Hi, a few times lately when I first start the truck that the oil pressure warning light will come on and the needle will be buried to the L, after a minute or less it will go off and the needle will shoot up. I checked the oil and it is full.

Does this mean that possible my oil pump is failing or maybe some related sensor or is this a a normal cold start thing. If it is the oil pump, how much can I expect to pay to have it changed.

Thanks for your help.

Charlie

 

Ford released a SSM/Special Service Message # 14907 for Ford V8s made from 1999 thur 2001 that stated:

"Oil pressure gauge may register low or no oil pressure usually on initial start up after several hours of cold soak.Verify that the guage/wiring are functioning properly and verify that the engine does have proper oil pressure.To service replace existing oil pressure switch F8AZ-9278-DA with 1U5Z-9278-DA."

The oil pressure switch is the same as a oil pressure sending unit that is usually found on most cars. It is located on the oil filter adapter unit on the drivers side of the engine. It is inexpensive--I replaced it on my GT Mustang for 7 dollars or so.

 

Thanks for the info bro! My truck is out of warranty(mileage) is that bulletin something that is like a recall that I can get covered?

Thanks,
Charlie

 

odenspike:

I dont think that Ford would give you a new oil pressure switch if you are out of warranty--but it wouldnt hurt to ask them. The SSM is like a TSB/Technical Service Bulletin. It is a source of information for the Ford repair tech.

But the oil pressure switch unit is less than 10 dollars if I remember right and it is easy to remove and replace. Some motor oil will run out when it is removed--just be sure to top off after replacing the unit. It is easy on my Mustang to reach--it is right next to the oil filter on the drivers side of the vehicle.I was able to reach it from below the vehicle. It may be at a different location if you have the factory remote filter adapter. Anyone here with a F150 would be able to locate it for you.

 

Thanks for your help. The only sending unit I had to change was on an LS1 Camaro and it was behind the intake and you had to take the intake off to get to it. Hopefully, this one is easier.

Thanks,
Charlie

 

Hi, Does anybody know exactly where the switch is. I finally got the switch, but still havent figured out where it is located to change it.

Thanks,
Charlie

 

On my truck it screws into the base for the oil filter on the left side of the engine.

Good luck.

 

Where can I buy a Oil pressure sending unit for my 2001 F150 4.2L? I have looked all over the internet and I cant find anyone that has them. Do I need to buy it from the dealership?

Any Idea how much they cost?

Thanks

 

I believe that the factory oil pressure gauge switch for the V6 is the same as the V8. The v8 switch was less than 10 dollars from the Ford dealership.

 

I might have some bad news for you. My dad used to have a 97 Mountaineer with the 5.0 v8. A problem came up with the oil pressure going to zero. We pulled over, waited a few minutes. Started it back up, it registered that there was pressure, but then after a mile or two, the gauge fluttered for about 5 seconds, then went back to zero. We towed it to a dealer, they replaced a switch and a sensor. We got back on the road, and about 15 miles later, same thing. Only this time, we thought it had to be just a bad sensor, so we kept driving. A mile or two later, we heard the inevitable lifter tapping. That told us right there it was the oil pump that was working intermitenly. Blew the engine, but we managed to sell it through an auction as-is and got 7500 for it because it worked when going through the auction.

Prior to our selling it, my uncle took the oil pan off, which was a bear because he had to take apart the suspension, and he said the inside was an absolute mess. It was completely shot.

So when your pressure gauge goes to zero, DO NOT DRIVE IT! Turn the engine off immediatly because the possiblity is always there that the oil pump has failed and your engine is starving itself of oil.

Good luck to ya!

- Rick -

 

How does said sending unit come out of the oil cooling adapter? My 5.4 version doesn't look anything like a nut. Right now I can't even get the cursed plug off the sender. Channel locks maybe? I just started running my rebuilt motor and after driving it about 15 miles my oil pressure gauge flashed to zero then shot back up. I pulled into my driveway and checked the oil level and got back in the truck and saw the gauge had dropped to zero. I haven't heard the tell tale sign that the motor is starting to run dry yet, so I figured I'd check the sensors first. I know the factory setup is a POS, so I just ordered a mech Phantom gauge and a housing for the steering collum. I hope it's not the pump. It was replaced with a new unit already...but that doesn't mean squat sometimes.