engine

Oil Pressure Sensor

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

36 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

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

⚠Perform this procedure with the engine cold to avoid burns from hot engine oil and components

⚠Engine oil will drain from the sensor port when removed. Have a drain pan and shop towels ready

ℹ️The oil pressure sensor is located on the driver's side of the engine block, below the turbocharger assembly

Tools required

Socket set with extensionsEssential

24mm deep socket or oil pressure sensor socketEssential

Torque wrench (10-30 Nm range)Essential

Ratchet wrenchEssential

Shop towels or ragsEssential

Drain pan

Flashlight or work light

Wire brush

Parts

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

Preparation

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

Procedure

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

If the vehicle was raised, carefully lower it from the jack stands
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
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