I have to change mine its leaking.. I already have the part and will be changing it today, wondering if anyone has changed there's if so how hard was it and where exactly is it located... Thx.

 

I'm going to change mine next oil change as well.

The sending unit is located behind and just above the oil pan. Reach your hand past the oil drain bolt, go behind the oil pan and up. It is completely covered by a rubber "grommet" which is attached to palstic wire wrap hangng off of it. Pull back the rubber grommet and you'll see that its the part.

HTH

DW

 

Will I have to drain the oil to change the switch? By the way thx for responding to me.

 

Nope. Don't have to.
I'm just waiting till then b/c I'll working in that area anyway when its oil change time. Also, my oil leak from the switch isn't a big leak.

DW

 

I replaced my oil pressure sending unit last oil change. I'm pretty sure I used a 26mm deep socket to remove it. I had my max on jackstands for the oil change. I let the oil drain out first and then removed the oil pressure sending unit and still had a 1/4 quart of hot oil shoot out on my hand.

 

I just replaced my oil pressure switch last oil change, and it's definitely a good idea to have the oil drained when you change the switch. If you go to an Autozone they have a specialty tool specifically for oil pressure switches which has 2 or so sizes. I tried using the socket size that eric mentioned in the FAQ, but it didn't fit and the next size up was too big. Does someone know the torque spec on the oil pressure switch by chance? I called Courtesy to get the spec, but I forgot what it was. I didn't want it too loose for fear of leaks, but I also didn't want to over torque the switch.
-hype

 

Thx guys.. Well I just changed it not too long ago it went smooth. A little oil came out nothing big. I will be changing my oil in the coming wks. Since I changed it about 2000 miles ago I didn't bother to do it now..

 

Had mine changed by the dealer, warrenty work

 

Replacing a defective Oil Pressure Switch

This is a common problem in 3rd and 4th generation Maximas, the Oil Pressure Switch (a.k.a. Oil Pressure Sending Unit) can allow some oil to leak out and onto the bottom of your oil pan and the surrounding areas. Yet very little, if any, oil consumption could be noticed.

Special thanks to member Daniel B. Martin for this quick how-to right up and part information

Part Information:

PartsAmerica.Com lists a replacement Oil pressure switch, AC Delco #E1818 for $8 + shipping. You can probably buy this item at any auto parts chain store for about that amount.

In addition, here are other part numbers which are available through carparts.com (for all 89 to 99 Maximas):

AC DELCO #E1818 $7.16
BECK/ARNLEY #201-1350 $6.13
BORG WARNER #S4018 $8.05

Additional tip:

I would not recommend Nissan's OEM part, unless the dealer is replacing it for free as it has a real poor track record for early failure. All 3 Maximas I have worked on have needed one, 2 of them at a real early mileage (less than 20k).

How do you replace the OPS?

Replacing the OPS is a job which can be done by the home mechanic. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on sturdy jackstands. Slide under. The OPS is easy to see and reach. It is "just around the corner" from the oil filter, in the rear face of the block. Peel back the protective rubber boot. Press and wiggle to disconnect the electrical connector from the OPS. You may use a special sending unit socket such as Blackhawk #30634S or ordinary 12-point 1-inch deep socket such as Craftsman #47531 to unscrew the OPS. A few ounces of engine oil will dribble out, not much of a problem. You can do the whole job in half an hour, including cleanup time.

The torque spec for the Oil pressure switch is 9-13 foot-pounds. I would not bother with a torque wrench, just snug it up. My FSM does not call for sealant. I'm looking at the '99 Maxima FSM, page EM-13.



One correction made by ericdwong was to use a 1 1/16" deep socket to get the OPS off.....

 

When I replaced my OPS I used a NIEHOFF OPS Part #OP22931 from Autozone.
However, for the new OPS the 1 1/6" socket didn't fit. At Autozone you can find a special socket designed specifically for oil pressure switches. It has 2 sizes in the socket and fit the OPS which wouldn't fit any standard size socket.
-hype

 

Does this trigger the "Oil Light" on the dashboard to warn of low oil level?

 

Exactlty.

DW

 

I just tried...couldn't get the car up enough to get at it, so I might have to either borrow a local shop's lift or just have nissan do it...I have to call them anyway since they asked me to work there. I am so mad because I could ALMOST do it, but...arrgh!

 

You must be trying to change it without peeling the plastic lower shield back. It is very accessible with the jack on the side, the wheel off , and the splash guard pulled down.

I do my oil changes similarly...

 

A jack works, but I do my oil changes (and even changed my oil pressure switch) by using my ramps. You don't have to remove the cover, and you can get under the car without removing wheels
-hype

 

hah...I don't remove the wheel for that stuff...I slide under the car behind the wheel. Anyway I located the switch and all, but the car was so low there wasn't light or leverage. I pulled back the rubber bootie thing, but I couldn't get the sensor out. I'll probably take it to Nissan and have them show me or something. They are all my friends there hehe.