So, in my gauge cluster I have an oil pressure gauge and a engine temp gauge. Now, my oil pressure guage needle floats all over the place and I know my pressure is fine. So, that leads me to believe the switch is bad. Now, am I correct in assuming that i am looking for the oil pressure GAUGE switch and not the LIGHT switch? They are two different parts and considerably different in price.

Same thing for the temp gauge. I believe the temp gauge reads the temp at the switch thats located near the left rear of the valve cover. Again, this is called a temp sender switch GAUGE not LIGHT right?

Ive been looking through napa as well as autozone and there are two different designations and I want to make sure I get the right ones.

 

One is analog (guages) and the other switch(idiot light) You want the analog,oil located off the filter housing and the the temp is on the head against the firewall. Just ask for guage when taliking to the store,napa will ask which one,they have exsperienced folks there.

 

Yes, you need the senders for the gauges, not the lights. I got the oil sender from the junkyard for free when I changed my gauge cluster. I broke the temp sender though and it was $18 new. When taking the old temp sender out, you kind of need to tap on a 1/2 inch deep socket because the valve cover is in the way and it strips very easily because it's made of brass. When you put the new one in, you obviously don't want to break it so just go real slow. The oil sender is quick and can be done with a pipe wrench. Don't forget to use teflon tape on it, though. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

 

Cool deal, thanks fellas. And teflon tape on the oil switch? Never heard of doing that before.

 

It's to make sure there's a good seal and to prevent an oil leak. You don't need that on the Coolant Temp Sender, though. It comes with silicone already in the threads if you buy it new. And if you don't, just put a dab of RTV on the threads.

 

Oh ok cool. I guess that does make sense if theres no crush washer or gasket of any sort associated with that. Good call,thanks.

 

just brought on for my 89 xj at napa for 20 bucks. its a little different looking then the factory one but works.

btw, nice Akira avatar... makes me wanna watch the movie again.

 

Ill pseudo-quote Howler here, use RTV copper on the temp sender threads to make sure you get a good ground reference for the gauge or you could end up with a non working guage still. New sender's should have a dab of copper sealant, but if not grab the copper. Will let the signal pass through.

 

Right on. And thanks, Akira was one of my favorite anime flicks from back in the day. That and fist of the north star and ninja scroll. I wish I could find those in dvd (or even blu-ray).