Oil Pressure Sending Unit Socket

thingiverse

My trusty 2014 Voltswagen Routan (the family's dependable minivan) was plagued by a faulty Oil Pressure Sending Unit. The dealership quoted me over $300 to replace it, claiming that removing the upper and lower intake manifolds was necessary just to access the sensor and would take an exhausting 2.5 hours to complete. I scrutinized the sensor and believed I could secure a socket on it. After several attempts with various "sensor" sockets from my local auto parts store, I realized that the tools were simply too large for the tight space. Hmm, what's next? 3D printing a custom tool - that's exactly what I'd do! I promptly purchased a replacement oil pressure sending unit and used its dimensions to design my own socket using Solidworks. The sensor's hex dimension is precisely 1-1/16". Twelve cents in filament and twenty minutes later, my oil pressure sending unit was replaced, and the check engine light reset - what a triumph! Much better than shelling out $300 and enduring a 2.5-hour ordeal. The recommended torque specification for the sensor on my vehicle is 15 ft/lbs. I printed this in PLA, and while it held up admirably, there was some slight distortion in the 3/8" socket end. Just a note: my vehicle's engine is a Chrysler 3.6L (transversely mounted), the same powerplant used in the Chrysler Town & Country and the Caravan. Good luck to anyone who might benefit from this experience - may it save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches!