Oil Pump

The oil pump provides the pressure needed to keep the oil circulating throughout the engine’s moving parts; it pumps oil throughout the engine.

1. Your oil pressure light comes on. If your oil pressure light comes on, check your oil. If the level is good and your car isn’t making any clattering noises, it could be a problem with the oil pressure switch, more of a communication issue; not a problem with the actual oil pressure. If the oil level is good and you vehicle is making a clattering noise, you could have an issue with your oil pump or something else may be restricting the flow of oil.

NOTE: If you have low oil pressure, don’t automatically assume you have an oil pump problem. Low oil pressure could be caused by multiple things such as a clogged oil filter or by putting the wrong oil in your car. Low pressure could also be caused by a worn out engine in which case, you might as well get a new car.

If someone is telling you that your oil pump is bad, make sure you get a second opinion. Anything is possible, but an oil pump usually doesn’t go bad on its own, so make sure that your oil pump is really bad before you pay the large amount of money to replace it.

Oil pumps are a pretty expensive thing to replace and you probably are replacing more than just an oil pump if your vehicle gets to the point where it needs replaced. Very rarely does an oil pump go bad on its own. The labor costs will probably be high since it’s usually a hard part to access in your engine. An oil pump replacement will cost you anywhere from $400 – $1500. To get an accurate estimate for your car go www.repairpal.com.