nsage

Hi, I have a '95 Civic, and the oil pressure sensor light comes on, after warmed up, when idling or low rpms, goes off as soon as I tap the gas and rpms go up. Any advice? Thanks!

09chaplak

Check your oil level. When was the last time you have it changed? What kind of oil is in there now?

nsage

Thanks for replying. Oil level is good, changed w 5-30 1,000 miles ago.

09chaplak

hmmmmmmm this could be something more intricate. What engine do you have? how many miles on it? Does it keep doing that no matter how long the car has been running?

nsage

1.5 liter, 153,000 miles, starts to happen after the car has been running for 20 mins then comes to a stop and is at idle.

09chaplak

So 1.5 as in the D15B7? Any CEL codes? Not to sound like an *** but how specifically did you check the oil level? Was the car warm? Cold? Elevated? How many times did you check it? Just trying to rule out the simple stuff before getting on to something like your pump is gone. Do you have an oil pressure gauge you could screw into the sensor switch location and manually check the pressure levels?

nsage

Thanks- I checked it while level, while both warm and cold
I guess I'll have to get a gauge tomorrow and see where the pressure is at. Also, it doesn't come on all the time, just when its been driven a while- not smart I know, but trying to get to jobs while i figure it out. I'll let you know how it goes with the pressure guage tomorrow-thanks again!

TomCat39

Assuming oil level is good. Oil light comes on with extremely low pressure.

The D15B7/B8 and I think the Z1 as well as the D16Z6 all use Flange Sealant/Honda Bond on a part of the oil pump to the block.

Knowing how Honda only provides necessary information in the Factory Service Manual. I would think that if that particular seal is no longer sealing it could behave in the manner you have presented. I'm not certain of this though.

The other option which I do know would act as such is the pump is so worn that it can only provide enough pressure with raised RPM's.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

If that light is on, you need to immediately turn off the motor or risk ruining your bearings and possibly your crank. If your oil level is healthy, and that light is coming on, best case scenario, the sensor is clogged or failing. More likely, not-quite-as-good-but-still-not-horrible case scenario, the oil pump and/or pickup is clogged or failing. Fairly easy to replace. Worst case, your oil galleys are clogged, and you need a complete overhaul. Get an oil pressure gauge and see what the situation is.

nsage

Thanks for all the advice, I'll get back when I figure it out.

nsage

Thanks for your replies-sorry so long to reply! Turns out it was just the sensor- I guess being old it would come on at an idle but with more pressure it would turn off. Appreciate the help and thankfully I didn't cook my engine. Running great. Just need suspension work from all these potholes!