99 Explorer 92000 miles. Driving it regularly. Last weekend went to go somewhere in the evening, and after starting it and driving off after a few seconds, I noticed the "Check Guage" light was on. I've only ever seen this when I let the gas get really low, so was cofused, as I knew I had plenty gas. Scanning other guages on the dash, I saw that the oil pressure needle had not come up at all. Pulled over immediately, stopped truck, and walked back to my house to make sure there was no puddle of oil in front. Everything looked OK. Walked back and started it again, and the needle went up to normal. Everything seemed OK, so continued to drive it. Drove to work all week with no issues, until this morning when I started it - same thing. Oil pressure guage pegged at bottom. Shut it off and restarted a few times, but no luck this morning. Left it parked, and drove my pickup to work. Dealer says its probably just the send switch that needs to be replaced. Says its not uncommon and they "freeze up" sometimes when the weather gets cold, which it WAS very cold this morning (but not last weekend). Anyone have this issue on their Explorer? I've never had this happen with any of my other vehicles before. Wondering if its as common as the dealer is leading me to believe? Anyone replace theirs? Where does it sit and how much a bear is it to get to? This is 4.0L SOHC engine. Dealers telling me easy job - might be able to do it while I wait - probably less than $200 total. I checked on the part - and its only $8.50 even from the dealer. So I'm thinking $200 bucks to replace a part less than $10??? Sounds pricey. But I don't know how bad it is to get to. Willing to spend the 10 bucks if that's really it, but hate to spend a couple hundred and find that wasn't really it. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I have had thes happen to me to i have a 98 thhe sending unit was bad on it i have replaced it and is not a bad job to do we have 92000 i have a ford truck to that that has happen to it has the 4.2 was easy to do in it to

I have the same problem in my 99 Explorer.  It's been doing it for a year.  I've talked to several people, very easy fix, I just haven't had the time.  It's not causing any problems mechanically.  It does it when it's cold but it doesn't have to be really cold.  You don't have to shut the car off just keep driving and in about 1/4 mile it should pop into place.  A Haynes manual will tell you how to replace it.  Don't spend 200 bucks. As long as the truck not making sounds like its not pumping oil, I wouldn't worry about it.

Terry- Thanks for reply. Have been out of town a couple days, just getting to emails. Do you remember where the send unit sat on your 98 Explorer? What engine do you have? thx >

H&C Thanks for info. I haven't noticed any engine noise, but then I didn't let it run real long before shutting it off. First time, I thought I smelled a hot oil smell after restarting it and the guage went back up, but I could have imagined it, trying to assume something was wrong. This has just started for me - never saw it over the last several winters. Your comments mirror what the service writer at the dealer said. Indicated it should be fine to drive, and that it would probably pop back up after driving a bit. I guess the send unit must have crapped out. Don't have a manual for it, but maybe I'll pick up a Hayes and check it out. Thanks Ralf >