How to Check Oil Pressure

When your Land Rover oil pressure warning light comes on, you should stop the vehicle as soon as possible, check your oil level, and—if low oil volume is not the cause of your problems—schedule service to let an expert take a look. (Generally, low volume is indicated by a yellow oil lamp light. High/low pressure is indicated by the same symbol in red.)

But what if your light comes on for a moment, and then disappears? What if you think you have low oil pressure, but the warning light doesn’t come on? If you don’t mind getting under the hood, we can show you how to check the oil pressure in a car by hand!

How to Check the Oil Pressure in a Car: Step by Step

First things first: if you want to check the oil pressure in a car, you’ll need to pick up an oil pressure test kit from our parts department. Additionally, it’s worth noting from the outset that you’ll need to disconnect certain parts and reattach them when you’re through. If that sounds like too much to handle, you can schedule service and let our team handle the inspection.

If you’ve decided you’re ready to give it a go, make sure you have each of the following tools:

• Oil pressure test kit
• Wrenches, including a socket wrench with a 1⅙-inch socket
• Work light
• Bucket to catch oil spillage
• Fresh motor oil, as recommended by your owner’s manual
• Car jack, jack stand, and wheel chocks (if you plan to lift the vehicle for access)

Make sure that you have all the proper safety equipment, including mechanic’s gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, and eye protection. Then you’re ready to get started:

1. Check your owner’s manual to locate the Oil Pressure Sender on the engine block.
2. Place a drain pan beneath the engine to catch any oil that spills during the process.
3. Use your 1⅙-inch socket to remove the Oil Pressure Sender.
4. Follow the instructions that came with your oil pressure test kit in order to mount the tester on your vehicle.
5. Double-check your oil level to make sure that everything is right where it should be.
6. Turn on your engine and let the vehicle idle for five minutes.
7. Use your owner’s manual to find your vehicle’s ideal oil pressure ranges at various RPMs. (For example: 40 pounds while the engine is idling, or 70 pounds at 3000 RPMs.)
8. Have a helper rev the engine to several different RPMs, and record the pressure reading at each stage of the process.
9. Turn off the engine, remove your pressure test kit, and reinstall the Oil Pressure Sender.
10. Check your oil level once again and replenish any oil that you lost.

Wondering how to check oil pressure without a gauge? Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to do so. You might try to test for malfunctions using a scanner, but if an issue is causing the light to appear (or not appear) in error, that issue will also prevent the scanner from functioning properly.

Interpreting the Results After Checking Oil Pressure

Cross-reference the results of your test with the ideal pressure ranges listed in your owner’s manual. If your pressure is low, it’s likely that you’re dealing with a blocked oil filter. This issue causes an emergency relief valve to open, leading to a loss of pressure.

If your pressure is high, another blockage is the most likely cause. One of your emergency pressure relief valves may also be malfunctioning.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent issues related to engine oil and catch potential pressure issues before they cause trouble on the roads of Fort Lee and New York City.

Let Us Check Your Oil Pressure Today!

In almost all cases, Jersey City-area drivers can save time by having a professional check their oil pressure—and if you’re looking for professional Land Rover service, you’ve come to the right place. Take advantage of our current service specials and make your appointment today.