Oil Pressure Sending Unit Replacement

Overview

This procedure walks you through replacing the oil pressure sending unit on your Porsche 944 S / S2 with its 16v engine. The sending unit monitors oil pressure and sends data to your dashboard gauge. Replacing it ensures accurate readings and prevents false warnings, keeping your engine safe.

Pink and blue text represents links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• 15/16 inch (24 mm) stubby open-end wrench (thin head preferred)
• Metric socket set
• 15/16 inch (24 mm) open-ended crow’s foot (for torque wrench, optional)
• Jack and jack stands
• Catch rags
• Torque wrench

Parts Required

• Oil pressure sending unit for Porsche 944 S / S2 (944 606 203 00)
• M18 x 24 aluminum or copper crush washer

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Prepare the Car

1. Disconnect the negative battery lead to ensure safety while working.
2. Lift the car using a jack and secure it on jack stands at a height of about 1.5 feet (0.45 meters) for easy access underneath.
3. Remove the skid plates or belly pans under the engine using your metric socket set to expose the oil pressure sending unit area.

2. Access the Sending Unit

4. For the Porsche 944 S / S2, you typically don’t need to move the power steering pump since it lacks the turbo’s extra oil lines. Check for clearance near the oil filter—if it’s tight, you may need to adjust the pump slightly without disconnecting lines.
5. Locate the oil pressure sending unit just below the oil filter and disconnect its two wire leads by gently pulling them off the terminals.

3. Remove the Old Sending Unit

6. Place catch rags under the sending unit to catch any dripping oil.
7. Use a 15/16 inch (24 mm) stubby open-end wrench to loosen the old sending unit by turning it counterclockwise.
8. Remove the old unit quickly and set it aside, keeping the new unit ready to minimize oil loss.

4. Install the New Sending Unit

9. Fit a new M18 x 24 crush washer onto the new oil pressure sending unit (944 606 203 00).
10. Thread the new unit into place by hand, then tighten it with your 15/16 inch (24 mm) wrench.
11. Torque the sending unit to 35 Nm (25 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench with a 15/16 inch (24 mm) crow’s foot. If you don’t have a crow’s foot, tighten it snugly without overforcing to avoid damaging the washer.
12. Reconnect the two wire leads to the new unit’s terminals. Match the straight post and spaded connector to the old unit’s setup to avoid gauge issues.

5. Test and Finish Up

13. Reconnect the battery negative lead.
14. Start the car and check the oil pressure gauge for proper operation—it should read normally without pegging high or flickering at idle.
15. Reinstall the belly pans using your metric socket set.
16. Lower the car off the jack stands carefully.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Check for oil leaks around the new sending unit after running the engine for a few minutes.
• Verify the oil pressure gauge moves smoothly and the low oil pressure light stays off at idle.
• Ensure all tools and rags are removed from under the car.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• YouTube