This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) GM Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with the Vortec 5300 5.3 liter V8 engine in changing a faulty oil pressure sensor (A.K.A. "sending unit" or "switch") which has caused the oil pressure gauge to be pegged or "stuck" at 80 PSI (pounds per square inch).

Owners of other General Motors GMT800 series vehicles such as the Chevy Silverado, Suburban, Avalanche, GMC Yukon, Sierra, Hummer H2 and the Cadillac Escalade may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A new oil pressure sensor is either the ACDelco # D1846A or the GM 12616646 (OEM part number).

The tools required to complete this procedure include the following: Lisle 13250 Oil Pressure Switch Socket, a 6" extension bar, a universal swivel joint (or "flex" joint), and a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench.

Please allow the engine to cool off for at least an hour or two before attempting to replace the sensor to prevent from burning yourself on the hot metal surfaces.

I'd recommend removing the plastic engine cover for extra working room.

Rotate the single bolt on the engine cover counterclockwise with an 8mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Set the engine cover aside in a safe place.

The oil pressure sensor is located on the right rear corner of the Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 engine.

It is near the firewall on the driver side with the electrical connector and wires pointing up towards the hood.

You may also want to cover the front part of the engine bay with some thick towels to cushion your chest and stomach and protect the engine components when you lean over to replace the sensor.

Carefully lower the socket over the old sensor and loosen it in the counterclockwise direction.

If you have trouble loosening the old sensor, try carefully spraying a small amount of penetrating oil on to the base of the threads.

Once the sensor is loose, detach the ratcheting wrench and spin it out the rest of the way by hand.

The new ACDelco D1846A sensor has some white thread locking adhesive (similar to "Loctite" brand Threadlocker) on the threads. This will help prevent it from loosening due to vibration or shock.

If it doesn't have any threadlocker on it, apply some Loctite Blue medium to the threads.

Spin in the new sensor by hand in the clockwise direction a few turns to make sure that it does not become cross threaded.

Double check that the new sensor is tight before moving on to the next steps.

Replace the plastic engine cover and tighten the 8mm bolt in the clockwise direction.

Test the new oil pressure sensor by starting the engine.

If the new sensor is working properly, the oil pressure gauge should read about 40 PSI when the engine is idling.

For more, check out my other 2000-2006 GM Chevrolet Tahoe DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.