hi everyone, i have a 96 ls 3.0 here in florida, i notice that my oil pressure gauge was reading maximum pressure even with the engine off and just the ignition on.when i removed the connector to the switch i get no reading which would be normal meaning no shorts in the wiring so i bought a new switch but i am still having the same readings.The gauge acts like a gas gauge meaning it does not just shoot from left to right but takes it time . All this started happening after going thru alot of water causes by tropical storm FAY. thanks for you help

The gauge needle is highly damped, so it changes position slowly. It will go to full scale if the sender is shorted to ground. Check the wire at the sender (near/on the oil filter mount, probably) to see if it's been knocked off and is grounding. Or it's boot is full of water.

Bringing this back up to the top because my problem is similar but not exactly the same...

My 96SR's oil pressure gauge slowly max's out when you first start the engine then it slow drops to 0. Any ideas?

Oh.... yes I have oil in it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

TIA

Ray, have you replaced to sender yet? It's located above the oil filter. They are available aftermarket. I have one and it's worked fine for 3 years so far. My sender failed while driving on the freeway. Gave me a bit of a fright <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Thanks.. No I haven't but I figured it could be that.

Will check it out.

BTW... How much was the replacement sender you purchased?
And... Did you buy it from a typical auto parts place or was it a special order item through specific resellers? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I got it at advance auto. I'm pretty sure it's this one. They had to order it, but it only took a day <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Good luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

here is how you test that system EASILY.

Disconnect the wire to the Pressure Sender.

Turn ignition on but do not start car.

Note where the Pressure Gauge Pointer is resting. ( full scale or zero...anything else means a bad Pressure Gauge )

Ground out the Pressure wire to the frame.

The Gauge should now read Full defelection in the Opposite direction. ( full should zero or zero should read full )

If the gauge shows full deflection ; then the sender is bad. if the gauge does not move ..then wires or gauge or connection problems.

This test can be used on ANY Pressure , temp or fuel gauge in any car but be Mindful of any Computer Controls on Newer vehicles or you can fry them...


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys. Chris I'll try that out.

If the sender is bad, I'll check with AA for a replacement unit. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />