Oil Pressure Gauge
 

Hey guys, I've been a member for some time, and read all of the posts to figure out my issue in the past, but this one has me stumped. First, a little background. I just traded (today) my 2002 SE with 163,000 miles in for a 2003 SLE with 60,000 miles. My 2002 ran great, but I drive about 100 miles a day, and I was starting to get a little nervous. Normally in my SE, the oil pressure would read a tick above 40 psi at idle and would go to the next hash mark while driving on the highway around 2,000 rpm. Now, when I test drove the SLE, the pressure showed 40 psi while driving, so I really didn't think much of it, but now that I just drove it an hour home, it's going down to the first hash mark on the gauge at idle. While sitting at a stop light, I turned the wheel back and forth to see what the power steering pump would do, and the pressure drops a little more, but I kind of expected that. My question is, should I contact the dealer and have them check this out, even though there isn't a low oil pressure warning light, or is this normal and just a faulty gauge? I have read how others recomended using a mechanical gauge to be sure, but call me stupid, I'm not sure where to hook one up to our engines (3.8L that is). If it was a small block Chevy, it's a no brainer, but I'm a little perplexed on this one. Thank you in advance for the help, and thanks for a great message board. I've grown to really love these cars, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. Chris

Some movement of the gauge is normal. You can always have the sensor changed. It's located just above the oil filter.

If your gauge is showing low pressure, and it's under a new buy warranty, have them check it out on their dime.

They might just find that the guage is faulty, the sensor is FUBAR...or that there is actually no pressure.

Thanks guys, I just didn't want to seem like a dummy if it was actually ok. I just took it out for a joy ride, and at idle it was 40 psi, then a little while later, it went back down to the first hash. I'll take it back and have them look at it.

Hey man, the way I see it is if the dealer has to pay for it, let them.