How to Change the Oil Sending Unit on a 2000 Ford F150 Engine

by Grace Mclain

The oil sending unit on the 2000 Ford F-150 relays the oil pressure from the engine to the oil pressure gauge on the dash. The oil sending unit is one of the most important components on the engine. The oil is pumped up from the oil pan by the oil pump and through the engine. While the oil is circulating through the engine, the oil passes through the oil sending unit. The oil sending unit then tells the oil gauge the exact oil pressure. Once the oil sending unit stops working, you will need to replace it as soon as possible.

Step 1

Jack the front of the truck up and place jack stands underneath the front axle. Make sure that the jack stands are evenly and securely under the front axle. Lower the truck onto the axle.

Step 2

Remove the driver's side front tire. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen and remove the lug nuts. Pull the tire off and set it to the side.

Step 3

Locate the oil sending unit on the driver's side of the engine. The oil sending unit on the 2000 Ford F150 is located underneath the oil filter. The oil sending unit will be screwed into the oil filter housing. Remove the wiring insert from the bottom of the oil sending unit. Push in on the plastic wire connector and pull the wiring connector out of the bottom of the oil sending unit. Put an open end wrench around the head of the oil sending unit near the threads and loosen the unit by turning it counterclockwise. Once the oil sending unit is loose, you can remove it by unscrewing it with your fingers. Place a small catch pan under the oil sending unit to retrieve any excess oil.

Step 4

Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the oil sending unit. Be sure to wrap the Teflon tape counterclockwise around the threads or the tape will come off when you screw the oil sending unit back into the filter housing.

Step 5

Screw the oil sending unit back into the oil filter housing. Turn the sending unit clockwise to tighten. Do not overtighten the sending unit or it could break off. Plug the wiring connector back into the bottom of the oil sending unit.