Oil Pressure Indicator

NOTE: The Mustang uses a magnetic gauge system.

The magnetic gauge movement consists of three primary coils, one of which is wound at a 90 degree angle to the other two. The coils form a magnetic field which varies in direction according to the variable resistance of the sender unit which is connected between two of them. A primary magnet, to which a shaft and pointer are attached, rotates to align to this primary field, resulting in pointer position. The bobbin/coil assembly is pressed into a metal housing which has two holes for dial mounting. There is no adjustment, calibration or maintenance required for these gauges.

NOTE: An instrument voltage regulator (IVR) is not required for this system.

On the 2.3L, the oil switch is installed into a fitting in the engine block. The switch is calibrated to close between 26-44 kPa (4.5-7.5 psi).

On the 5.0L, the oil sender changes resistance according to the oil pressure which varies the current flow through the oil gauge. The pointer position varies proportionately to the current flow. In this system the sender unit resistance is high when oil pressure is low and low when oil pressure is high.