Openai/694dfcaf-68dc-800b-bae4-d240abece78b
This conversation was exported from ChatGPT[1]
gpt-5-2[edit | edit source]
User: What is this it’s from the engine of a 2010 mercury Milan premier[edit | edit source]
What is this it’s from the engine of a 2010 mercury Milan premier
Assistant: From the photo and knowing it came off a 2010 Mercury Milan Premier, this looks very much like a broken oil pressure se…[edit | edit source]
From the photo and knowing it came off a 2010 Mercury Milan Premier, this looks very much like a broken oil pressure sensor (oil pressure switch).
Here’s why that fits 👇
- Black plastic body with a hex (meant for a wrench)[edit | edit source]
- Metal threaded section that screws into the engine block
- Oil residue on the tissue
- Looks snapped, with the metal end separated from the plastic housing
That’s exactly how the oil pressure sensor is built—and they’re known to crack or shear off when aged or overtightened.
The oil pressure sensor:[edit | edit source]
- Screws into the engine block
- Monitors oil pressure
- Sends the signal to your dash light or gauge
- Oil leaking from the engine[edit | edit source]
- Oil pressure warning light coming on
- Engine may shut off or refuse to start (depending on failure)
- Oil spraying or dripping quickly after start
- Near the oil filter housing or[edit | edit source]
- On the side of the engine block
- Often toward the rear of the engine, closer to the firewall
- Do NOT run the engine until this is fixed — you can lose oil fast[edit | edit source]
- The broken threaded piece may still be stuck in the engine
- It will need to be: - Carefully extracted (easy-out or extractor), then - Replaced with a new oil pressure sensor
- The part itself is cheap ($15–$40)[edit | edit source]
- Labor is usually quick unless the threads are badly stuck
If you want, tell me:
- 2.5L or 3.0L engine?
- Did oil suddenly start leaking?
- Did an oil light come on?
I can then:
- Confirm 100% which sensor it is
- Tell you exact location
- Walk you through removal/replacement step-by-step 👍
User: It is a 3.0L engine and the oil light have been on[edit | edit source]
It is a 3.0L engine and the oil light have been on
Assistant: Got it — 3.0L V6 + oil light on lines up perfectly with this being the oil pressure sensor on your 2010 Mercury Milan P…[edit | edit source]
Got it — 3.0L V6 + oil light on lines up perfectly with this being the oil pressure sensor on your 2010 Mercury Milan Premier.
Here’s the clear picture and what to do next 👇
Oil Pressure Sensor / Oil Pressure Switch[edit | edit source]
On the 3.0L Duratec V6, this sensor:
- Screws directly into the engine block
- Has a plastic upper body (what snapped)
- Common failure point as they age
When it breaks:
- The oil light turns on
- Oil can leak fast
- The sensor can no longer read pressure
- Passenger side of engine[edit | edit source]
- Toward the rear (firewall side)
- Near the oil filter housing
- One electrical connector plugged into it
You’ll likely find:
- The plastic part missing
- The metal threaded stub still stuck in the block
- Do not start or run the engine[edit | edit source]
- Do not drive it Running it like this can dump oil and cause serious engine damage.
###[edit | edit source]
- Spray penetrating oil
- Use a bolt extractor / easy-out
- Turn counter-clockwise
- Be patient — don’t force it
(A shop can do this quickly if you don’t have extractors.)
- Part name: Oil Pressure Sensor / Switch[edit | edit source]
- Engine: 3.0L V6
- Use a small amount of thread sealant (if not pre-coated)
- Snug tight — do not over-torque
- Plug electrical connector back in[edit | edit source]
- Check oil level
- Start engine
- Oil light should go off within 1–2 seconds
- Sensor: $15–$40[edit | edit source]
- Extracting broken piece (shop): $50–$150
- Total repair usually under $200
- Plastic becomes brittle with heat[edit | edit source]
- Slight overtightening during a past repair
- Age-related failure (very common on this engine)
If you want, I can:
- Show you a diagram of the exact location
- Tell you which tool size you’ll need
- Help you decide DIY vs shop
- Find the exact part number for AutoZone / O’Reilly / Advance
Just say the word 👍
User: Yes[edit | edit source]
Yes
Assistant: Here’s what I see in your image — it looks like a broken engine component, and based on the shape, metal wear, and your…[edit | edit source]
Here’s what I see in your image — it looks like a broken engine component, and based on the shape, metal wear, and your symptoms (oil light on, 3.0L Milan engine), this very likely is part of the:
From the picture it looks like a chunk of metal that has broken off and has oil staining on it. On the 3.0L V6 in your 2010 Mercury Milan, the most common sources for parts like this showing up after an engine oil light or low oil condition are:[edit | edit source]
- What it does: Sits at the bottom of the oil pan and feeds oil into the pump.[edit | edit source]
- Failure signs: If it breaks or cracks, the pump can’t get oil properly → oil light, low oil pressure.
- Look: A mesh screen and a tube — can appear bent or torn.
- What it does: Part of the valve train that transfers motion from cam to valve.[edit | edit source]
- Failure signs: Broken or fractured part camouflaged by oil; might be a piece of a rocker arm or lifter.
- Some oil pumps have internal sliding gears; if one shears off it would look like a chunk of metal.[edit | edit source]
[edit | edit source]
- The engine may have severe internal damage
- Metal debris may have circulated through bearings, cam, crank, etc.
- Oil starvation likely occurred
1. Don’t run the engine.[edit | edit source]
Running it could worsen damage.
- Drain the oil pan and look for more debris.
Metal inside the oil pan means more broken parts.
- Inspect the oil pump and pickup for damage.
- Have a mechanic open up the front cover / oil pump area.
They can identify exactly which part failed.
That will help narrow it down further.[edit | edit source]
User: Uploaded an imageUploaded an image[edit | edit source]
Uploaded an imageUploaded an image
Assistant: Thank you for the extra photos — this confirms it 100% 👍[edit | edit source]
Thank you for the extra photos — this confirms it 100% 👍 This is NOT an internal engine part. You avoided a much worse situation.
Broken Oil Pressure Sensor (Oil Pressure Switch)[edit | edit source]
From a 2010 Mercury Milan Premier – 3.0L V6
- Black plastic electrical connector end (snapped clean off)[edit | edit source]
- Hex section for a wrench
- Threaded metal base that screws into the engine block
- Shear break line exactly where these sensors commonly fail
- Oil residue = oil leaking through the cracked sensor
This part does NOT come from inside the engine — it screws into the outside of the block.
✅ Good news:[edit | edit source]
- Your engine likely is not damaged
- No broken internal components
- No oil pump or bearing failure indicated by this part
⚠️ But:
- The oil pressure light is on because the sensor failed
- Oil may be leaking or already low
- Running it like this risks engine damage
###[edit | edit source]
Most likely:
- The threaded metal tip is still stuck in the block
Look where the sensor screws in (rear/passenger side near oil filter housing).
- Use a bolt extractor / easy-out[edit | edit source]
- Turn counter-clockwise
- Go slow — aluminum threads
(A shop can do this easily if you don’t have extractors.)
- Part name: Oil Pressure Sensor / Switch[edit | edit source]
- Engine: 3.0L V6 Duratec
- Cost: $15–$40
- Light thread sealant only (many come pre-coated)
- Verify oil level before starting[edit | edit source]
- Start engine
- Oil light should turn off within 1–2 seconds
- AutoZone[edit | edit source]
- O’Reilly
- Advance Auto
- Ask for: “Oil pressure switch for 2010 Mercury Milan 3.0L”
- Don’t start the engine until repaired[edit | edit source]
- Don’t try to glue or tape the old one
- Don’t overtighten the new sensor
If you want, I can:
- Tell you exact tool sizes
- Show exact location with a diagram
- Walk you through DIY removal safely
- Help you decide DIY vs mechanic
Just tell me 👍
User: Yes[edit | edit source]
Yes
Assistant: Perfect — here’s everything you need, clean and step-by-step, so you can decide DIY or shop with confidence.[edit | edit source]
Perfect — here’s everything you need, clean and step-by-step, so you can decide DIY or shop with confidence.
Oil Pressure Sensor / Oil Pressure Switch[edit | edit source]
For 2010 Mercury Milan – 3.0L V6 (Duratec)
Common part numbers (any of these are fine):
- Motorcraft: SW-6350 (most OEM-correct)
- AutoZone (Duralast): PS404
- O’Reilly (Import Direct): OPS104
- Advance (Carquest): S1006
💲 Cost: $15–$40
- Passenger side of engine[edit | edit source]
- Toward the rear (firewall side)
- Just above / near the oil filter housing
- One electrical connector plugs into it
If you look down behind the engine on the passenger side, you’ll see:
- An unplugged connector
- A hole or broken metal stub where the sensor snapped
- Deep socket: usually 27mm (1-1/16") for the sensor[edit | edit source]
- Bolt extractor / easy-out (for the broken threaded piece)
- Ratchet + short extension
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster / WD-40)
- Thread sealant (only if new sensor isn’t pre-coated)
- Shop rags
###[edit | edit source]
- Spray penetrating oil — wait 5–10 minutes
- Insert bolt extractor into the broken metal stub
- Turn counter-clockwise
- Go slow — the block is aluminum
⚠️ If it won’t budge → stop and take it to a shop (cheap fix, prevents stripped threads).
