2000 SLE read zero on oil pressure gauge then goes up

[Bonneville'sRock]

Greetings, I have a 2000 SLE with 205k. Noticed yesterday upon start up no oil pressure...yet no motor noise...shut off right away. Started today and again no pressure upon start up...let idle for 5 min. and pressure climbs to 40PSI.. Repeated procedure....no pressure on gauge then climbs to 40 PSI after about 5 min. Changed oil and filter. (Wix filter)...no difference.....no motor noise....any ideas?

[MKMike]

Since the pressure sensors so often go bad, it could be the problem.
See http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html for the most common issues.

An oil pressure tester is the only way to know what the pressure truly is.

Perhaps one can be borrowed from a local Autozone.
If not, you might just buy a pressure sensor and see if the problem is fixed since it's cheaper than an oil pressure tester.

[nos4blood70]

Normally when these sensors fail they just peg at 120 PSI. However, recently we have seen more fail and just drop to zero. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary. 0 PSI would certainly be felt in the motor's behavior.

[stahrman01]

My son's 01 SLE was doing the same thing. Changed out his oil pressure switch during his next oil change......problem solved!!

[Bonneville'sRock]

Yes, it was the oil pressure sensor. ($42.00). Thanks everyone!

[MKMike]

Thanks for reporting back.

Glad to hear it was just the sensor.