2003 oil gauge fluctuations

[Louisianimal]

OK. I need some help. My 03 oil gauge has been fluctuating at different times. I checked the oil level and it's normal. I checked the gauge and it's good. What could be the problem? Earlier I started my car and it felt like it was going to kill. Like it wasn't getting gas. I hit the gas and it went to normal. I know I need to change my valve cover gaskets but I don't think that would be the problem would it? Also it hasn't thrown any engine codes. I run Motorcraft 5w20 and isn't due for an oil change. Any help would greatly be appreciated ANY!!! :mad2:

[Marauderjack]

I have no idea what you are speaking of....fluctuating???:confused:

How do you know the gauge is "good"??:confused:

The OEM gauge is fixed position "idiot light gauge" and if it's bouncing it will be electrical.....maybe the sender!!:bandit:

A better explanation will be necessary for us to understand your question(s)!!

[FordNut]

If it has the OEM gauge it should always read the same pressure, it's like an idiot light, either on or off. If it has a replacement fully functional gauge, the sending units are notorious for going bad on these gauges. I finally got tired of replacing sending units and put in a mechanical gauge with an oil line connected directly to the gauge.

[RubberCtyRauder]

oil pressure fluctuates..after start, mine is near 100 (cold engine) after warmed up a idle might be 25, while driving maybe round 50 but will change based on engine load.

As said, the original factory gauge is a fixed position gauge at about 57..a real oil pressure gauge will fluctuate when cold, warm, idle, driving etc.

[Spectragod]

If it has the OEM gauge it should always read the same pressure, it's like an idiot light, either on or off. If it has a replacement fully functional gauge, the sending units are notorious for going bad on these gauges. I finally got tired of replacing sending units and put in a mechanical gauge with an oil line connected directly to the gauge.


^^^YEP^^^, same reason I did mechanical oil and fuel pressure gauges, with isolaters under the hood of course.

[Louisianimal]

So the best thing right now is to go mechanical? It stalled on me earlier. Anyone has a link to the gauge of kit that's needed?

[FordNut]

So the best thing right now is to go mechanical? It stalled on me earlier. Anyone has a link to the gauge of kit that's needed?

It depends...
What do you mean by fluctuating? back and forth zero to normal, or minor changes in the normal range, or just jittery movements?

You apparently bought the car used, and recently. Did the previous owner change out to a non-factory type gauge?

Did the previous owner make any other mods? That could also explain stalling.

[FordNut]

What you need to do is figure out what you've got, then work toward fixes..

The engine speed issue and stalling could be that something was modified in the air intake system, vacuum system, or tune and that needs to be addressed. The oil pressure is probably ok if it's not making engine noise. The indicator (gauge) itself may have a problem. There is no oil pressure interlock that kills the engine. IF you lose oil pressure for real, it will kill the engine permanently when it siezes.

Look at the gauges at night. If the light is reflected onto the gauge face it is an aftermarket gauge. If the green lighting comes from behind the gauge at the sweep area it is probably a factory gauge.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what they all said^^^

The sender is attached to the oil filter mounting. If it's small and the wire is connected with a plug, it's the factory switch for the fake gauge. If it's a round canister about 3"x3" and the wire attached with a stud and nut, then it's aftermarket.

[Louisianimal]

Car us fully stocked and the gauge isn't aftermarket. Also to be a little more specific the oil gauge foes from 60 to 50. Then it will drop sometimes all the way right before 0 and the car would feel like it's gonna shut off. I'll hit the gas and it'll just back to normal. I have underdrive pulleys Cai and Aero turbine waiting to be installed but don't want to with the oil gauge acting up

[FordNut]

If it's all stock, try cleaning or replacing the IAC valve to stop the engine from trying to die.

The gauge could be a loose wiring connection or maybe a sending unit.

[Louisianimal]

Thanks for all the input!!! :beer: