Oil pressure gage fluctuates and check gages light goes on and off

have you checked the wiring to the sending unit or checked to see if the sender is leaking

Usually on idle (warm engine) this is OK.

If the engine is not knocking or rattling when this is happening, you most likely have a bad oil pressure sending unit.

The "check gages" light comes on in response to the oil pressure (not oil level) gage dropping too low. Step one is to check to make sure the engine has oil pressure. Use a mechanical gage inserted directly into the engine when the oil pressure sensor screws in. If the pressure is good, you need to check the gage. Your dealer has a tool that attaches to the connector from the pressure switch that gose to the gage. He can then test the gage, cluster and circuit wiring. If that is ok the culprit is the oil pressure sensor itself. I normally don't recommend replacing parts without a proper diagnosis but an oil pressure switch is relatively inexpensive. You might want to try that first. It's relatively common anf if that's the culprit, you will save a bunch of $$$ no having to go to your dealer. If you still have a problem, you have at least eliminated one item and are only out a couple of bucks.

Hello Johnny.
At idle in gear is when your engine is running at it's slowest. The oil pump is also running slower.
As engine parts wear the oil escapes past these wear points reducing the available amount of oil flow.
This in turn reduces the oil pressure.
It is possible that the oil pressure sending switch is defective as well. But you should get the oil pressure tested on a manual gauge to verify. This is done by unthreading the oil pressure switch and installing a manual oil pressure tester with an accurate readout.
If you are hearing ticking noises the upper moving parts in the engine may not be getting proper oil pressure.

I hope your repair is an easy one.

KL

Could be an oil sending unit starting to go bad, or your oil pump pick up screen is getting clog up.

Have either autozone or auto discount...depending on your location, they will check it for free an tell you what the problem is.. they can reset it..however it will continue to come on until the problem is resovled

the check gauges light is to tell you to look at the gauges,one of them is not in normal position,could be temp,oil pressure,charging,or gas.

CHECK GAGES light (1) indicates a potential engine failure(low oil pressure, low coolant, coolant overheating) has occurred.
· Check gages and shut down engine. Gages should read as follows: Oil pressure 5 to 10 psi (34 to 69 kPa) at idle; Water Temp gage below 230 degrees (110 C).
· Check engine oil level (Para 2-11) if OIL PRESS gage indicates low reading. Check coolant level (Para 2-11) if Water Temp gage indicates high reading. Notify Unit Maintenance if levels are low.

If CHECK ENGINE light (2) is on, check engine oil pressure gage (3) and water temperature gage (4). If both indicate normal, proceed with mission and then notify Unit Maintenance. If either one does not indicate normal, stop engine immediately and notify Unit Maintenance

Did you find the sending unit and was that the problem?