What are the reasons for the flashing engine oil light?
2 Answers
There are 5 main reasons for the flashing engine oil light: 1. Excessive oil viscosity or overly high high-temperature resistance: Oil viscosity is related to oil quality. The higher the viscosity, the stronger the oil's high-temperature resistance. However, higher viscosity is not always better. It's important to use an oil grade that matches the engine. 2. Pressure relief valve blockage causing abnormal oil pressure: To prevent excessive oil pressure in the lubrication system that would increase engine power consumption and cause leaks at sealed connections, a pressure relief valve is installed in the main oil passage or oil pump. Its function is to limit the oil pressure in the lubrication system to not exceed the specified value. A faulty pressure relief valve can cause abnormal oil pressure, triggering the oil light. 3. Insufficient oil quantity leading to decreased oil pressure: This reduces the oil pump's output, lowering oil pressure. The crankshaft and bearings, cylinder liners and pistons will experience increased wear due to poor lubrication. 4. Overheating engine accelerating oil aging and thinning, causing leaks through clearances: Excessive scale in the cooling system, poor heat dissipation, prolonged overload operation, or delayed fuel injection timing can cause engine overheating. This accelerates oil aging, deterioration, and thinning, leading to leaks through clearances, pressure drops, and illumination of the oil warning light. 5. Clogged oil filter causing bypass valve to open, allowing unfiltered oil into the main oil passage: When the oil filter is clogged and cannot flow, the bypass valve in its base opens, allowing oil to enter the main passage unfiltered. If the bypass valve's opening pressure is set too high or too low, the oil pump pressure will rise or fall accordingly, triggering the warning light.
What I fear most when driving is seeing the oil light flash, mainly for several reasons. Insufficient oil level is the most common; if the dipstick shows low, topping up the oil might solve the problem. However, sometimes it's due to a faulty oil pump that can't build up pressure, causing the light to flash, which requires professional inspection. Sensor issues can also trigger false alarms, especially in older vehicles. Clogged oil passages or a dirty filter can reduce flow, leading to flashing. Additionally, excessive engine wear or leaks can cause unstable oil pressure. In such cases, I must immediately pull over and check to avoid major engine damage requiring overhaul. Regular oil and filter changes can prevent many issues; it's recommended to service the car every 5,000 kilometers to keep it in good health.
