Porsche Engine Oil Pressure Switch - VDO 360081030036C

Product Information

The engine oil pressure switch detects oil pressure and sends a signal to the ECU, most specifically for use in the dashboard warning light (“genie lamp”). This ensures that if there is a sudden loss of oil pressure, then the driver is warned and can safely come to a stop. Without oil pressure, the engine can catastrophically fail, so if you are diagnosing a suspected oil pressure problem, the oil pressure switch should be inspected. Oil pressure switches differ from oil pressure sensors which output a range, rather than just on or off. Modern cars may use a sensor instead of a switch to get additional oil pressure data for the ECU to use.

The switch itself is usually a small threaded metal body that screws into an oil passageway in the block, head, or occasionally the oil filter housing. A very small hole on the end allows ingress of engine oil, and inside the switch, there is a diaphragm and an electrical component. When oil pressure is pressed on the diaphragm, contact is made, and the electrical circuit is completed.

Engine oil pressure switches are very simple, so when they fail the issue generally isn’t with the pressure sensing mechanism itself. Rather, faults with this switch are more common with the electrical connector and its terminals, as well as oil leaks. If your oil light stays on when starting the engine, and nothing else has changed, inspect the wiring to the sensor before assuming the worst. Engine oil pressure switches are usually designed to be installed with the socket going over the electrical connector, so keep in mind the size socket you may need when replacing your oil pressure switch.

• Electrical connector failure: The engine oil pressure switch is subjected to high heat and chemical conditions, which can degrade the plastic and wear the terminals. If the electrical connector is broken or loose, the oil warning light may not extinguish.
• Internal failure: While not as common, if the internal diagram is sticky or may have been out of a car for a long period as a used part, the reading might be sluggish or stuck.
• External oil leaks: It is very common for an oil pressure sensor to leak oil after many years and miles. Sometimes the oil sealing ring is captured on the threads so if an external oil leak occurs the whole switch should be replaced.
• Internal oil leaks: It’s possible for an internal oil leak to make it past the electrical seals and into the electrical connector. It’s important to catch a failure like this early, to avoid oil from wicking up into the vehicle harness.

About VDO

VDO - A Trademark of the Continental Corporation

VDO is a division of the Continental Corporation's automotive group and it has been in the automotive parts industry for over 80 years. VDO is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), supplying instrumentation, sensors, control systems, actuators, screen washers and audio systems. They have a thriving aftermarket business where they make high quality repair and replacement parts to OEM specifications. ISO 9001 : 2008 - VDO certification fulfills the requirements set out by the international and German Road Traffic Regulations.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

Information management and Intelligent Transportation Systems are at the very heart of the business area Vehicle Networking and Information (VNI), which provides a broad range of products for very different vehicles. The product portfolio includes instrument clusters, multifunctional displays and head-up displays, control units, electronic car-entry and tire-information systems, radios, infotainment systems, input devices and control panels, climate control units, telematics solutions and services, software as well as cockpits. Interior employs worldwide more than 47.000 people and generated sales of approximately €9.7 billion in 2018.

Within the business area Vehicle Networking and Information (VNI) the Commercial Vehicles and Services Business Unit accommodates the specific requirements of the commercial vehicle, special vehicle and aftermarket sector. A global network of sales and service companies ensures proximity to local customers. Covering the product brands Continental, VDO, ATE, Galfer and Barum the Business Unit offers electronic products, systems and services for commercial and special vehicles, a broad selection of products for specialized workshops and spare parts for the Independent Aftermarket and the Original Equipment Services after end of series production of the vehicle manufacturer.