Will My Car Run Without Oil Pressure Sensor?

The oil pressure sensor, also called the oil pressure switch, is installed to monitor the oil level in the engine. Its main job is to report to the connected computer, which in turn activates the oil pressure warning light. But will my car run without oil pressure sensor?

Well, your car can drive without oil pressure sensor, but it’s a very bad idea. If you remove the oil pressure sensor, or it got damaged, basically, what would happen is that the check engine light (for older vehicles) or the oil pressure warning light (on newer vehicles) would constantly stay illuminated on your dashboard.

It is not advisable to drive without an oil pressure sensor, because it could lead to serious damage that would you cost you more money.

Will My Car Run Without Oil Pressure Sensor?

The answer to this question is YES and NO, and that applies to the model/type of car you’re driving. If you’re driving an old model vehicle, even with a bad oil pressure switch, your car is going to start, and definitely, you can drive smoothly.

In contrast, most newer cars are sophisticated; the oil pressure sensor/switch is connected to a computer.

If the sensor is removed, the computer would read that your engine has no oil, and as such, it could prevent your car from starting as a way of protecting your engine from fatal damage due to lack of oil.

So, whether your car would drive or not when the oil pressure sensor is bad (or removed) depends on the model/type of car you own.

But, regardless of your car model, it is not advisable to remove the oil pressure sensor or to not fix it when it goes bad. The pressure plays an important role and could save your engine from impromptu damage.

What Would Happen When You Drive Without Oil Pressure Sensor?

You’re putting your engine at serious risk – fatal damage – when you drive without an oil pressure sensor. This is because, when the oil pressure is bad, the warning light would appear on your dashboard.

Since you already know you got a bad sensor, and that’s why the warning light is on, you may not be too conscious to know when the oil in your engine actually goes low. Apparently, when the oil in your engine is low, it puts the engine at great risk.

Every part of an auto engine is meant to be constantly lubricated – and the only way to keep them lubricated is by adding oil to the engine, when due.

Without oil, friction would increase and probably cause overheating, and over time, cause more damages to the engine.

So, with all explained so far, it’s apparent that driving without oil pressure is highly risky. But, it’s safe to drive for a while – from your location to a mechanic workshop – when you’ve got a bad oil pressure sensor.

How To Know Your Oil Pressure Sensor Is Bad

The most common – and probably the only – sign of a failing oil pressure sensor is the illumination of the oil pressure warning light (or check engine light for older vehicles) on your car dashboard.

So, when any of these lights/icons comes on, you really should check your engine; run troubleshooting to determine the actual reason why the light(s) came on.

But, you should first check your oil level using the dipstick; if you still got enough oil, that’s when to troubleshoot to find the other possible cause(s) that triggered the warning light.

It is important to note that a bad or clogged oil filter could affect the oil pressure sensor readings because the faulty filter would either push more fuel into the engine or restrict oil flow.

What More?

You should craft a maintenance plan and stick to it; also, you need to pay attention to the minor components that make your car move; components like the fuel and oil filters, pressure valves and switches, and other parts that are typically neglected by many drivers.

Summarily, if you’ve got a new model car, you may not be able to start the car if you’ve got a bad oil pressure sensor.

But older cars may start and drive; however, that’s a big risk that could result in costlier damages; always take precautions as regards your car engine.