1990 Sunbird Oil Pressure and Temp Gauge Issues

[Skelled]

I have a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird and when it first starts the oil pressure gauge flucutates wildly and then spikes and stays spiked until I shut the car off, there are no odd noises comeing from the engine or anything like that, it does not burn oil nor leak any significant amount (perhaps a teaspoon a week). I was told that the problem is the oil pressure sensor but before I go out and spend money on a replacement I wanted other opinions as to what the cause of this could be.

Secondly, the temp gauge never goes beyond the first notch from the bottom. I'm pretty sure this is a sensor problem but it is very disconcerting to be driving for an hour or so and still see the temp sitting in the "cold" area.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

[c8304]

hello,

It sounds like a oil sensor could be going, after 14 years it might need changing. I know cause my sensors are going as well (owner of a 93 sunbird)

As for the temperature gauges, I have that problem as well, it takes me 30 or more minutes for it to get actual warm air. That was a contributor from water frezzing inthe tubes from the anti freeze to radiator to block. I had to unfreeze everything. Sometimes it helps if you plug in your block heater at night (if it's really cold). Otherwise, I'm at the same place as you with the temperature gauge.

[Skelled]

Thanks for the info, I'll be replacing both sensors soon and I'll let you know the turnout.

[MagicRat]

I would suggest the temp problem is due to a thermostat being stuck open. Dont bother replacing the temp sensor, replace the thermostat first.

[Rad1]

I too have similar problems on my 1991 pontiac sunbird 3.1

My oil pressure gauge is screwed, the needle is on the other side of the pin at the bottom of the gauge, its as if it went past the red line and did a 360 back to the start but under the pin the it rests on.
Any ideas on how to fix that, if its really that important cause its been like that for years ???

Also the temperature gauge will go up to the 1/4 mark only and stays there even if driving for more than 2 hours. I was told it could be the therostat was stuck open so i did change that but still no difference.
What could be other reasons why its not warming up enough ???

Can anybody help me ??

[Skelled]

Turns out that oil gauge problem was due to a faulty Oil Sender unit and the temp gauge was due to a bad Temperature Sender unit - about 35$ for the parts and easy as hell to put in.