The oil pressure sensor is a monitoring element of the electrical systems of an internal combustion engine (ICE). One of the conditions for proper engine operation is sufficient oil pressure, which is created by the oil pump and measured by a pressure sensor. Its task is to convert mechanical pressure force into an electrical signal.
VAZ 2109 engine models vary depending on the year of manufacture. Their main difference is the fuel system, which involves a carburetor or injector. In this case, the device and installation location of the oil pressure sensor, as well as the methods for diagnosing it, are the same.
Where is the oil pressure sensor located?
It is located just below the block head cover, see the photos below for more details:
Note! A protective cover is installed on top of the oil pressure sensor, which, unfortunately, is removed in the photo, so when you look for this sensor, look closely at its protective cover, and not at the sensor itself.
When should you change the oil pressure sensor?
It must be replaced when worn out, this can be determined in the following ways:
1. The first signs of a sensor malfunction are the oil pressure lamp indicator lighting up on the instrument cluster.
Note! But here you need to be absolutely sure that everything is in order with the engine, otherwise, as happens, people first blame the sensor, and later they find out that they actually have a problem with the engine, so so that such questions do not arise, check carefully :
- The oil level in the engine, if the level is too low, then bring it to normal. (How to check the level and bring it to normal, see the article: “Changing the oil”)
- Further, the electrical wiring that is connected to the sensor may also be faulty.
- Also, the oil pressure lamp coming on can be caused by some kind of malfunction in the engine lubrication system.
2. If the oil pressure sensor is faulty, it may also be oily, so first of all, take a closer look to see if there are any oil particles on your sensor.
What to do if the sensor lights up
If the oil pressure light on the dashboard comes on and does not go away for a long time, it can be assumed that there are problems with the engine. Sometimes this may be due to a loose wire.
There are several main reasons why the warning light on your dashboard comes on. These include:
- installation of a low-quality oil filter. Low quality filters are not able to retain oil after the car is stopped. The solution is to replace the oil filter;
- insufficient oil level. In this case, it is necessary to add oil to the required level and find the cause of the leak;
- oil pump damage. It is recommended to have this problem repaired at a service station.
Thus, the oil pressure sensor on the VAZ-2109, despite its small size, plays a rather important role in ensuring the correct and stable operation of the car.
It requires constant monitoring and, if minimal signs of malfunction appear, mandatory replacement. This is the only way to extend the life of the engine of any car and avoid unnecessary financial costs that may arise due to sensor malfunctions.
What functions does the sensor perform?
It is not uncommon for a lamp to light up on the panel of a VAZ 2109, which indicates that the oil pressure is too low or completely absent. At the same time, the inspection showed that there were no leaks anywhere.
Appearance of the device
First of all, it is recommended to check the oil pressure sensor (OPS). Based on the analysis, we can conclude whether the controller is really to blame, or whether the cause should be looked for in other places.
Video on the topic
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Checking the oil pressure sensor VAZ 2109
The sensor has an elastic membrane that deforms when oil pressure is applied to it. The amount of membrane deflection is reported to the rheostat when the resistance changes. This change is recorded by the car's electronic system and reported to the pressure gauge. That, in turn, shows the corresponding data on the dashboard.
Brand new device
Today, VAZ 2109 owners use two main ways to check the functionality of the oil pressure sensor. Decide for yourself which one to use.
| Verification method | Your actions |
| First way |
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| Second way | The second method is more detailed and allows you to find out not only whether everything is okay with the sensor. You need:
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If after the second test method the LED goes out and the sensor turns out to be working, but the lamp on the dashboard still continues to light, the reason is different. She needs to be found. This is done like this:
- Gradually increase engine speed to reach 2000 units per minute;
- If the engine temperature is about 80 degrees and the pressure gauge shows less than 2 bar, the crankshaft bearing is worn out and requires replacement;
- If the pressure gauge shows more than 2 bar, the problem is not with the bearing. Let's move on;
- Increase the speed of the power unit. If the pressure gauge shows above 7 bar, the bypass valve has broken down. Its replacement is carried out together with the replacement of the oil pump cover.
Even if, after all the above operations, the light on the dashboard stubbornly refuses to go out, you will have to contact a car service center so that you can have a comprehensive diagnosis of the car’s condition.
