Oil Pressure Light Doesn't Come On

[civichonda]

The oil pressure light doesn't come one when I start the car (Honda Civic 1997 LX--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, bad switch, 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?

Also does anyone know a good repairs estimator website, or know how man hours to put in a replacement engine for 97 Civic LX?


Thanks for any assistance.

 

[RichardCrainium]

You should be able to swap yourself. Check the bulb first then pull the oil filter off the car and look inside it to see if you see any metal shavings. Stick your finger in the whole and look closely at your finger. If it looks glittery or like metal flake then your not in good shape and the motor is on its way out. Does the light come on with key on engine off?