thefreqofnature

The oil pressure gauge in my SR5 cluster doesn’t work. I’ve taken the cluster out of the dash and I’m trying to get an idea if the problem is with the sending unit or the gauge. I have an 88 4Runner SR5 V6. I’m testing the voltages on the back of the cluster but I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for(voltage wise). There is a screw labeled ‘oil p’ which is easy enough. With my meter I’m seeing 12- 14 volts at this screw with little to no movement on the gauge.
Questions: Am I checking this right? What voltages should I be seeing?
Any help would be much appreciated.
The freq

rwmorrisonjr

If it works like most factory gauges, the sender is nothing more than a on-off pressure switch that sends a signal to the guage at about 3-5 psi. So the guage is looking for a pulsating signal to work correctly. I'd rather install a good AM guage so that you have an accurate reading of your oil pressure instead of the basic stock guage which gives little useful information.

thefreqofnature

I know little about this and I'm just seeking clarity and undersanding, but...
If the sender is just an on off switch how does the gauge show the various different readings from high to low? If it was just an on off switch I can understand how it might work for a warning light. At a calibrated pressure it would send voltage to the light, but I'm sorry I don't understand how an on off switch would work with a gauge.

I agree, I'd rather have that as well. Thank you.

Any input on how to trouble shoot my oil pressure gauge?

the freq