In an effort to reduce my oil consumption last week I changed the gasket that is behind the crank pulley. Got under the car yesterday to inspect. Not really sure if that was my problem or not, but I did notice that the plug that goes into the oil pan had a nice sheen of oil on it. When I rubbed my finger on the boot that covers it, the plastic component of the plug disintegrated.

I was able to put it back together by using the metal clamp from inside the plug to attach directly into the socket, but obviously that is just a temporary measure.

So my questions are:
1. What is that plug? First and foremost I need to replace it so that it doesn't come undone while driving.
2. What is that entire unit on the oil pan, can it be replaced, etc? Even if it's not the entire source of my missing oil, it's at least a part of it. Not sure of the hassle level involved, but if its relatively easy to take that unit off the oil pan and replace it to get it sealed then it can't hurt.

Thanks for the help.

 

Sounds like your oil pressure sensor and harness. The boot on the plug for my harness is falling apart from previous oil leak at the sensor. You can pull the sensor and use some thread sealant to fix the leak. Obviously need to do this at next oil change.

As far as the boot and harness I was told by dealer they don't have the boot as separate part. I would need to order entire harness. The electrical tape is working fine for now.