What are the reasons for the oil pump light to come on?
2 Answers
The reasons for the oil pump light to come on are as follows:1. Pressure relief valve blockage: To prevent excessive oil pressure in the lubrication system, which increases engine power consumption and causes oil leaks at sealed connections, a pressure relief valve is installed in the main oil passage or oil pump. A malfunctioning pressure relief valve will result in abnormal oil pressure.2. Insufficient oil volume: If the oil volume is insufficient, the oil pump's output will decrease or fail to pump oil due to air intake, leading to a drop in oil pressure and causing the oil light to illuminate.3. Engine overheating: Excessive engine temperature accelerates the aging, deterioration, and thinning of the oil, causing it to leak from various fitting gaps and reducing pressure.4. Oil filter blockage: When the oil filter is blocked and cannot circulate, the bypass valve on its base opens, allowing oil to enter the main oil passage without filtration. If the opening pressure of the bypass valve is set too high or too low, the oil pump pressure will rise or fall accordingly.
Last time I saw the oil pressure warning light come on while driving on the highway, I immediately pulled over to check. This warning light looks like a small teapot, and when it illuminates, it indicates insufficient oil pressure. The most common cause is low engine oil level. When I opened the hood and checked the dipstick, sure enough, it was below the minimum mark. However, it could also be due to a faulty oil pump, a clogged oil filter restricting oil flow, using oil with incorrect viscosity, or false alarms from aging sensor wiring. Later, I checked the repair manual and learned that worn oil pump gears reducing pumping efficiency is another common reason. When encountering this situation, you must stop and inspect immediately. Otherwise, severe engine damage like cylinder scoring could occur, potentially costing tens of thousands in major repairs.
