no oil pressure reading in the dashboard?

Question

95 Avenger 2.5L V6, I changed the engine but I connected the wire for the starter (thin one) to the oil pressure switch by mistake. Now I don't have any reading (gauges). Could the current for the starter damaged my instrument cluster, the oil pressure switch or both? or it's another problem. The engine runs good.

Answer 1

hi there.

i recommend you replace the sending unit. they are only made to handle a low voltage and it is more than likely fried.


i hope this helps. Good luck

Answer 2

A starter motor uses full strength battery power, voltage and high current. (~13 Volts DC and ~400 Amperes ). The dashboard instruments are typically operating off of 5 Volt DC power. You may have damaged the dropping resistor or fuse in the instrument cluster.
If only the oil pressure is not reading, you can change the oil pressure sender unit very quickly and cheaply.

Answer 3

To check the gauge, turn the ignition switch to 'on'. Don't need to start the car. Have someone watch the oil pressure gauge while you touch the sensor wire to the engine or chassis. If the gauge is good it should go slowly to full scale. If the gauge reads when the wire is grounded then replace the sensor. Good luck.

Answer 4

Electrical sensors have a problem when over volt or over current occurs. Change the sensor and double check wiring harness.

Answer 5

I would either buy/borrow the book for said vehicle and correct the problem, these books usually have troubleshooting and testing technics that are helpful in finding where the real problem is occurring. Good luck.

Answer 6

if its got those lights,then maybe you blown the balb.also check the sending unit.