Methods to Determine the Condition of an Oil Pressure Sensor
1 Answers
Methods to determine the condition of an oil pressure sensor include observing the oil pressure indicator light, noticeable power loss, and reading fault codes with a diagnostic tool. Observing the oil pressure indicator light: If the oil pressure indicator light remains on after starting the vehicle, the engine should be shut off immediately and the vehicle should be sent for repair as soon as possible. Noticeable power loss: A faulty pressure sensor can lead to inadequate engine lubrication, increasing friction within the cylinders and resulting in reduced power output. Reading fault codes with a diagnostic tool: A specialized diagnostic tool can read the fault code "P01CA," which indicates that the oil pressure sensor voltage is above the upper limit. Causes of oil pressure sensor failure: Insufficient engine oil, dirty or viscous oil, thin oil or excessively high engine temperature, oil pipe leakage, improperly set bypass valve opening pressure, faulty oil pressure switch, pressure gauge or circuit issues, weak pressure relief valve spring, sticking, or damaged ball. Solutions for oil pressure sensor failure: Top up the engine oil, replace with higher-quality oil, inspect and repair the cooling system, oil pipes, and replace the pressure relief valve. There are two types of oil pressure sensors: bimetallic strip type and variable resistance type. When the ignition switch is turned to ON, current flows through the heating coil of the bimetallic strip 4, causing it to deform and separate the contacts. The strip then cools and straightens, closing the contacts again. This cycle repeats, creating a pulsed current in the circuit. When oil pressure is low, the sensor diaphragm 2 deforms less, resulting in lower contact pressure, shorter closing time, longer opening time, and lower frequency changes. This leads to a smaller average current in the circuit, less bending deformation of the bimetallic strip 11, and a smaller pointer deflection angle, indicating low oil pressure. Conversely, when oil pressure is high, the pointer deflection angle increases, indicating high oil pressure. When the base is under force, the resistance strain gauge changes, altering the resistance and thus the voltage across the resistor. However, since this resistance change is minimal, an amplifier is required to amplify the electrical signal. When oil pressure decreases, the resistance of sensor 5 increases, reducing the current in coil L1 and increasing the current in coil L2. The rotor 2 drives the pointer 3 to rotate counterclockwise with the resultant magnetic field, indicating low oil pressure. When oil pressure increases, the resistance of sensor 5 decreases, increasing the current in coil L1 and reducing the current in coil L2. The rotor 2 drives the pointer 3 to rotate clockwise with the resultant magnetic field, indicating high oil pressure.
