
The method for oil pressure testing is: 1. Disconnect the wiring harness plug of the oil pressure sensor and remove the oil pressure sensor; 2. Place the oil pressure gauge in a location where it will not come into contact with rotating or high-temperature engine components; 3. Start the engine and check for oil leaks at the oil pressure gauge connection; 4. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then check the oil pressure gauge readings at both idle and 2000 RPM, comparing them with the standard pressure values. The reasons for insufficient oil pressure are: 1. Lack of oil; 2. Clogged oil pump screen; 3. Faulty pressure relief valve; 4. Clogged oil filter; 5. Blockage or cracking in the engine cylinder head or block; 6. Excessive clearance in the engine crankshaft, camshaft, or connecting rod main bearings.

I just watched the mechanic perform an oil pressure test at the repair shop, and it's actually quite crucial. After warming up the engine and turning it off, lift the car and locate the oil pressure sensor port. Unscrew the sensor and screw in the adapter for the dedicated test pressure gauge, just like connecting a T-joint. Once the gauge is connected, start the engine again and maintain the RPM between 1500-2000. At this point, just keep an eye on the pressure gauge needle reading. Under normal operating temperature and RPM, most cars should display between 1.5 to 4.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, potential issues could include a worn oil pump, clogged oil passages, or excessive bearing clearance. Never perform the test when the engine is cold, as the readings won't be accurate—I've seen people make that mistake before.

Last time I performed an oil pressure check on my old Jetta, let me share the experience. First, prepare a mechanical oil pressure gauge set, which can be bought on Taobao for a few dozen yuan. Locate the oil pressure sensor—usually near the oil filter. Before removing the sensor, place some cloth around it as some oil might leak when unscrewing. After connecting the gauge, start the engine and observe how the pressure changes with RPM. Normal idle pressure should be above 1 bar, and around 2 to 3 bar at 2000 RPM is generally acceptable. If the pressure is abnormal, check details like whether the oil viscosity is suitable and if the filter is properly installed. Finally, don’t forget to apply some sealant on the threads when reinstalling the sensor.

The core process involves three steps: prepare the pressure gauge, connect it to the designated engine port, and interpret the data. The crucial prerequisite is ensuring sufficient oil level and normal temperature. Sensor locations vary by vehicle model—Volkswagen group often places them on the cylinder block side, while Japanese cars sometimes position them on the filter housing. It's advisable to wear heat-resistant gloves when handling engine compartment components during testing to prevent burns. Pressure fluctuations across different RPMs are significant—0.8 bar at idle is the threshold, and failure to reach 3 bar at 3000 RPM indicates definite issues. Regular checks can prevent major overhauls like bearing failures.


