How to Install SAAS Oil Pressure Gauge

Comprehensive Guide to Installing SAAS Oil Pressure Gauge

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Installing a SAAS oil pressure gauge in your vehicle can provide valuable real-time information about your engine’s oil pressure, helping you monitor the health of your engine. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a SAAS oil pressure gauge, including the necessary tools and materials, the installation procedure, and troubleshooting common issues.

What Tools and Materials are Needed?

To install a SAAS oil pressure gauge, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • SAAS Oil Pressure Gauge Kit: Includes the gauge, wiring connector, oil pressure sender, mounting U bracket, studs, nuts, and spring washers.
  • Wiring Tools: Wire strippers, wire connectors, and electrical tape.
  • Mechanical Tools: Socket set, wrenches, and Teflon tape.
  • Adaptors: Oil filter sandwich plate or tee adaptor (depending on the engine configuration).
  • Braided Turbo Feed Line: Optional for extension and protection.
  • Fuel Hose: For protecting the oil pressure gauge line.

How to Install the SAAS Oil Pressure Gauge?

How to Install SAAS Oil Pressure Gauge

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

  1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool.
  2. Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shocks during installation.

Step 2: Choose the Installation Location for the Oil Pressure Sender

  • Recommended locations include the engine block, oil pump/filter housing, or the factory oil switch location. Avoid removing the factory oil switch as it may trigger dash warning lights.

Step 3: Install the Oil Pressure Sender

  • Using an Oil Filter Sandwich Plate:
  • Install the sandwich plate between the oil filter and the engine block. This is usually the quickest method.
  • Using a Tee Adaptor:
  • If space is limited, use a tee adaptor to fit both the factory oil switch and the SAAS oil pressure sender in the same location.

Step 4: Connect the Oil Pressure Sender

  1. Screw the oil pressure sender into the chosen location. Use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a secure seal.
  2. Connect the sender signal wire to the gauge. Ensure the wire thickness does not exceed 20AWG.

Step 5: Route the Oil Pressure Line

  1. Route the oil pressure line carefully to avoid damage. Use fuel hose to protect the line if necessary.
  2. Use a grommet in the firewall to pass the line through, if applicable.

Step 6: Mount the Gauge

  1. Mount the gauge using the provided U bracket. For 2 5/8 inch gauges, ensure the correct mounting studs and nuts are used. For 52mm gauges, the mounting hole size is 52mm.
  2. Secure the gauge firmly to prevent vibration.

Step 7: Wire the Gauge

  1. Wiring Guide:
  2. White: Connect to the vehicle body (12V+).
  3. Black: Connect to ground (12V-).
  4. Red: Connect to ignition (12V+).
  5. Green: Connect to the oil pressure sender output.
  6. Orange: Connect to the illumination circuit (12V+, not adjustable, and not to a dimmer).
  7. Ensure all connections are secure and not connected to a dimmer circuit.

Step 8: Test the Installation

  1. Reconnect the battery and start the engine.
  2. Check the gauge for proper operation and ensure there are no leaks around the oil pressure sender.

What are the Common Issues and Troubleshooting Steps?

1. Gauge Not Reading

  • Bad Connection: Check all wiring connections for secure and correct placement.
  • No Power: Test for power at the back of the gauge.
  • Sender Signal Wire: Ensure the wire is not too long or too thick (must not exceed 20AWG).

2. Needle Jumps Around

  • Bad Connection: Check all wiring connections.
  • Sender Signal Wire: Ensure the wire is not too long or too thick.

3. No Back Lighting

  • Incorrect Wiring: Check the orange wire for 12V+ connection.
  • Connected to a Dimmer: Ensure the orange wire is not connected to a dimmer circuit.

4. Back Lighting Stuck on White

  • Incorrect Wiring: Check the orange wire for 12V+ connection.

5. Damaged Sender

  • Check Sender: Use a multimeter to check if the sender is in spec.

What are the Signs of a Malfunctioning Gauge?

  • Inaccurate Readings: If the gauge shows inconsistent or incorrect oil pressure readings.
  • No Readings: If the gauge does not show any readings despite proper installation.
  • Intermittent Operation: If the gauge operates intermittently or shows erratic behavior.

How to Diagnose a Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor?

  1. Check Wiring Connections

  2. Ensure all connections are secure and correctly placed.

  3. Test the Sender

  4. Use a multimeter to check the sender’s ohms range (0 > 155 ohms for SAAS oil pressure sender).

  5. Check for Leaks

  6. Inspect the oil pressure line and sender for any signs of leaks.

  7. Replace the Sender

  8. If the sender is damaged or out of spec, replace it with a new one.

Reference Links

  1. SAAS Muscle Series Oil Pressure Gauge Installation Instructions:

  2. SAAS Muscle Series Installation Guide.

  3. SAAS Streetline Series Oil Pressure Gauge Installation Instructions:

  4. SAAS Streetline Series Installation Guide.

  5. Oil Pressure Gauge Install How-To Guide:

  6. Oil Pressure Gauge Install Guide for Subaru Justy.

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