Stock Oil Gauge question

[Encryptshun]

Okay, as it says in my Avatar, I have an '05 Xterra. VQ40DE, 4x4 w/towing package. Between idle and load, my oil pres gauge moves between hovering about one needle-width above "low" to just about halfway to the high mark. Is this normal? I know I have the correct filter, oil viscosity, and oil volume in the engine, and it's been this way since I bought the truck.

[Encryptshun]

Bump for no response yet?

[Desert Rat]

My trucks are previous generation and just have idiot lights for oil pressure, however, some fluctuation in oil pressure is normal, usually dependent on engine speed and load.

[Encryptshun]

My trucks are previous generation and just have idiot lights for oil pressure, however, some fluctuation in oil pressure is normal, usually dependent on engine speed and load.

Absolutely. But my fluctuation is 50% of the total gauge area. I'll give Nissan a call, but I wanted an "unbiased" report from some Gen 2 owners before I did that.

[dustinmc]

I just purchased the same model (2005 Xterra 4x4 auto) with 15,000 miles and noticed the same thing after I left the car lot. It concerns me because cars I have owned in the past do not do this. The oil pressure is low at idle and fluctuates depending on the engine rpm. I would like to know if all 05 and newer Xterras do this or if it is a problem that needs to be fixed. Was searching the forum to see if others have the same issue or if something is wrong with mine. Please reply if you know!

[NM50]

8-9 PSI at idle hot.No spec for RPM.Not to worry.If oil pressure reads its all good.The resistance of the senders are broader than other manufacturers.

[Encryptshun]

8-9 PSI at idle hot.No spec for RPM.Not to worry.If oil pressure reads its all good.The resistance of the senders are broader than other manufacturers.

Thanks for the response. Now that I'm creeping up on 50K miles, I'm getting a bit tetchy about my oil pressure.

[Fezzik]

This is normal. The oil pressure gauge is fairly sensitive. Oil pressure is never constant in a car and when you get on the gas it will pick back up. I have an 05 Xterra and i get the same thing. No worries. You will get a warning if the oil pressure is too low. In this case the needle would read 0 and then if the pressure gets lower the light comes on.