Where is the oil presure sending unit in an 1996 pontiac grand am manual 2.4 liters 4 cylynders.

Hope the helps
The oil pressure sending unit can be in the block, or near the filter, the oil level sending unit if equipped is usually in the pan.

There will be one of three things wrong:
1) The oil pump lost prime. This engine uses a gerotor type pump and long periods of sitting allows the oil to drain back to the pan.
2) There is a restriction at the oil pickup screen or at the passage between the block and head. There is a check valve in the block (at the head gasket, there is an opening) and there could be trash blocking it.
3) IF you're lucky, its a defective sending unit.
Until you know for sure, don't run it. Install a mechanical guage, disable the ignition system at the module plug, and crank the engine. Some pressure should register on the gauge, if only 3-5psi. If it doesn't, remove the oil filter, take a quart of oil with a nozzle on it and force oil back into the outlet port of the filter housing, fill the filter completely, then spin it on as quickly as you can. Some oil will be spilled, but this is a step you want to take before tearing into the motor. Another quick way is put approximately 10 quarts of oil in it and with the ignition disabled, crank it over and see if the pressure comes up. (GM sent that as a bulletin on Northstar engines that lost prime. The down force of the pistons will force the oil to go to the pump.) JUST BE SURE TO DISABLE THE IGNITION. Hope this helps...

On 1996 Pontiac Grand AM 3.1 liter V-6 VIN "M"... Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6.

If you need this diagram or other information, countact us in the previous link.

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4-cylinder:

Firing Order: 1-3-4-2

3.1 liter:

Firing Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6

THE OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE EXHAUST MANAFOLD IT WILL BE THE ONE CLOSER TO TRANS.

oil pressure test needed, could be something as simple as a oil pressure sending unit, or, possible engine damage

The oil pressure sending unit is located to the right of the oil filter and just above the starter motor. This is on the 3.4 liter V6.
On the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder the switch is on the left (drivers) side of the cylinder head.

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
   
2. Raise vehicle on hoist.
   
3. Remove front splash shield.
   
4. Disconnect oil pressure sender connector (4).
   
5. Remove the pressure sender (2).
   

Oil pressure sending unit


To install:

1. Install oil pressure sender.
   
2. Connect oil pressure sender wire.
   
3. Install front splash shield.
   
4. Lower vehicle.
   
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

You didn't state what size engine you have.
The 2.2 engine----- 6.9 qts.
The 2.3 engine-----7.4 qts.
The 2.4 is 7.4 qts.
The 3.1 is 7.4 qts.
The 3.4 is 6.9 qts.
These are the capacities for refilling after being drained.

the sensor is located right above the oil filter, careful they crack very easily...but are really easy to replace...