Location
| Sensor | vendor code | Cost, in rubles |
| Oil pressure sensor analog MM120D | SOP20101O7 | 80 |
| Oil pressure sensor VAZ Samara | 33000 | 150 |
| Oil pressure sensor (BCG) | OS3518-BCG | 150 |
| Oil pressure sensor ERA | 11260 | 100 |
Reasons for the indicator light and diagnostic methods
A sufficiently experienced car owner can independently diagnose or repair this system. Otherwise, it is recommended to contact a service center for help.
Sensor malfunction
To check the serviceability of the sensor, it is necessary to perform a number of operations:
- Turn the ignition key to the first position (turn on the ignition).
- Make sure the pressure indicator lights up.
- Open the engine compartment and disconnect the sensor wire.
- Make sure the indicator is not lit.
- Attach the bare end of the wire to ground, for example to the engine housing.
- The indicator on the dashboard should light up. If so, the wire is OK and the cause of the malfunction lies in the sensor.
The manufacturer does not recommend disassembling or repairing the sensor. It needs to be replaced.
Violation of the integrity of electrical wiring
Due to large temperature changes, ingress of fuels and lubricants, natural drying or mechanical damage in the engine compartment, electrical wiring is a vulnerable part of the vehicle's electrical systems.
Checking its integrity can be visual, by inspecting visible parts, or using a multimeter to check the conductivity and resistance of the wire.
This check is carried out strictly in accordance with the electrical diagram of the VAZ 2109 car.
Low engine oil level
During the operation of the vehicle, minor consumption of engine oil is allowed. Checking its level should be done using a special dipstick with the engine cold or not running for more than 10 minutes.
It is necessary to check its level using the dipstick and, if necessary, top up. The indicator is then rechecked with the engine running.
Low oil levels can also be caused by oil leaks.
Engine wear
Engine operation involves constantly rubbing metal surfaces. No matter how well they are lubricated, wear is inevitable.
In internal combustion engine elements such as the piston group and the timing mechanism (gas distribution mechanism), there are special oil channels. Through them, the most inaccessible rubbing surfaces are lubricated. Due to prolonged use of the vehicle and engine wear, the sealing of the channels is lost and the oil pressure drops. To eliminate this problem, you need to completely disassemble the internal combustion engine and overhaul it.
Pump fault
The oil pump is a device located at the bottom of the engine crankcase that is driven by a mechanical connection to the crankshaft gear. Due to its rotation, oil pressure is generated. The higher the engine speed, the higher the pressure level. Lack of maintenance and untimely replacement of technical fluids, as well as a long service life, can affect the quality of the pump.
To check it, a pressure gauge is used, which is screwed into the technical hole of the sensor.
When the engine is running at idle speed, the pressure should be ±1.5 atmospheres (kg/cm2), and when the speed increases - up to 5–6 atmospheres.
Replacing the oil pressure sensor VAZ 2109
So, the check showed that the oil pressure sensor is the culprit and it needs to be replaced. There is definitely no need to go to a car repair shop for this. The work is easy to do with your own hands, even for beginners in the field of self-repair of a car. Especially when it comes to repairing a car like the VAZ 2109.
Dismantling works
To replace the sensor, you first need to remove it and install a new one in place of the old device. Step by step it looks like this.
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. All work related to the electrical component of the car must begin with this step.
- Disconnect the power cable with protective cover from the sensor by hand. They are connected together, so there is no point in trying to disconnect the cover separately.
- Using a wrench, you must completely unscrew the oil pressure sensor from its mounting socket.
- Finally remove the regulator from its seat.
- Arm yourself with a new sensor, insert it into the appropriate socket. An aluminum O-ring should be included with the new device. Check this at time of purchase. You should not use the sealant from the old DDM.
- Screw the sensor until it stops using a wrench. A mistake many people make is to simply screw in the device by hand. This contact may not be sufficient, causing the oil pressure regulator to provide incorrect information.
- Return the wire combined with the protective cover of the sensor wiring to its place.
- Connect the negative terminal back to the battery and check to see if the light on the instrument panel stops lighting.
When changing the oil pressure sensor, it is strongly recommended to choose a new device whose markings correspond to the previously used regulator. Otherwise, it may simply not work or provide incorrect information.
Obviously, there is absolutely nothing complicated about replacing DDM. The greatest concern is the fact that replacing the DDM will not produce results and the check engine light will stubbornly continue to light on the dashboard. It cannot be ignored. It's better to contact a service station. Comprehensive diagnostics is an excellent solution, which at the same time will allow you to determine the presence of other faults in the systems of your VAZ 2109.
