Engine oil is crucial for keeping your motorcycle running smoothly, and the oil pressure sensor plays a big role in ensuring everything works as it should. This sensor helps you know if your oil is at the right level and doing its job correctly.
If the oil pressure is too low or there are oil problems, the sensor will turn on a warning light to let you know. The oil pressure sensor is usually located near the oil filter on the engine. In older bikes, the sensor is connected to the oil pressure gauge on the dashboard, with one side getting power and the other grounded.
In newer ones, the sensor works with the bike’s computer to measure the oil pressure and send the information to the engine. Oil pressure sensors are made to last for the bike’s life, but sometimes they can stop working.
In this guide, we’ll explain how engine oil affects the oil pressure sensor, how to keep it in good shape, and what to do if you notice any issues.
What is an Oil Pressure Sensor and How Does It Work?
An oil pressure sensor checks the oil levels in your bike’s engine. The engine needs the right amount of oil to run smoothly and avoid damage. If the oil is too low or wrong, the engine can wear out faster and use more fuel.
When the oil gets too low, the oil pressure sensor turns on a warning light on the dashboard. This warns the driver to fix the problem before it gets worse. The oil pressure sensor is important to keep your bike running well, so ensure it always works correctly.
What Does the Oil Pressure Sensor Do?
The oil pressure sensor is a small device that helps keep your motorcycle safe by turning on a warning light on your dashboard if the engine oil pressure is too low.
It’s made of a spring-loaded switch and a part called a diaphragm. The oil pushes the diaphragm and stays open when the oil pressure is at the right level.
When the pressure is correct, the diaphragm pushes against the switch, keeping the warning light off. If the pressure is too low, the switch flips, and the warning light turns on. The sensor mainly checks for low oil pressure, which can damage the engine.
Low oil pressure can happen because of a clogged oil filter or a broken oil pump. The sensor’s job is to warn you early so you can turn off the engine before severe damage happens.
How to Test the Oil Pressure Sensor?
Testing the oil pressure sensor depends on the type of sensor your engine has. First, check the oil level and make sure it’s not too low because low oil can cause the warning light to turn on.
The light might also come on if the oil is old and dirty. Test the sensor’s wires and measure the engine’s oil pressure to see if the oil looks good. To do this, you’ll need an oil pressure gauge that connects where the sensor usually goes.
If the gauge shows low pressure when the engine is on, then there’s a problem with the engine. However, the sensor might be harmful if the pressure and wires are acceptable.
Choosing the Right Engine Oil for Your Motorcycle
From the tips above, you can see that there isn’t one perfect oil for all motorcycles. The right oil depends on your ride, weather, and engine type.
So, always follow the manufacturer’s oil suggestions. They know which oil works best for your bike because they’ve tested it.
Also, choose the right thickness of oil for your bike. Fubex has a range of good motorcycle oils for different types of bikes. Check out our oils and find the one that’s best for you.
How to Reset the Oil Pressure Sensor Light
If you need to reset the oil pressure sensor light after doing maintenance, follow these steps:
- Turn your key in the ignition to the “on” position, but don’t start the engine.
- Press the gas pedal slowly three times in a row within 10 seconds. This should reset the light.
- Check if it worked by turning the ignition off and then on again.
The oil pressure warning light might come on if the oil is low or old. To fix this, make sure to change your oil regularly. Fubex has oil change kits with everything you need to do it at home.
Oil is essential for your engine, so don’t wait too long to change it. Our kits even come with reminder stickers to help you remember when it’s time for a change.
Common Problems with Oil Pressure Switches and Sensors
Oil pressure switches and sensors can have issues just like other bike’s parts. Here are some common problems:
- Wrong Readings: They might show incorrect information if they get old or if sludge or debris is blocking them.
- Sometimes Work, Sometimes Don’t: They might work sometimes and then stop working at other times. This can happen because of loose connections, broken wires, or problems inside the part.
- Stop Working Completely: Sometimes, they can stop working altogether. This could mean you aren’t warned about oil pressure, the readings are wrong, or the oil might even leak from the sensor.
How Engine Oil Circulates Within the Motorcycle Engine?
Engine oil is essential for keeping your motorcycle’s engine running well. When you start your bike, the oil pump pushes the oil from the tank into the engine. The oil flows through the engine and covers all the moving parts.
This helps them slide smoothly and prevents them from wearing out. The oil also helps cool the engine by soaking up some heat. After the oil has done its job, it returns to the tank to be cleaned and used again. This keeps your engine working smoothly and helps it last longer.
Influence of Oil Quality & Contamination on Sensor Accuracy
If the oil in your engine is old or contaminated, it can cause the oil pressure sensor not to work correctly. Dirty oil can block the sensor or cause it to give wrong readings. This means the sensor might not tell you the oil pressure, which can be problematic.
Keeping your oil clean and fresh helps the sensor work properly and keeps your engine running well. So, changing your oil on time is essential to avoid these issues.
Why Changing Your Oil Regularly Helps the Sensor?
Changing your engine oil regularly is essential for keeping your oil pressure sensor working well. Fresh oil helps keep the sensor clean and prevents it from getting dirty.
If you don’t change the oil, it can get old and dirty, which can cause the sensor to give wrong readings. Changing your oil on time helps the sensor stay accurate and ensures your engine runs smoothly.
Bottom Line
Keeping your motorcycle’s oil and oil pressure sensor in good condition is vital to a healthy engine. Regularly changing your oil helps the sensor stay accurate and prevents problems. Fresh oil keeps the engine running smoothly and allows the sensor to give the correct readings.
Following the tips in this guide ensures your motorcycle stays in great shape and avoids unnecessary damage. So, watch your oil, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and enjoy a well-running bike!
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my motorcycle’s oil pressure sensor is malfunctioning due to engine oil issues?
Ans: The gauge might give wrong readings, like showing high pressure when the engine is idling or low pressure when the engine is running fast. A bad sensor can sometimes cause the engine warning light to come on the dashboard.
Q2: What engine oil is best for maintaining the optimal performance of motorcycle oil pressure sensors?
Ans: Motorcycles with engines larger than 200cc should use synthetic oils. These oils are better than regular or semi-synthetic oils. They help the engine run smoothly and protect it better, especially when working hard.
Q3: How often should I change my motorcycle’s engine oil to prevent issues with the oil pressure sensor?
Ans: To keep your motorbike running well for a long time, check the oil before and after long rides. Changing the oil every 3000 km is a good idea, but this might be different for your bike. Using good-quality oil helps keep your engine healthy.
