Is your engine oil pressure low, but the warning light hasn’t come on?
You might be dealing with a sneaky oil pressure switch that’s gone rogue and needs replacing.
The good news is that replacing the switch won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Read on to discover the oil pressure switch replacement cost, the factors influencing it, and what distinguishes an oil pressure switch from the oil pressure sensor.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Oil Pressure Switch Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Oil Pressure Switch?
- Signs You Need an Oil Pressure Switch Replacement
- How Long Does an Oil Pressure Switch Last?
- What’s the Difference Between an Oil Pressure Switch and a Sensor?
- How Is an Oil Pressure Switch Replaced?
How Much Does an Oil Pressure Switch Replacement Cost?
Let’s check out the average cost you’ll need to pay for an oil pressure switch replacement.
A. Range
Expect to spend around $55 to $670 for an oil pressure switch replacement, which includes:
- New switch: $5 to $500
- Labor: $50 to $170
Note: Depending on a vehicle’s engine design, your car may have an oil pressure switch or an oil sensor. High-performance cars, newer models, and those with an oil pressure gauge on the dash typically use an oil sensor. An oil pressure sensor replacement can cost around $130 to $370.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Other factors influencing your replacement costs are:
- Vehicle make and model: The wide price range exists because vehicles may require specific oil pressure switches based on their design. For this reason, older models may have more expensive or hard-to-find replacement parts.
- Switch type: There are two types of oil pressure switches — Normally Open (N/O) and Normally Closed (N/C). N/O switches open during low oil pressure and close when pressure increases. Meanwhile, N/C switches close when pressure is low and open when it’s high. N/C switches are costlier as they’re more complex.
- Pin configuration: Oil pressure switches can be categorized based on the number of pins (electrical terminals used to connect the switch) they have: 1-pin, 2-pin, and 3-pin. The 3-pin switches are usually the most expensive.
- Part accessibility: The oil pressure switch is typically located near the oil filter or its housing in the engine block. However, in some older vehicles, it can be wired to the oil pressure gauge. Since this makes it challenging to access and remove the switch, it might cost you more.
- Related repairs: Your mechanic might check the switch for frayed wiring and conduct oil pressure tests. Additionally, if the engine oil is dirty or the oil light is on, they’ll perform an oil change and replace the oil filter, adding an extra $40 to $200 to your total repair cost.
Is It Worth Replacing the Oil Pressure Switch?
Absolutely. If the switch fails, it might not trigger the oil pressure light, allowing engine issues like low oil pressure to go undetected.
A faulty oil pressure switch can also cause an oil leak from the oil pan or the switch itself. As a result, the engine will experience a lack of lubrication, resulting in engine stalling, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and poor fuel economy.
Signs You Need an Oil Pressure Switch Replacement
Some noticeable signs of oil pressure switch failure include:
- The oil pressure light doesn’t illuminate when the ignition is turned on
- The oil pressure light stays on constantly
- Intermittent switch operation (triggers the warning light sometimes but fails at other moments)
- Incorrect oil pressure warnings on the dashboard
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Overheating engine
- Visible oil leak from the oil pan or pressure switch
How Long Does an Oil Pressure Switch Last?
An oil pressure switch typically lasts for 60,000 to 120,000 miles. However, extreme temperature changes, contaminated engine oil, and mechanical wear can shorten its lifespan.
What’s the Difference Between an Oil Pressure Switch and a Sensor?
An oil pressure switch is a simple on/off device that illuminates the warning light when oil pressure drops below a certain level. You can easily diagnose a faulty switch by checking if it triggers the warning light when there’s low pressure.
On the other hand, an oil pressure sensor continuously monitors the oil pressure, triggers the warning light, and provides a numerical oil pressure reading on the dashboard. To diagnose a bad oil pressure sensor, you’ll need a diagnostic tool to read the signals and check if it’s operating within the correct range, which is usually between 25 to 65 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) at normal operating temperature.
How Is an Oil Pressure Switch Replaced?
Replacing an oil pressure switch is tricky. Without the right knowledge and equipment, you might improperly install the switch and damage other engine parts. That’s why it’s best left to car repair professionals.
Here’s how a mechanic will replace your oil pressure switch:
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the car battery for safety.
- Refer to your owner’s manual to locate the oil pressure switch (usually located near the oil filter or its housing).
- Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the oil pressure switch to avoid damaging the wiring.
- Using the appropriate wrench or socket set, remove the old switch without harming any other engine component.
- Install the new switch and tighten it securely as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid overtightening it.
- Securely reattach the electrical connector to the new switch and reconnect your car’s battery.
- Finally, restart the engine to see if the oil pressure warning light functions correctly, ensuring it only activates when there is an issue with oil pressure.
Replace Your Oil Pressure Switch with AutoNation Mobile Service
An oil pressure switch helps monitor your vehicle’s engine oil pressure. If it fails, it should be replaced immediately to prevent engine damage and costly repairs.
Looking for an easy replacement service without the hassle of driving to a repair shop?
Call AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair solution that offers easy online bookings and upfront pricing. Car repair services, including fuel system cleaning, brake service, spark plug replacement, and tire replacement, come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us, and we’ll replace your faulty oil pressure sensor or switch right from your driveway.