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Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

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Old Dec 28, 2013
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Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

The oil pressure light doesn't come one when I start the car (Honda Civic 1997--It's supposed to come on when you turn on the car, and then turn off). What does this mean? Is it a bad light, or bad sensor, or bad oil pump? How can you tell if a car is ok to drive if the oil pressure light is faulty? How would you know if you had enough oil pressure?

Checked the oil, and made sure there is enough oil. But engine started making a whushing sound, or some noise at a higher frequency (but not squealing) so I could hear the sound change as I was driving. This happened when it was cold, and belts were squealing earlier in day when first started car up. They stopped squealing after the car warmed up.

How do I know if the engine is ok, and is there a simple way to tell why the oil pressure light doesn't come on when I start the car?

Also, when the car engine is on, but the car is parked, which mechanical parts should I hear? (so I can try to better describe what I'm hearing). I know what the engine sounds like usually, and I know there are two belts on the right side of the car, and I know what the fan sounds like, but what else is on and making a sound when it's on but parked?


Thanks for any assistance.
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Old Dec 28, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

and belts were squealing earlier in day when first started car up.
That's a problem by itself. Look into it.

Is it a bad light, or bad sensor, or bad oil pump?
Light, wiring, or switch. Not a pump.

How can you tell if a car is ok to drive if the oil pressure light is faulty?
It would probably grenade if there is a huge problem.
How would you know if you had enough oil pressure?
You don't know that even when the light DOES work.
which mechanical parts should I hear?
Everything that moves, if it makes noise.


and is there a simple way to tell why the oil pressure light doesn't come on when I start the car?
Yes.


Jack up the car so you can get under it.
Locate the oil pressure switch. Unplug the wire.
Ground that wire.
Turn the key on but don't start the engine.
Is the oil light on now?
If it is, the oil pressure switch is bad. Replace it.
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Old Dec 28, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

if not all above, the bulb could have gone out.

if you freaking out that much, have you taken it to a shop?!?
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Old Dec 28, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

Thanks Ezone for your reply.

On a related topic, do you know about how many hours labor it is to replace the engine on 1997 Civic LX (or do you know a good estimator website)?

Thanks.
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Old Dec 28, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

Originally Posted by civic_honda
Thanks Ezone for your reply.

On a related topic, do you know about how many hours labor it is to replace the engine on 1997 Civic LX (or do you know a good estimator website)?

Thanks.
If you want a real shop labor time estimate like from Alldata, I can't get on that site unless I'm at work.

What makes you think you need to replace your engine?

For your noise, use a stethoscope? A long screwdriver held to your ear is also a useful tool to listen with.

Remove accessory belts one at a time and see if that makes your unusual noise stop.
HINT: The adjuster pulley for the AC belt is the usual noise maker, the bearing goes bad.


and I know there are two belts on the right side of the car,
That's the LEFT side.
Left and right on any vehicle are always determined as one sits in the drivers seat. Always and forever.
Drivers side in the USA is the left side of the car, no matter where you are standing.
/peeve

Only 2 belts?
Most have 3. Alt, AC, and PS.
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Old Dec 29, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

Because the oil pressure light doesn't come on, and because the engine is making a sound it doesn't usually make, I'm concerned about the engine.

A separate question, when I was trying to determine what was making the squealing sound, I turned the interior fan in the vehicle off, and that stopped some noise the car was making. Don't know what that was?
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Old Dec 29, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

Because the oil pressure light doesn't come on,
Your thinking is completely backwards here.
The light not working only means you will have no warning if there is zero oil pressure. That it hasn't blown up yet is testament to the fact that there IS oil pressure when it's running.

But it's not like the idiot light would give much of a warning anyway, it's known as an idiot light for a reason.

Fix the light issue before worrying about the engine.
(Damn, you're still jawing about this? It might take about 5 minutes to figure out if the switch is bad.)




when I was trying to determine what was making the squealing sound,
Fix the belt issue you mentioned in your first post too. Inspect. Adjust tighter or replace. Whatever.
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Old Dec 30, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

No, what I said was because the oil pressure light doesn't come on AND the engine is not sounding like it should.
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Old Dec 30, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

I got that.
Approach each issue separately, they are not likely to be related to each other.

Figure out the light, then figure out the noise.



Does the noise sound like a Gremlin with a sledgehammer? If not, then your noise probably isn't internal engine parts.
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Old Dec 30, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you're saying--I do realize the two things I described might not be part of the same issue.
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Old Dec 31, 2013
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Re: Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

so, have been a couple a' days.

Have you already checked the light?!?

Or are you not really worried about it?!?
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