How to Remove a Caravan Oil Pressure Sending Unit

Iskandar Blogger 7:35 AM

The Dodge Caravan comes equipped with an oil pressure sensor that sends the oil pressure readout to the oil pressure gauge on the dash. If the sensor is faulty or leaking, replace it immediately. The entire replacement process only takes about an hour from start to finish. If the sensor is not replaced soon after it goes out, the oil pressure gauge will not be able to function. Once the oil pressure gauge stops working, it will prevent you from knowing if the oil pump is faulty or if it has stopped working. This can result in serious engine damage.

Instructions

    1

    Park the Dodge Caravan on a flat surface and set the emergency brake. Shut the engine off and wait an hour or two for the engine to cool down completely.

    2

    Jack the front of the Caravan up and place the jack stands under the proper front jacking points. Lower the Caravan onto the top of the stands and leave the jack in place.

    3

    Locate the oil pressure sensor above the oil pan directly next to the oil filter housing. The oil pressure sensor wiring harness plug is plugged into the back of the sensor. Position an oil catch pan under the sensor to catch the small amount of oil that might drip out of the engine.

    4

    Squeeze the sides of the plug and pull the plug out of the back of the sensor. Loosen and remove the sensor by turning it counterclockwise with a ratchet and an oil pressure sensor socket or a box-end wrench. Once the sensor is loose, finish unscrewing it with your hand.

    5

    Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new oil pressure sensor. Wrap the tape from left to right around the threads of the sensor.

    6

    Screw the new sensor into the engine and tighten it down with the ratchet and socket or the wrench. Plug the wiring harness plug into the back of the new sensor. Push the plug into the sensor until the plastic clip on the wiring plug snaps over the safety lock on the new sensor.

    7

    Jack the front of the Dodge Caravan back up and remove the safety stands. Lower the van to the ground and remove the jack.

    8

    Crank the engine and inspect the new oil pressure sensor to ensure that it is not leaking by looking under the Caravan to view the oil pressure sensor. Turn the engine off.