VDO oil pressure sensor

[GRBBONGO]

Hi all.

Connected up the VDO oil pressure gauge to the oil sensor next to the oil filter on the Zetec blacktop.

Rather than the needle showing graduating pressure build up, it shoots up to max pressure and stays there while turning over/running. I assume this to mean that it is an oil switch rather than pressure sensor?

Any advice on where to source part if I have assumed right?

Thanks

[Pistol Pete]

Will be a bad connection, the current keeps the needle down so if no current it shoots to max.

Hth

[jeff oakley]

Just reading this I think you have just connected this to the oil light sender which has earthed the gauge. What you need is the correct sender which works on oil pressure and varies the resistance and then gives the correct reading. 

You can get a replacement that will have two connections, one that is the light and the other that is the pressure gauge. Merlin Motorsport at Castle Combe or maybe think automotive will have the correct one. 

[GRBBONGO]

Ok. Thanks very much for the advice guys.

[Matta]

Probably teaching my granny to suck eggs but make sure you get the sender to match the gauge. 10 bar or 5 bar etc.

[GRBBONGO]

Thanks Matt.

[kmd1154]

I think Jeff has hit the nail on the head. My CVH engined 1.6 was doing exactly the same when I bought it I fancied a change to a mechanical gauge anyway so bought a Racetech. Stripping the old one out the sender just didn't look right, and on checking it I found it was actually a low pressure switch not a constant pressure sender so it would read nil without the engine running and max with it running.