engine
Oil Pressure Sensor
for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
36 min
Tools
7
Steps
9
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the oil pressure sensor on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
Warnings
⚠Perform this procedure with the engine cold to avoid burns from hot engine components and oil.
⚠Engine oil will drain from the sensor port during removal. Have an oil drain pan ready.
ℹ️Check oil level after starting engine and top off if necessary with Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain panEssential
Shop rags or towelsEssential
Thread sealant (Teflon tape or paste)Essential
Wire brush or cleaning tool
Flashlight or work light
Parts
- Oil pressure sensor × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
- Shop towels × 1 — Generic
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical faults during sensor replacement
- Locate the oil pressure sensor on the passenger side of the engine block, below the turbocharger area
- Position oil drain pan beneath the sensor location to catch oil spillage
Procedure
- 1Access the oil pressure sensorThe oil pressure sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine block. You may need to remove or reposition any engine covers or heat shields blocking access. Use a flashlight to confirm sensor location before proceeding.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the release tab on the oil pressure sensor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
- 3Remove the old oil pressure sensorUsing an appropriate socket, carefully loosen the oil pressure sensor counterclockwise. Be prepared for oil to begin draining once the sensor starts to unthread. Allow oil to drain into the catch pan as you completely remove the sensor from the engine block.
- 4Clean the sensor mounting locationUse a shop rag to clean any residual oil from around the sensor port. Inspect the threads in the engine block for damage. If debris is present, carefully clean the threads with a wire brush, being careful not to allow any debris to enter the engine oil gallery.
- 5Prepare the new sensorApply thread sealant (Teflon tape or paste rated for engine oil service) to the threads of the new oil pressure sensor. Apply 2-3 wraps of tape or a thin coating of paste, keeping sealant away from the first thread to prevent contamination of the oil system.
- 6Install the new oil pressure sensorThread the new sensor into the engine block by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the sensor to specification. Wipe away any excess oil from the sensor and surrounding area.Torque specOil Pressure Sensor20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 7Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the new sensor until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked in place.
- 8Reinstall removed componentsIf any engine covers, heat shields, or other components were removed for access, reinstall them now using the appropriate torque specifications from the service manual.
- 9Reconnect battery and check oil levelReconnect the negative battery terminal. Check engine oil level with the dipstick and add Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic oil if necessary to bring level to the full mark.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
- Double-check that the sensor is torqued to specification
- Verify no tools or rags were left in the engine compartment
Verification
- Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes
- Monitor the instrument cluster to verify the oil pressure gauge shows normal reading
- Check for oil leaks around the sensor while engine is running
- Turn off engine and inspect sensor area once more for any seepage
- Use a scan tool to verify no oil pressure related diagnostic trouble codes are present
- Recheck oil level after test run and top off if needed