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Hello I'm new to the forum and have my first C5.
My oil pressue sending unit needs replacing and I've read most of the threads regarding do it yourself and relocating etc.
My question does anyone know how many hours the flat rate book the dealers use quote for this service?
Or has anyone had this done recently by a dealer and what they were charged?
Any and all help will be appreciated.
No flat rates but I know they will need to remove the intake manifold to get at the location. I've heard $400 dollars to change a $30 sensor. Craziness.
Do a search on the forum for threads on the oil pressure sender replacement. If you are at all handy with tools, you can do it yourself quickly, easily and inexpensively. You DO NOT have to remove the intake manifold to replace the sender. there is a video thread that shows how easy it is. A dealer will charge you per the flat rate manual which has the tech removing the manifold. If you have them do it, figure $5-700. If you do it yourself per the video, figure $30 for the sensor and an hour of your time.
Ive replaced several of them in a few C5's, the first one I did took me a little over an hour.. I can do it in 45 minutes from start to clean up and road test...
Ive replaced several of them in a few C5's, the first one I did took me a little over an hour.. I can do it in 45 minutes from start to clean up and road test...
My own method...
I was the first to post this about five years ago... I just move the intake forward about 5 inches.,. I do not disconnect fuel lines or injectors. No drilling cowls etc...its a simple clean procedure that met with much too much of the doubting Thomas syndrome. Ive done this to three different cars, and was successful all three times... I was limited in the forward movement by the fuel line only.. I could have disconnected it but didnt need too
BTW, mine was the first to go, and of the three I did none of them have failed since.. and like I said I did mine 5 years a go and 30,000 miles ago.
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Aug 19, 2011 at 10:18 AM.
Mine failed about eight months ago and the dealer quoted me $595.00 and thats with a coupon! I changed it myself for about $40.00 and I did the cowl cut method (Lucky and Evil Twin please don't yell at me ) but I didn't feel confident in my ability to remove the manifold and for me it worked out perfectly fine, you can't tell it was cut at all. Whatever way you do it you'll save a bundle doing it yourself. Good luck bro!
Mine failed about eight months ago and the dealer quoted me $595.00 and thats with a coupon! I changed it myself for about $40.00 and I did the cowl cut method (Lucky and Evil Twin please don't yell at me ) but I didn't feel confident in my ability to remove the manifold and for me it worked out perfectly fine, you can't tell it was cut at all. Whatever way you do it you'll save a bundle doing it yourself. Good luck bro!
This is how I see it... I am all about trying to help and save members money... I applaud those who know their limitations and still try to do things using your head. The cowl hole is a procedure that works... it slightly compromises the cowl but its a fix that saved you hundreds of dollars... I get Pm's all the time from members thanking me for trying to push them to use their head.. most know their limitations but are often scared to try and need a nudge.. and the knowledge that they can get from the effort. The C5 is an easy car to work on for anyone with good hands, and a logical mind... sometime all they need is someone holding their hand for the first attempt.. Many members who asked me for some guidance, are now offering their own guidance and help to other members.. Most get a big ego boost and a raise in their confidence level after attempting such a feat. Bravo for your decision to do it yourself. I am sure at some point you will share this experience with other members. Its good for them and for you.
Bill aka ET
I would like to thank all the people who took time to post information and guides to my problem. I'm going to give it some thought and will let you all know which method I go with.
One question about the cowl cutting method, can you glue the plastic back together, I don't see duct tape as a permanent fix cause that stuff dries up and flakes away with age and heat.
I would like to thank all the people who took time to post information and guides to my problem. I'm going to give it some thought and will let you all know which method I go with.
One question about the cowl cutting method, can you glue the plastic back together, I don't see duct tape as a permanent fix cause that stuff dries up and flakes away with age and heat.
Bob
I glued mine back and used this stuff called Amazing Goop. When you cut the cowl, make sure you cut it on an angle, so there is some surface for you to apply the glue to and once in place and sets for a while apply more to the surface to properly seal it. If your sensor ever fails again at least you now have an access panel to get to it again. Heres the procedure: