This morning, during my drive, I noticed the check gauges (engine, fluids, air bag) light came on. When at idle my oil pressure was dropping to zero, and when accelerating it would climb up to around 20 or so (and the lights would go out). Eventually, it just stopped doing this altogether, and the pressure went back to its normal reading, which is 40 at idle and 50-55 while driving.

I've done a little searching around, but I haven't read of an instance where this has "fixed" itself. Is this a sign of a failing sending unit or what? Also how urgent should I be worried about fixing it.

 

I have a 99 and mine does the same thing. The sending unit is bad, or a bad connection to the sending unit which is located rite next to the oil filter. With other issues I haven't gotten a chance to fix it yet. Long as your getting oil pressure your ok.

 

Likely sending unit. Get a new one for your year, they're not expensive. Make sure your oil level is OK and no obvious abnormal leaks.

 

Mine did exactly the same thing, then fixed itself too. I haven't really worried about it since

 

You should definitely start by replacing the sending unit, as stated above. I don't believe it'll run you more than $20. Also while you are changing the sending unit, you can get a mechanical oil pressure gauge and hook it up where your sending unit threads in, to be completely sure that you oil pressure is good. Hook up the gauge, and run your jeep at initial startup and note the oil pressure, then run it until you reach operating temp (210) and note the pressure there as well.

You can find the oil pressure specs here:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...019&styleid=14

 

Oil change recently? Perhaps the sender got whacked during the process? What brand oil filter you using?

 

I changed the oil about 2000 miles ago, with a fram filter (this is before I knew any better), could it be something as simple as a clogged filter?

I'll definitely go ahead and look into changing the sending unit. I appreciate all the quick responses

 

If it were me, I would ditch the Fram and add any oil lost, if any from those pieces of crap. The, I would unplug the sending unit and see if there's oil in the plug.