Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L 2009-2017 Location and Replacement

In this video, I show you the exact location and the complete step-by-step process to replace the engine oil pressure sensor (also known as the oil pressure switch or sending unit) on a 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine.

The oil pressure sensor monitors the internal oil pressure and sends this critical data to your dashboard gauge and the engine computer. On this 3.6L high-feature V6, the sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine bay, threaded directly into the oil filter adapter housing right next to the oil filter, just behind the radiator cooling fan assembly. Because it sits in a cramped space right below the front engine mount bracket, knowing how to use a dedicated oil pressure sensor socket and a universal joint extension will save you time and prevent you from cracking the aluminum housing.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Engine Oil Pressure Sensor:

• The red oil pressure warning light illuminates or the dashboard gauge drops to zero, accompanied by a “Stop Engine – Low Oil Pressure” message, even when the engine has plenty of oil and runs quietly
• The oil pressure gauge fluctuates wildly, pins itself to the maximum reading, or stays completely frozen in one position
• The check engine light comes on, flagging specific circuit codes like P0521, P0522, or P0523
• Engine oil actively leaks through the sensor’s plastic electrical connector, often dripping down onto the oil filter or the front of the engine block
• The vehicle enters a protective “limp mode” or disables remote start functionality due to the corrupted pressure readings

Safety First

Always prioritize safety before opening or servicing any part of the engine’s lubrication system. Make sure the vehicle is safely parked on a flat, level surface, the emergency brake is securely engaged, and the ignition is turned completely off with the keys removed. You must allow the engine to cool down completely before starting. The oil filter housing sits directly adjacent to the hot exhaust manifold plumbing; touching these surfaces while hot will cause severe burns.

Place a small drain pan directly beneath the oil filter area to catch the small amount of oil that will escape when the old sensor is unthreaded. Protect your eyes from dripping oil and your skin by wearing safety glasses and fluid-resistant nitrile gloves, and maintain your full focus throughout the task.

Need Help? Ask an Expert

I am an experienced mechanic, and I am here to help you guide your vehicle projects to a successful finish. If you hit a snag trying to squeeze your hand into the tight gap to release the gray plastic safety lock on the harness plug, aren’t sure if you need to apply thread sealant to the new sensor’s tapered pipe threads, or want to verify if your erratic gauge is being caused by a faulty sensor or a genuinely clogged oil pump pickup screen, leave a message in the comments below. Let me know what you are running into, and I will help you solve your car’s problem!