Oil Level Sensor Switch Removal?

chrlot · #1 09-17-2011, 05:58 PM

The oil level sensor light comes on intermittedly. (not often)

What is the procedure for removing the oil level sensor (located at the bottom of the oil pan)?
Is there a way to remove the sensor without dropping the oil pan?
Where does the wire disconnect?

Is this an issue when it comes to a smog test? Can I just disconnect to sensor safely? (and reconnect after the smog test.)

Thanks

FireRanger · #2 09-19-2011, 09:08 AM

It is not an oil level sensor. It is an oil pressure switch in the side of the block somewhere. Cheap and easy, unplug, unscrew, rescrew, plug in. It does not do anything other than make the gauge and dash light do its thing. No other computer interaction.

rwenzing · #3 09-19-2011, 10:11 AM

Many earlier Rangers including 1992 also had a level sensor in the pan. Since the light comes on when the sensor grounds at low level, unplugging its connector should stop the light. If that doesn't do it, then the Low Oil Level Relay or wiring could be at fault.

If the indicator is disabled, just remember to check the level at the stick regularly as on any other vehicle.

There should be no problem whatsoever with a smog check.

If you decide to replace the level sensor, it no doubt requires draining the pan first. I've never worked on a 92 Ranger but my 99 Explorer level switch simply screws into the pan from the outside. If it is accessible without dropping the pan, you should be able to see it easily from under the truck. Odds are that it is not cheap.

FireRanger · #4 09-19-2011, 10:42 AM

Really? I had a '91 and never noticed that. Just the fake pressure gauge. Seems like kind of a pointless sensor, not surprised they got rid of it.

sheltonfilms · #5 09-19-2011, 10:26 PM

When you say intermittently, do you mean as your driving? If it does come on, its suppose to come on when you first start the vehicle and not turn off until you turn the key off. Does it do it this way?

The reason I ask is because the oil level light uses a timing circuit/relay.

Here is the description:

Determines if the oil level is low (approximately 1.4 liters (1.5 quarts) or less) the relay will send a signal to light the indicator lamp. The lamp remains on until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. After the ignition switch is turned off, five minutes will pass before the relay will take a new reading. This delay allows time for oil drainback to prevent false readings. If the engine is restarted during this 5 minute period, the last reading will be indicated.

There is a possibility that this timing circuit has "lost time" or malfunctioning. I haven't personally seen this relay/module but from the diagrams it only has power in start or run.
What this means to me is that this module has some sort of self powering capability (for the timer). It could be a small rechargeable battery, which of course loses life after so many recharges. If it looses its timing it could shut off and take a reading before all the oil has drained back, thus causing the light to turn on.
BTW I have the same problem with my 1996 Mustang GT, and it comes on every time I park the car with the nose facing downhill (oil pulls away from sensor).

chrlot · #6 09-22-2011, 12:57 AM

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Was very helpful.
The light only comes on when driving and not when the engine starts up.
I can't find where to unplug the sensor . . . but am inclined to just ignore the light and keep on truck'n . . .

Thanks again

sheltonfilms · #7 09-22-2011, 07:26 AM

That to me sounds like a problem with the timer/relay.

DangerRangerII · #8 09-22-2011, 07:33 AM

The light Is really a "Hey moron your truck doesn't have oil" And If you aren't a moron.... any you know it has oil....

Your oil Pump could be failing. Happened in my honda (I know it isnt a ranger but same concept) The sensor was right in the flow of the Return oil to pan tube, and if it wasnt flowing fast enough the light came on. And it turns out. My oil pump was bad.

Just somthing to consider.

GAROUTTE78 · #9 09-23-2011, 06:29 AM

Is this what a bad switch looks like? lol I'm going after work to fix this crap.

oldaviationdude · #10 07-13-2021, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerRangerII

The light Is really a "Hey moron your truck doesn't have oil" And If you aren't a moron.... any you know it has oil....

Your oil Pump could be failing. Happened in my honda (I know it isnt a ranger but same concept) The sensor was right in the flow of the Return oil to pan tube, and if it wasnt flowing fast enough the light came on. And it turns out. My oil pump was bad.

Just somthing to consider.

Just a side note the sensor you are referring to is a low oil level sensor and it measures the oil level in the pan.
if your engine is on the border of being low it will not come on when the truck is turned off but when the truck is running if the oil level is low IE pumped into the various passages of the engine , the light will come on until you add oil to the engine.
It has nothing to do with oil pressure. that switch is located on the drivers side of the engine towards the front just below te power steering pump. That is where either the oil pressure or gauge sending unit would be installed. the low-level sensor is located on the drivers side oil pan about midway up. to disconnet you must first drain the oil then unscrew that sensor from the oil pan. the wire is solid all the way up to the harness , there is no disconnect at the sensor however there is a clip that can be removed and the wire should come free.

Hope this helps..

Ordinary Biker · #11 07-13-2021, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldaviationdude

Just a side note the sensor you are referring to is a low oil level sensor and it measures the oil level in the pan.
if your engine is on the border of being low it will not come on when the truck is turned off but when the truck is running if the oil level is low IE pumped into the various passages of the engine , the light will come on until you add oil to the engine.
It has nothing to do with oil pressure. that switch is located on the drivers side of the engine towards the front just below te power steering pump. That is where either the oil pressure or gauge sending unit would be installed. the low-level sensor is located on the drivers side oil pan about midway up. to disconnet you must first drain the oil then unscrew that sensor from the oil pan. the wire is solid all the way up to the harness , there is no disconnect at the sensor however there is a clip that can be removed and the wire should come free.

Hope this helps..

Your first post, and you respond to a 10 year old thread...nobody in this is even on the forum regularly anymore.