Oil Pressure Sensor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the oil pressure sensor on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pressure sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY1278 or equivalent
• Thread sealant with PTFE × 1 — Loctite 567 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts
4. Raise and support the front of the vehicle on jack stands if additional clearance is needed for access
5. Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the cover to release the retaining clips
6. Position a drain pan beneath the oil pressure sensor location to catch any oil spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the oil pressure sensor
   The oil pressure sensor is mounted on the lower driver's side of the engine block, just above the oil pan and below the driver's side turbocharger. It will have an electrical connector attached. Use a flashlight to clearly identify the sensor location and access path.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull it straight off the oil pressure sensor. If the connector is difficult to access, you may need to reach from underneath the vehicle. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
3. 3

   Clean around the sensor
   Use a wire brush or shop towel to clean any dirt, oil, or debris from around the sensor body and mounting area. This prevents contamination from entering the engine when the sensor is removed.
4. 4

   Remove the old oil pressure sensor
   Using a 24mm deep socket or dedicated oil pressure sensor socket with an extension, loosen and remove the oil pressure sensor by turning counterclockwise. Be prepared for a small amount of engine oil to drain from the port. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan before proceeding.
   ⚠Do not use an open-end wrench as it may damage the sensor hex and make removal difficult
5. 5

   Inspect the sensor port
   Examine the threaded port in the engine block for damage, debris, or metal shavings. Clean the threads with a shop towel if necessary. Check the old sensor for metal particles on the threads which could indicate internal engine problems.
6. 6

   Prepare the new sensor
   Apply a thin, even coat of thread sealant with PTFE to the threads of the new oil pressure sensor. Do not apply sealant to the first two threads to prevent sealant from entering the oil system. Allow the sealant to become tacky per manufacturer instructions if specified.
7. 7

   Install the new oil pressure sensor
   Thread the new oil pressure sensor into the engine block by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use the torque wrench and 24mm socket to tighten the sensor to specification.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pressure Sensor20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the new oil pressure sensor until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure the wiring harness is properly routed and not in contact with hot exhaust components.
9. 9

   Clean up and reinstall components
   Wipe away any spilled oil from the engine block and surrounding areas. Reinstall the plastic engine cover by aligning the mounting points and pressing down until the clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. If the vehicle was raised, carefully lower it from the jack stands
2. Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and add Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic oil if needed to bring the level to the full mark
3. Double-check that all electrical connections are secure and the engine cover is properly seated

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around the sensor
• Check for proper oil pressure gauge reading on the instrument cluster (should be normal operating pressure)
• Verify that no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Turn off the engine and inspect the sensor installation area for any signs of oil seepage
• Use a scan tool to verify there are no oil pressure related diagnostic trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle