The engine oil pressure gauge falls to zero on your 1997 Wrangler and visions of expensive repairs flash through your mind. A warning like this often is caused by a failure of the oil pressure sending unit and not by engine failure. The sending unit is attached to the engine block and usually is easy to access. A replacement of the unit is within the skill level of most untrained mechanics.
Locate the oil pressure sending unit near the oil filter on the side of the engine block. It's a cylinder that sticks out from the side of the engine about 1-1/2 inches.
Detach the wire at the top of the unit and set it aside. Use a wrench to turn the oil pressure sending unit counterclockwise to unscrew it from the engine. It typically will not leak oil when it's removed. Clean the opening to prevent grime from interfering with the operation of the new sending unit.
Compare the old and new units to make sure they're a match. Carefully start screwing the new unit into the opening in the engine.
Tighten the oil pressure sending unit the last turn or so with a wrench. Do not tighten it too much because it can crack. Attach the wire to the new unit. Make sure that it clips solidly into place. Start the car and check for leaks and verify that the oil gauge is functioning.
