How to Replace the Oil Sending Unit on a 2000 Explorer

If the oil-pressure gauge in your 2000 Explorer is no longer displaying the correct pressure, bounces wildly or simply sits idle, you may want to replace the oil pressure sending unit. The sending unit threads into the block, directly measures the pressure of the oil and then sends the pressure reading back to the gauge on the dashboard for easy reference and troubleshooting. With just a socket wrench, you can replace the oil sending unit on a 2000 Explorer in about 10 minutes.

Instructions

1

Park the 2000 Explorer, raise the hood and allow the engine to cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent short-circuits while replacing the sending unit.

2

Locate the oil sending unit on the side of the block. The oil sending unit looks like a large nut with a single wire connected to its center. It can be located either on the lower, drivers side of the engine, or near the oil filter, depending on the type of engine mounted in your Explorer.

3

Squeeze the lock-tab on the wire connector in the center of the sending unit and pull the connector straight out to disconnect the wire.

4

Turn the oil sending unit counterclockwise with a socket wrench until you can remove it from the engine block.

5

Thread the new oil sending unit into the block and turn it clockwise until it is hand-tight. Tighten the unit an additional one-half turn with the socket wrench. Slide the wire connector onto the unit and press it until it locks in place.

6

Connect the negative battery terminal and close the hood.