1. Light thread sealant (if needed)[edit | edit source]
- Thread in by hand first
- Snug tight — do NOT over-tighten - About 12–15 ft-lbs (hand-tight + a small turn)
1. Plug electrical connector back in[edit | edit source]
- Check oil level (top off if needed)
- Start engine
- Oil light should go off in 1–2 seconds
- DIY time: 30–60 minutes[edit | edit source]
- Shop time: 20–30 minutes
- Typical shop cost: $80–$200 total
- ❌ Do not drive until fixed[edit | edit source]
- ❌ Do not overtighten the new sensor
- ❌ Do not reuse the broken one
This is a very common failure on the 3.0L V6.[edit | edit source]
You caught it before engine damage — that’s a win.
If you want, tell me:
- Do you have basic tools?
- Is the broken piece still stuck in the engine?
I’ll tailor the next steps exactly to your situation 👍
User: Broken pieces still in engine[edit | edit source]
Broken pieces still in engine
Assistant: Okay — thanks for confirming.[edit | edit source]
Okay — thanks for confirming. Since the broken threaded piece is still in the engine, here’s the safest, least-risk way to handle it. This is one of those jobs where technique matters more than muscle.
⚠️ First: Do NOT start the engine[edit | edit source]
Even briefly. Oil can dump fast from that port.
Best & Safest Removal Plan (ranked)[edit | edit source]
🥇 BEST OPTION (Lowest risk)[edit | edit source]
Have a shop extract it
- This is a 10–20 minute job for a mechanic
- Typical cost: $50–$100
- They have: - Left-hand extractors - Heat - Thread chasers if needed
👉 This avoids stripping the aluminum block, which would turn a cheap fix into a big repair.
🥈 DIY OPTION (Only if you’re comfortable)[edit | edit source]
If you want to try it yourself, do it exactly like this:
🛠️ DIY Extraction — Step by Step[edit | edit source]
Tools you MUST have[edit | edit source]
- Left-hand bolt extractor / easy-out (spiral type)
- Penetrating oil
- Small hammer
- Ratchet (not an impact)
- Magnet or shop vacuum
Step 1: Prep[edit | edit source]
- Spray penetrating oil into the broken sensor hole
- Wait 10–15 minutes
- Wipe excess oil away
Step 2: Seat the extractor[edit | edit source]
- Insert the extractor into the broken metal piece
- Tap it lightly with a hammer so it bites
- Keep it straight — very important
Step 3: Remove (slowly)[edit | edit source]
- Turn counter-clockwise
- Apply steady pressure
- If it moves even a little → keep going slowly
🚨 STOP immediately if:
- It won’t move
- It feels like it’s expanding
- You feel the aluminum threads starting to grab
Forcing it = stripped block.
Step 4: Clean threads[edit | edit source]
- Use brake cleaner or a rag
- If available, gently chase threads (do NOT re-tap unless damaged)
🚫 What NOT to do[edit | edit source]
- ❌ Don’t use heat near plastic wiring
- ❌ Don’t use an impact gun
- ❌ Don’t hammer aggressively
- ❌ Don’t drill deep (metal shavings in engine = bad)
After Removal[edit | edit source]
- Install new oil pressure sensor
- Hand-thread first
- Snug only (12–15 ft-lbs)
- Reconnect plug
- Top off oil
- Start engine → oil light should go off in 1–2 seconds
⚠️ If it breaks worse[edit | edit source]
If the extractor snaps or the threads strip:
- The block may need: - Thread insert (Helicoil), or - Professional repair
This is why many people choose the shop for this step alone.
My honest recommendation[edit | edit source]
Because this is:
- Aluminum block
- Small threaded port
- Critical oil passage
👉 Let a shop extract it, then you can install the new sensor yourself if you want.
If you want, tell me:
- Do you have extractors already?
- Is the broken piece flush or recessed?
I’ll guide you precisely for your situation 👍
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "2010 Mercury Milan Sensor". ChatGPT. Retrieved 2025-12-27.