Fsher21

During an oil change on my 96' cherokee sport, I managed to break my oil pressure sending unit more than it already was. The gauge went to zero after I started it, like i figured. I do not know much about the gauges and the wiring, so i went ahead and replaced the unit. I plugged the wire back into the new unit, and started my jeep. The gauge pegged and stayed there, of course it would do that to me.

I tried to troubleshoot with my dad, when the key was turned and the gauges had power, it stayed pegged. We unplugged the sending unit, and the gauge did not return to zero.

I assume since the gauge only slowly goes towards 80 after it sits for several hours, maybe I broke the gauge? It may be the wiring, but I have no idea what to do next.

Thanks

Turbo X_J

Did you actually buy the sending unit for the gauge, or the switch for the oil pressure lamp on the dash? Sounds like the later.

ken72

Dumb question here but.... did you remove the sending unit from the block and replace it with a new one? If so, it could be that you either got the wrong one or you just got a bad one. If all you did is replace some wiring then it sounds like you need a new sending unit. Either way, I would just go to pepboys etc. and buy a new one for $40.

Fsher21

I bought the actual piece that screwed into the block. I clearly broke the old one where the plastic was bound to the metal piece. I then just plugged the wire back into that. I can't see my issue being anything unrelated to that in some way.

99WhiteLightning

i agree with mr tubo make sure u bought the right pressure guage

Fsher21

I gave all the specs they needed at auto zone, the piece looks exactly like the old one. everything fit...what would the difference be if i can not see anything different externally.

Also, why does my gauge not go back to zero when it is unplugged? It should, so even if it is the wrong piece, my gauge still isnt working correct? Or am I wrong. I am quite a noob, if that has not been gathered yet.

Thanks

99WhiteLightning

buy a OTC sunpro oil gauge till u can figure out why your stock gauge wont work

Fsher21

I am still troubled by this issue. My oil pressure gauge stays pegged at all times, when the sending unit is plugged in, unplugged, battery is connected/disconnected, etc...

Is there a cheaper way to fix this than buying a whole new gauge?

89Laredo

yes, you can buy just the oil pressure gauge. pry hard to find though.
You take out the cluster, and 2 little screws hold the pressure gauge in.
maybe call the jeep dealer (I think theres one by Meijers...) and see if they can get it for you. Im not sure how expensive it is.

Fsher21

yeah I will probably end up doing that. I hate to have to take apart my dash, it is one giant piece that is a ***** to get past the steering wheel, thought it would break when i replaced the radio.

XxXJ99xX

Having the same problem with my 99....hoping its just the sensor

Fsher21

Would an issue with the sensor be caused accidentally when i replaced my sending unit?

89Laredo

im still thinking you might of gotten the wrong sender.
if you still have the reciept, post the PN and Ill look it up.
The guys at Midland autozone arent the smartest ever, I usually write down the PN and hand it to them.

Fsher21

I do not have a receipt, but I do have the box...However the part number is ps271, switch interruptor. Did they just put the part in any old box they had, or is my lack of knowledge of part terms at fault here.

89Laredo

thats a SWITCH, not a sender and it looks like that all they sell at autozone.
Give me a couple minutes and Ill find you a PN for a sender at one of the other stores (Oreillys, NAPA, Advance) so your gauge will work right.