deputyski

My oil pressure gauge keeps dropping out to zero and causing the check engine / gauges light and chime to activate. Often time the pressure guage then reads zero for a long period of time. I've checked the oil level and pressure manually and find that it is all fine so I'm leaning toward the sending unit being bad...BUT...the dealer wants $225 to for the new part!

I went to big rig dealer and got a replacement for $17.95 that is a Cummins part that requires computer work upon installation - it seems the OEM part is discontinued and this new part with different wiring is required?

The truck is 1999 5.9l and the part number on the sending unit is #3417030...an oval plug with 3 prongs plugs into it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is the issue the sending unit and if so...has Cummins changed the unit or are identical replacement parts available anywhere?

rockwithjason

Something about that just doesn't seem right. A part for a 1999 shouldn't be discontinued. You are getting bad info from your parts people. Call a Cummins dealer and talk to them. I think you will find that the solution is alot simpler than what you have now.

TRAVIST

Part has been changed up to a new number through Chrysler but not discontinued. Part number is 5012991AC and they do list at $200.00.

Diesel-Dan

I hear this is a common prob with the Cummins. Is the fix a new sending unit or a reflash? I have hear both.

TRAVIST

More times than not the flash will fix the problem. I have seen a few bad senders but not nearly as many as being fixed by the flash.

Mopar1973man

I know that the NAPA stores have the oil pressure sensors as well. I would opt for the reflash.

Just my $0.02

gamiller31

IMHO the reflash is not good idea, I had mine reflashed, and after about a month of it working sporadically, it finally just started showing normal pressure w/just the key on, and engine off. I installed a mechanical gauge in the little cubby hole in the dash below the airbag switch. Looks great, and only cost $20 total, and I have pease of mind.

Muttface

Go to the nearest Cummins shop and get the oil pressure sender from them. The part number is 4088390NX The part cost around $70.00 and there is a $30.00 core charge. It works perfect and there is no reflash involved.

deputyski

If I were to consider the "reflash"...forgive my ignorance...but what and how and where is it done? I've heard of this before and believe it has something to do with basically "rebooting" or "reformatting" the ECM (computer) ... yes?

Otherwise it sounds as though the alternate part from Cummins may be a good idea and return the one I did get that requires rewiring.

Geico266

Yes, the dealer does the reflash. I'm not aware of any other way of doing it.

Pike

The same thing happened on my 98.5 and I replaced the sending unit like you described. I think it was about $180 and it fixed the problem.

thumper 549

If you "re flash" your O.P guage becomes a idiot light...and it takes a compltly diff sender...IMO just dont !!!!!!!!!!!!!put in the old style and dont let them tell you its un available..I know it is

torquefan

I agree. Don't do the reflash. There is a Dodge bulletin on that problem you are having, but it turns the oil pressure gauge into a dummy gauge. Try a new sending unit if you can find one. The "updated" one that requires rewiring interests me, though. I wonder what that's about. When I worked for Dodge, back when the 24 valves came out, quite a few had the problem you described, and they didn't seem to be sending unit failures, so I don't know if a new sender will cure yours. But there's only one way to find out.

arcc

PJ,

Do a search for a thread entitled "Oil Pressure Question?". It contains all the information I discovered when I had to replace my sender several years ago. It also included the old and new numbers for the sender at that time. I would post the link, but I am having no success figuring it out.

Randy

ArcticWolf

My sending unit went bad - before the warrenty was up but the buggers told me that this was NOT a warrenty item- ended up costing me $192 for the part and installation.