How to Test the Engine Oil Level Sensor?
3 Answers
Disconnect the wiring harness plug of the engine oil pressure sensor and remove the sensor. Screw the hose connector of the oil pressure gauge into the threaded hole of the oil pressure sensor. Place the oil pressure gauge in a location where it will not come into contact with rotating or high-temperature engine components. Start the engine and check for any oil leaks at the oil pressure gauge connection. If leaks are found, turn off the engine and retighten the connection. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then check the oil pressure gauge readings at both idle and 2000 r/min.
Checking the engine oil level sensor is quite simple, and I can share my method. Last time my car's oil light kept giving false alarms, so I decided to investigate myself. First, turn off the engine, wait for it to cool down, then open the hood and locate the sensor, usually on the oil pan. Check if the wiring connection is loose or corroded—if so, tighten it or clean the contacts with sandpaper. Then use a multimeter to measure resistance: unplug the sensor connector, set the multimeter to ohms mode, and connect it to the sensor terminals. If the oil level is normal, the resistance should fluctuate around a few hundred ohms—higher when empty and lower when full, indicating proper function. If the resistance doesn’t change or shows infinity, the sensor is faulty. Remember to wear gloves to avoid scratches and inspect the sensor for oil leaks or physical damage. If unsure, consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic friend to avoid damaging the circuit. After this check, my issue was resolved, saving me repair costs.
I think checking the engine oil level sensor requires a professional approach. First, ensure the battery voltage is stable, as the sensor typically operates on 12V power supply. Connect an OBD scanner to check for fault codes, such as P0520, and if present, verify abnormal oil level signals through data stream analysis. Then proceed with physical inspection: locate the sensor, which may be on the oil pan or nearby, disconnect the connector, and use a multimeter to measure resistance or voltage at the output terminal. Compare readings with manufacturer specifications—float-type sensors usually show high resistance at low oil levels and low resistance at high levels. Also, check circuit continuity, test ground connection integrity, and inspect for short circuits or open circuits. If signal fluctuations are significant, it might indicate sludge obstructing the float, necessitating cleaning or replacement. After inspection, ensure the sealing ring is intact to prevent oil leaks that could lead to more severe issues. This step-by-step method ensures clarity, safety, and reliability.
