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Honda Accord: Why is My Oil Light Flashing?

Your Accord's oil light should be taken seriously. Learn why your oil light is flashing and how to solve the problem with the help of this guide.

By James Karuga - March 10, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

Whenever your Honda Accord's oil light begins to flash, forum experts strictly suggest to stop the car and turn the engine off. This will help you avoid costly damages, which might even require a complete engine overhaul. If the auto shop is far away, maybe it would be best to get it towed. The engine is a friction intensive environment and the oil serves as a vital component to lubricate moving parts. The oil light monitor warns you when the oil needs to be changed, and also when there are mechanical problems within the engine itself. This guide will help you better detect the mechanical problem causing your oil light to flash, and their possible solutions.

Step 1 – Check the oil pump

If the oil pump has mechanical problems, the oil pressure will decline and the oil light will begin flashing. A functional oil pump must have less than 0.005 inches of clearance between the teeth and the oil pump housing. Excessive clearance results in low oil pressure. If the engine oil is not filled to the right levels in the pan, the pump will trap air and cause the oil pressure to dip, which in turn cause the oil light to flash. Also, if the crankcase is overfilled with oil, the oil traps the air resulting in low oil pressure. A more simple cause might just be buildup of trapped dirt and debris within the oil pump.

Figure 1. Broken oil pump.

If the oil pump is functional and the oil levels are within the normal range, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed.

Step 2 – Check the oil pressure sensor

If the oil pressure sensor fails, the oil light will begin flashing and indicate there is a lack of oil even though the oil level is normal. A sign that the oil pressure sensor may be faulty is if the oil pressure light is constantly turning on and off while you drive. This is most likely from a broken sensor; however, check the oil levels just to make sure this might be the problem. Another cause might just be that you have low-grade oil pressure sensor. A low-grade sensor is prone to breaking, and the wiring can undergo extensive wear or corrosion. So if you find out the oil pressure sensor is the problem, the best solution would be to replace it. New oil pressure sensors go for around $30, which will save you a lot of headaches and costly trips to the auto shop for a diagnosis.

Figure 2. A new, functioning oil pressure sensor.

If the oil pressure sensor is clean and in tact, try looking for an oil leak.

Pro Tip

Cleaning the connections to the oil pressure sensor also prevents a failing oil pump and sensor.

Step 3 – Check for oil leaks

If your Honda Accord has leaks within the oil system, this will result in low oil pressure and the oil light will begin to flash. Check for leaks in all the gaskets and seals inside or under the engine bay, which includes the head gasket, oil filter, and even the oil plug. Also, check if the oil pan is damaged because that could be the source of the oil leak. An obvious sign is if you see oil stains underneath your car. Depending on where the leak is located and if the component is damaged, the cost may be as low as $10 or up to several hundreds.

Figure 3. Visible oil leak under the engine.

If you don't see any oil leaks, then check for a clogged oil filter.

Step 4 – Check the oil filter

The Accord's oil filter may be clogged with debris, which will also cause the oil pressure to drop. Since filters create some resistance to oil flow, debris will increase this resistance. This can be caused by using the same oil filter past the suggested mileage. If the previous steps have not been detected, you might as well give your car a fresh oil change and replace the oil filter with a higher quality. This will cost around $50 or more for the oil and a new filter.

Figure 4. A dirty oil filter.

If the oil light still hasn't turned off, the problem may be caused by a bigger issue and you may need to take your car to an auto shop.

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