Oil Pressure Switch Installation

[ferran586]

I bought a new sports gauge cluster and I was told that I have to get a new oil pressure switch. I have no idea where to start on installing this. Does anyone know where I can find information on installing this or my gauge cluster? Thanks.

[DominionTuner]

I have been told different locations for the OIL PSI switch, someone once said its on the pan somewhere, then someone else told me its on the back of the motor close to where your IDI cover plugs in on the cam tower. I will look it up in my book for ya ;)

To replace the guage cluster. Good luck with this! I broke a few parts when I did this the first time. After removing and installing the guages a few times you will get it down really well. To start, you need to remove the big cover that sits over the guages and stretches over the center a/c vents. Pop off your a/c vents first,(if you grab them and gently move them left to right with a firm pulling forward motion you will get them off. After the 3 a/c vents are removed(2 in the center above your headunit, one on the far left above your dimmer/foglight switch). I use a flattip screw driver to get under the plastic and gently pry up with it. The first time I did this I broke 3 of the pegs that hold this cover down because I didn't use a screw driver to remove it. Repeat this in both areas where the a/c vents where located. Once the front of the cover is pried open, firmly but carefully push the entire cover up and towards the windshield. There are 2 more pegs in the back that hold this cover on. When they pop out you are clear to remove the cover. I usually put my plastics in my back seat when I take my dash apart but your not required to do this :) Now, the first few times, I would take apart the plastics on the steering column. I have gotten to the point where i do NOT need to do this anymore. I would recommend it though if you are doing this for the first time. Very simple procedure, there are 3 hex headed screws on the bottom of the steering column. remove all three and (again) firmly but gently get the bottom plastic to come down and the top one to come up. Next step, remove the big panel that is under the steering column. It has 3 or 4 screws holding it in when you look at it from the bottum up. Just lay on your driver floorboard looking up you will find them that way. I believe these are hex headed screws also. Once they are removed, you should be able to pull that cover(from the bottom where the screws where) towards you and it *should* pop off if I remember correctly. Next step, remove the cover that is around the dimmer/foglight switch. To do this, take off your fuse panel cover, there is 1 hex headed screw here. There is another screw holding this on, it is located a little to the left of the steering column. Take that off as well. You will probably need to remove the center trim as well, if so here is what you will need to do. Open the passanger side upper gloce box(the one that has the built in drink carrier). There are 4 cross tip(philips) screws here take them out and pull the panel forward, the drink carrier lid will fall so be prepared to catch it. Once you have that off, there is a screw located on the bottom of the a/c controls, and by bottom I mean its on the under side going up, you have to feel underneath the a/c controls to find it and take it out blind because its difficult to see. It's easier than it sounds. Now to the left of the headunit and to the right of the steering wheel is your last screw. Take it out and the center trim will come off easily, you will have to move it out from right to left(angled) because of the metal frame that is in place where your bottom driver side cover was. Trust me its simple to do. Finally you are at the guages!! There are 4 hex headed screws to remove the guage cluster. Remove those and it pops right off(forward toward you). If I have the time tonite I will take pictures and post them for you. If you are in a hurry to do this then I hope these instructions are good enough to help you out. Good Luck with it!

[ferran586]

Thank you so much! I already knew how to take the 3 paneling to get to the headunit as I did my own install on that. :) Would you recommend I install the switch first or should I do the cluster first. Now that I know (Thanks to you) how to remove ALL the paneling is there anything I should know about installing the gauge cluster, such as wiring? Or is it a no brainer once I actually get behind there?

Do you think I should have a shop install my pressure swith? What kind of book do you own because I have the Haynes repair manual and was not able to find it. *Thinks to self, "Boy do I feel stupid if it is in there! :banghead:"*

[DominionTuner]

I have the chilton's and I have seen people post that the Chilton's isn't that good, but the Chilton's is more based for the GA than the other cars that cross with it.

I would say do the cluster first, OIL PSI switch second, you won't hurt anything the OIL PSI guage just won't work till you put in the switch. The guages are very easy to install and take out. They have a plug in the back there are no wires that you will need to mess with. It's kind of like a plug and play type deal, if you want to be on the safe side, disconnect your negative battery terminal so you don't short out the guages incase anything is on. Sometimes I don't disconnect the neg. terminal(only on my car, if it's my friends or someone elses i will disconnect) but it might be better to just in case as a saftey backup.

[fbod383]

Oil sneder is on the exhaust cam housing, on the drivers side.. it takes about 73 seconds to change. ;)

[ferran586]

Originally posted by fbod383
Oil sneder is on the exhaust cam housing, on the drivers side.. it takes about 73 seconds to change. ;)

Did you time yourself? :D Thanks for the info. I will look around there but may not be able to find it (am not a car expert but not entirely a newb either). If you could post some more info. If I find it I will try to post back here to save someone the time from typing all that info. Thanks again.
:thanks:

[ferran586]

Wow that was easy to find! And fbod I think I can break your time! :D :kidding:

Thank you Purple Haze and fbod.

[fbod383]

Did I mention I did it with preskool toy tools? :D

[ferran586]

You mean you actually needed tools???:D