oil level sensor operation

[fireguy12117]

Did a quick search under the forum for oil level sensors, didn’t really get anything.

How’s does this thing work? I kind of busted mine up a bit when pulling the motor and wanted to try checking it before putting it back in. I was able to intermittently get conductivity through the 'case' and the single wire, but wasn’t exactly able to reliably duplicate this. I’m guessing there is a change in resistance measured by the pcm, but what actuates this? Is it a float? Actual contact? Anyhow, I’m going to jb weld around the connector that a broke and slap it in either way, and jump it out later if need be...

 

[MAKG]

It's just a float-switch. The PCM doesn't know it exists.

They aren't very expensive from the dealer.

 

[np24]

if its the same sensor as the one in my '87, you can't really bust up the sensor. mine is all metal on the outside. i broke the connector and thought the sensor was damaged too. $36 later from the dealer. i then needed the plug. the dealer wanted $26 for that. snagged one from a junk yard. all better.

 

[fireguy12117]

i'll double check with my books that are in the freezing cold garage later, but, i assume its basically wired right to an idiot light on the dash?

if it does nothing for the pcm, then basically i just need it to fill a hole i guess.

EDIT: ok, i see what it does in the wiring diagrams...