Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Physical instruments are listed here in alphabetical order. Some are optional and therefore not found in every vehicle. Digital instruments and gauges are described in their ICU section.
Notice: A sudden decrease or absence of oil pressure may indicate mechanical failure. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop and investigate the cause to prevent further damage. Do not operate the engine until the cause has been determined and corrected.
Fig. 1, Analog Engine Oil Pressure Gauge - ICUC
Except for Detroit Gen 5 DD13 and DD15 engines, the engine oil pressure gauge displays the current engine oil pressure. If engine oil pressure falls below the minimum levels shown in Table., the CHECK engine lamp will illuminate. If the condition does not improve, the STOP engine lamp will also illuminate and an audible warning will sound. The engine will then derate or shut down, depending on the type of engine protection system installed.
Table 1, Minimum Engine Oil Pressure
|
Minimum Engine Oil Pressure 1 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Engine Model |
At Idle Speed: 2 psi (kPa) |
At Rated RPM: 3 psi (kPa) |
|
Cummins |
15 (103) |
35 (241) |
|
Detroit Gen 5 DD13/DD15 |
50 (344) |
50 (344) |
|
All Other Detroit Engines |
14 (97) |
55 (350) |
- * Oil pressures are given with the engine at operating temperature. With the engine cold, oil pressure may be higher. Individual engines may vary from the listed pressures; observe and record pressures when the engine is new to create a guide for checking engine condition.
- †Standard idle speed is 600 RPM. Actual engine idle speed can vary ±100 RPM depending on transmission type.
- ‡All Detroit heavy-duty engines are rated at 1800 RPM.
Table 1, Minimum Engine Oil Pressure
For Detroit Gen 5 DD13 and DD15 engines, the gauge will read a steady 50 psi (344 kPa) with normal engine oil pressure. If the engine oil pressure is low, the CHECK lamp will illuminate and the oil pressure gauge will read 25 psi (172 kPa). If the condition does not improve, the STOP lamp will illuminate, an audible warning will sound, and the gauge will read 0 psi. The engine will then derate or shut down, depending on the type of engine protection system installed.