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-   -   I want to add an oil pressure gauge (https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-ss-45/i-want-add-oil-pressure-gauge-66113/)

RJ_RS_SS_350 Apr 1, 2023 07:34 PM

When I read the threads looking for this information, the consensus seemed to be that oil pressure is not a good indicator of oil level. But if you really want to monitor oil pressure, I would think that you could do so from the OBD2 port.

greg8453 Apr 1, 2023 08:31 PM


Originally Posted by RJ_RS_SS_350 (Post 936345)
How does the MAP sensor have either crankcase pressure or oil pressure? It's in the intake manifold. The SS has another in the lower (cold side) charge pipe.

If a person wanted to install a pressure/vacuum sensor anywhere they can use a map sensor.

RJ_RS_SS_350 Apr 1, 2023 09:50 PM


Originally Posted by greg8453 (Post 936356)
If a person wanted to install a pressure/vacuum sensor anywhere they can use a map sensor.

Oh, I see what you're saying. :thumb:

firemangeorge Apr 1, 2023 11:39 PM

So GM did not make it standard protocol to be able to pull oil pressure readings from the OBD system (or so I read).
Anyhow, it seems there is a workaround for this thru the Torque app. You have to program in a new setting in Torque to display and read oil pressure.
I have successfully installed these changes to the Torque program on my old phone. I’ll try it out in the morning and let you know if it works.

Disclaimer here: I’m not a computer guy. The Torque app even gave a strong warning about changing any values on their app. If it blows up my old phone…..well……..

PulpFriction Apr 3, 2023 03:23 PM


Originally Posted by RJ_RS_SS_350 (Post 936354)
When I read the threads looking for this information, the consensus seemed to be that oil pressure is not a good indicator of oil level. But if you really want to monitor oil pressure, I would think that you could do so from the OBD2 port.

You can indeed read the oil pressure with an OBD-II scanner. It will read zero. Always. Pretty sure there is no quantitative oil pressure sensor, only a switch preset for a specific low pressure threshold. Other than that, the system has no idea what the oil pressure is.

I think GM figure out a long time ago that a gage is pointless. For one thing, it can only tell you what the pressure is where the sensor is, and the actual pressure thoughout the system is highly variable. So, oil pressure where?

OP has bigger fish to fry and should fuggetabout the oil pressure gage. By the time you notice it's low, it's too late. The light activated by a switch is more effective at protecting the engine from low oil. Also, check the oil every time you fuel.

donbrew Apr 3, 2023 04:02 PM

Time for my old story.
When I changed the oil in my 1968 Dart I cross threaded the drain bolt. My after market oil pressure gauge read 150 PSI right up to the "bad noise"..

sleeper Apr 4, 2023 08:25 PM


Originally Posted by donbrew (Post 936396)
Time for my old story.
When I changed the oil in my 1968 Dart I cross threaded the drain bolt. My after market oil pressure gauge read 150 PSI right up to the "bad noise"..

Don- That'll do it, I like pulling the dipstick myself, & going by the factory light.

donbrew Apr 5, 2023 08:12 AM

Oil pressure doesn't have anything to do with oil level. Your plan would measure AIR pressure under the valve cover.
In modern engines it can help monitor the health of the oil. As oil is used it loses some of it's viscosity properties, thus lowering the oil pressure. But you have your OilLifeMonitor for that.
In race cars the oil pressure gives a clue to the health of the external oil pump.

In other words: Oil pressure doesn't mean anything to the average driver.

greg8453 Apr 5, 2023 09:18 AM


Originally Posted by PulpFriction (Post 936395)
You can indeed read the oil pressure with an OBD-II scanner. It will read zero. Always. Pretty sure there is no quantitative oil pressure sensor, only a switch preset for a specific low pressure threshold. Other than that, the system has no idea what the oil pressure is.

I think GM figure out a long time ago that a gage is pointless. For one thing, it can only tell you what the pressure is where the sensor is, and the actual pressure thoughout the system is highly variable. So, oil pressure where?

OP has bigger fish to fry and should fuggetabout the oil pressure gage. By the time you notice it's low, it's too late. The light activated by a switch is more effective at protecting the engine from low oil. Also, check the oil every time you fuel.

What do you mean by highly variable? It will lose about 10% as it moves through the system. When an engine starts to suffer from oil pressure problems it's almost always going to wipe the last bearing in the system.

donbrew Apr 5, 2023 02:53 PM

That is what he said. pressure is different at #1 than #4.
Evidently you interpretation of "thoughout the system" not the same as mine.


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