What Causes the Engine Oil Light to Flash?
2 Answers
The reasons for the engine oil light flashing are: 1. Low engine oil pressure; 2. Insufficient oil level; 3. Overheating engine; 4. Clogged oil filter; 5. Damaged oil components; 6. Mismatch between oil quality and the required oil type for the vehicle; 7. Damaged oil pipe; 8. Clogged or improperly adjusted pressure relief valve; 9. Damaged or malfunctioning return valve. The consequences of insufficient engine oil are: 1. Engine cylinder scoring; 2. Poor lubrication leading to component wear, while excessive oil can increase operational resistance. The functions of engine oil include lubricating and reducing friction, aiding in cooling, sealing to prevent leaks, preventing rust and corrosion, and acting as a shock absorber.
The flashing oil light is usually a sign of insufficient oil pressure, and I think it could be caused by several common issues. For example, the oil level might be too low. I've checked my car before, and if the dipstick shows the level is below the minimum mark, you need to add oil promptly; otherwise, it can damage the engine. Another possibility is a faulty oil pump or a clogged filter, which prevents the pressure from building up. I've seen repair cases where this requires professional replacement of parts. There's also the chance of a sensor malfunction giving a false alarm—even if there's enough oil, the light flashes. This can be checked with a diagnostic tool. Whatever the case, once the light flashes, I strongly recommend stopping the car immediately, turning off the engine, and checking to avoid engine overheating and failure. Regular maintenance is key to prevention, so I suggest changing the oil and checking fluid levels every 5,000 kilometers.
