an idiot on the internet who may be completely full of it, but here’s what worked for me and turned this into a simple job: I took a pair of needle nose pliers and tore that little gray piece that was causing me so much pain completely off. It actually comes out with very little effort and doesn’t seem to damage the function of the plug locking mechanism. Once you have removed, try to remove the plug again. It’s an amazing relief when it actually comes off easily. After removing the old one, replacing it and reconnecting the plug, if you get a nice, positive “click”, then you haven’t broken anything. Hope this helps someone avoid skinning their knuckles and swearing at inanimate objects in the driveway.

I have the same problem... replace the sensor 3 times now, oil pump and screen and the sme problem reading 22 or 0 can some one know whats going on?

Well, I have the same problem THEFEO. However, I haven't changed my oil pump yet, but I did replace the oil pick up tube which was gummed up. My truck sounds fine and after wasting quite a bit of money on tests and that. I spoke with someone that has worked with vehicles for years and he suggested to put in 100% synthetic oil and keep driving it, "the sensors have a history of bad readings". Listen for any knocking or rattling, then change the engine when that starts happening. I did have someone wire the sensor with some diods to prevent the warning sound from coming on at idle. I don't know what's going on though.

how can I turn off the infernal chime until I can change out the sensor?

Got a question for u john

2011 Chevy Silverado 5.3. I recently had the oil pressure warning light come on and gauge drop to zero. Engine was running smooth no noise. Oil was full and recently had oil change. The check engine light also came on and the code it threw was for the oil pressure sensor. I replaced the sensor and the screen. Advance Auto had both in stock and came out to about $70 bucks. After replacing the warning light (and awful chine) went off, the gauge went back to working like normal. After about 40 miles same thing happened. Warning lights and chine on, and oil pressure gauge down to zero. Still running smooth no noises. I've seen others say they've replaced the sensor multiple times, and others saying they replaced other parts but no one has said they solved the issue. Just wanted to bump this thread and see if anyone had any solutions.

My truck has done the same thing replace the filter the screen inside the oil sensor, the wiring to the sensor now they’ve replace the oil pump they say it’s fixed but every time I turn around then it’s not fixed I’ve also heard that it doesn’t fix it and eventually needs a motor has anybody else had this problem

I replaced the oil pressure sensor and filter on a 2007 silverado. After 3 days of driving it the engine started knowcking mechanic got it and said i didn't push the filter in all the way in so it caused it yo block the passage way. But my oil pressure was reading good. Is this true???

2011 Silverado- Replaced oil pressure sensor 3 times in the past year. Engine light comes on with code P0521. I've noticed it typically happens when inadvertently hitting a large bump in the road (pothole, numerous holes, etc). Engine sounds normal every time. Really frustrated. Wondering if its an electrical/relay issue or a dash malfunction. Has anyone permanently solved it?

rw238 Same thing happened to me on my 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. I have replace the sensor 2 times, I will replace on last time soon when I can. I am having this annoying issue since 3 month now. I replace the oil pan gasket, oil pickup tube oring. Checked by-pass valve. I have put the best oil and filter in it. Everything is good now and I am still having this annoying problem. My patience as eroded a lot with this stupid problem. If the problem still exists after 3 oil sensor, I replace, I will have to replace the sensor pigtail with new wires/plug. That's my next troubleshooting action I will do. But it won't be easy or neither fun. I'll keep you posted with the results.

I am rw238- finally found a shop that was knowledgeable and the owner drives a Chevy and is aware of the issue. Past 5-6 months I’ve had no issues since the shop replaced the sensor and changed the oil filter to the manuF recommended brand (cannot remember the manuF name) - but it’s the standard one gm uses. No issues since. The shop also informed me that Chevy created a “better gasket” to reduce this issue. This gasket is used with other Chevy/gm models too. Hindsight, I wonder if this issue could be caused by the oil filter as those 10-minute oil change stations use aftermarket filters??

I was having same issue. 2001 Silverado 1500. Zero oil pressure but truck ran fine. No knocking. Replaced oil pressure sensor and screen twice. Took it to Chevy dealership they said either the oil pump or replace the engine. Lol. Turns out the problem was the oil filter. Went to one of those in and out places.. they used a shitty filter and that's what caused the issue. Replaced with a K&N filter I bought at advance auto and problem solved. Code it was throwing with no oil pressure was the oil pressure sensor even though it had been replaced. These trucks are very sensitive for oil pressure and the filter makes a huge difference. Replace with a manufacturer recommended filter or buy a good one from an auto parts store. I have 170k on my truck and when I get to about 70% oil life the check engine light will come on. Code is always the oil pressure sensor. So now I add a quart after 3k to make sure it stays full. If check engine light comes and you add oil you'll need to drive it for a bit for it to go back off. Usually about 50 miles. If not make sure it's full and go to advance auto and have them turn the light off it's free. If engine is running fine with no knocking it's not the oil pump or something internal. Start with the oil filter first! I would suggest getting a complete oil change with full synthetic maybe even a high milage oil if you have over 150k. Make sure they use a high quality oil filter. That would have saved me 3 trips to the mechanic having them replace oil pressure sensor and the dealership telling me I need either a new oil pump or new engine.

rw238 Thanks for the update. I am doing all the work so I am very aware of the parts I replace. Just like yours, I have new oil and filter and it was fine for 2-3 weeks then again. I wish fixing mine was "easy" as yours. There are soooo many people having problems with this issue on the net and not so much solution that actually works... So it is easy to get confused! Also some of these solution cost a lot of money $$$$! I use only quality Ac Delco sensor (12673134) and it seems to fail after short while. So my next route is: i will replace with new sensor for third time and see. Next is new oil filter just to see if it will improve. Replace sensor pigtail. Than all there will be left is engine flush/clean with Seafoam.

Jeff Thanks for your reply and update ! My oil filter is top quality Mobil 1 synthetic oil filter that has just been replaced with 5w30 Mobil 1 full synthetic high mileage oil that cost a lot more than the regular oil. It ran fine for 3-4 weeks than this again. I will keep you posted if I find my fix !

Hello all I found my fix this time. Just a recap, I had suddenly low oil pressure after going in a lot of potholes and full throttle. I don't know if is a coincidence or not by anyways I think it is worth mentioning. That was in January. Since then I replace the sensor twice because the first one was fluctuating and I didn't like that. I also replaced the oil pan gasket due oil leak and I did replace the oil pump pickup oring which is known for cracking which was not. So from there I put new Mobil 1 synthetic with Mobil 1 oil filter. Everything was going perfect from there that was 1 of February. Than I noticed that I still had an oil leak.... So the only place that it could leak is from the main crank seal cover plate... 12h job removal/reinstall just for the tranny. No way I am going to spend another 1700$ just for an oil leak. So the 26 of February I put Blue Devil rear main seal oil sealer to give it a try... My problem started there... The good news, no more oil leak ! The bad news, no more oil pressure! Lol. After replacing the sensor again (which was probably not faulty) I removed the small filter in the sensor cavity. Surprise ! The filter was clogged big time with carbon. So I took a vacuum to suck up sediment in there, cleaned the filter, reinstall the filter and reinstall the new sensor. Bang everything is fine now. So I guess that product act like an engine cleaner and it made carbon run thru the oil circuit which created my problem. Hopefully it will stay that way ! Hope this will help someone. Thank you