The low oil pressure warning light on our Honda Civic lit up for a few seconds at a stoplight. Obviously, I was concerned. But when I left the stoplight, it turned back off and hasn't lit up since.
Should I bring it into the dealer for a look, or is this something that might randomly flicker on for no reason?
2006-10-11 14:44:57 · 15 answers · asked by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i own a repair shop,and it will do this if the engine idle drops down to low on it ,sometimes they will do that,other wise it may need a good oil change on it,they,ll do it a lot if the oil gets too dirty in it,,id at least have it checked out to see,good luck i hope this help,s.
2006-10-11 14:48:47 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That red light is called an idiot light. For good reason. It only comes on if there's a problem that you didn't correct, or that you make worse by driving anyway. That's why the lights on your dash are color-coded. If you see any red lights, you have a problem that could cost you your engine or your life. When the car has been parked for a few minutes with the engine off, open the hood. Pull out the dipstick that's marked "engine oil", or something similar. Wipe it off. Stick it back in. Pull it out again and see if the oil is between the "add" and "full" marks. If it's low, put some in. If you still get the idiot light at idle, get the oil and filter changed. If you STILL get the idiot light at idle, your problems are worse than an oil change can fix. But I'm going to bet you best answer that new oil and a new filter will fix you right up. That and maybe a quart of Lucas oil conditioner if your engine has a buttload of miles on it.
2006-10-11 22:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by Me again 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't take it to a shop myself. Check and make sure the oil is at the MAXIMUM operating range after the car has sat for on hour or so. When your car only idles, like at a stop light, the oil pump isn't running very fast so there won't be as much pressure as there is when you're driving. Also park the car in a clean spot overnight and look for the tiniest drop of oil the next day, a small oil leak can cause that. No the light should NOT flicker at random. It's nothing to worry too much about though unless the light stays on, but it is worth keeping an eye on to make sure it doesn't get to be a critical problem, but the chances of that are slim.
2006-10-11 22:01:08 · answer #3 · answered by daniel s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change the oil pressure sending unit,change the oil with the proper grade and amount,and re test.Ideally,a garage can hook a mechanical oil pressure gauge to the engine,and at idle check the pressure.
You may have a bad sender,a wire grounding out,a sludged up oil pan and the pick up screen is sucking crud,or severe engine wear thats not going away without repairs.
2006-10-11 21:56:06 · answer #4 · answered by hpspeedster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go and buy yourself a Fram Tuff Guard oil filter and use a good 10 w 40 oil. Iv been a tech for 12 years and this will help your Honda go for a good while longer. At idle the oil pressure is at its lowest especially with the A/C on. I use the Fram on older Honda's with high mileage as they have the best flow in my opinion. No worries.
2006-10-11 21:53:05 · answer #5 · answered by vwjessie69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your oil and you'll probably need to add a little. if you're low on oil, the first time you're going to notice it is when the engine's barely working, and the oil is in the bottom of the pan. once it starts getting churned about it will get picked up into the pump much easier. you probably just need to add like half a quart, raise the level in your pan by an inch or two for the pump to be immersed at idle.
2006-10-11 23:13:25 · answer #6 · answered by zig z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would first check the oil level in your car if it is full then you migh want to have a oil pessure test done to insure there are no engine problems, it might even be a bad oil pressure sensor. but it is not normal for an oil light to flicker.
2006-10-11 21:54:28 · answer #7 · answered by lem604 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sender is either bad or oil pressure really is low, have it checked. Make sure the oil level is full first to avoid embaressment.
2006-10-11 21:58:53 · answer #8 · answered by done wrenching 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Viscosity and oil level? If you have low pressure the engine is worn. AS always year make model and miles will help yamster mechanics direct you to correct repair.
2006-10-11 21:55:49 · answer #9 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would first check my oil. Many times when the oil gets low, the light will come on intermittently.
2006-10-11 21:48:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