During an oil change I broke a plug looking part. It's plugged in right above the oil filter into the distributor I believe. It broke all the way at the base below the connection. The check gauges light is on and my oil pressure gauge isn't working. Any ideas what this is called so I can replace it? Thanks.

 

Yep that is your oil pressure sending unit (sometimes referred to as an "oil pressure switch"). Which is why your gauge isn't working. You can get a wrench on that metal part of the sensor to take it out and throw a new one on. I'd suggest getting a new one from the dealer.

 

Yep

 

Yeah figured it was something like that, thank you. And you're saying I should definitely get OEM instead of aftermarket for something like that? Also, what is the ball park price for an OEM replacement? Thanks again!

*never mind about the price. Found some OEM online for $43.82 plus shipping.

 

Not sure on a price but if u give your local dealership a call tomorrow tgeyss have a price for you in seconds

 

Just make sure you get a first line replacement part

 

Just un screw it an buy the highest priced one at auto zone. I went threw 3 bad one before getting one that reads right.
Thanks China for the crap you make

 

Just a side question on this: in case of emergency, can you still drive without it, or will oil be all over the place?

 

Just to clarify, a sending unit is a variable resistance circuit, it allows for the use of a gauge. An oil pressure switch is a simple pressure switch, it's either on or off depending on if the pressure is right or not, this is used with a dummy gauge(idiot lights.)

So if you have an actual oil gauge that shows PSI you need the sending unit. If you just have a light to tell you if something's wrong then you need the switch.

 

You can drive without it, doesn't effect anything. However you wont know what your oil pressure is doing.

 

Good to know, thanks. My vehicle has an oil pressure gauge not just dummy lights.

 

Got the part and installed it today with no problems. Thanks everyone for the help.

Side note: I had a mid range Fram oil filter on there for about 5000 miles. Ended up putting a Bosch oil filter on because of all the bad things I heard about Fram filters. And wow, what a difference in oil pressure between the two. At idle with the Fram, the gauge would almost show no oil pressure and would only rise when accelerating. Now, the oil pressure is strong even at idle. That will be the last Fram anything I buy.