What Causes the Engine Oil Light to Flash?

[AryaAnn]

Reasons for the engine oil light flashing: 1. Excessive oil viscosity: The viscosity of the oil is closely related to its quality. The higher the viscosity, the better the oil's resistance to high temperatures, and vice versa. However, higher viscosity does not always mean better performance; the oil grade should match the engine specifications. 2. Blocked or improperly adjusted pressure relief valve: To prevent excessive oil pressure in the lubrication system, which increases engine power consumption and causes leaks at sealed connections in the oil circuit, 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 within the specified range. A faulty pressure relief valve can lead to abnormal oil pressure, causing the oil light to illuminate. 3. Insufficient oil level: This reduces the oil pump's output or prevents it from pumping oil due to air intake, leading to a drop in oil pressure. As a result, the crankshaft and bearings, as well as the cylinder liners and pistons, experience increased wear due to inadequate lubrication.

[RuthDella]

That time when I was driving home, the oil pressure light suddenly started flashing, which made me panic. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and checked the oil dipstick under the hood, only to find the oil level was dangerously low. After adding a spare bottle of engine oil I had on hand, the light stopped flashing. This situation is mostly caused by excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. Ignoring it could lead to insufficient engine lubrication, causing overheating, wear, and even requiring a complete engine overhaul. I've made it a habit to check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months, observing if the oil has darkened or thinned out, and changing it when necessary. This practice saves both worry and money – last time I neglected it for just a few weeks and ran into trouble. In short, if the light flashes, stop immediately with safety as the top priority; don't push your luck by continuing to drive.

[ChristopherRose]

As someone who frequently works on cars, when I see the oil light flash, my first thought is whether the oil pressure has dropped. It could be due to low oil level, a clogged oil pump, or a faulty sensor. The simplest step is to park the car and pull out the dipstick to check the oil level—if it's below the minimum mark, just top it up. If the level is normal, check if the oil filter is clogged—I've replaced mine a few times, and doing it myself takes about ten minutes—it's cheap and convenient. If the oil is dirty, it's best to replace it entirely to avoid clogged oil passages and engine seizure. During my quarterly maintenance routine, I always inspect the oil system to keep it clean and prevent unexpected issues on the road. Don’t underestimate that flashing light—if you drive too long with poor engine lubrication, the temperature can rise and damage components, leading to expensive repairs.

[LePeter]

Having driven for a lifetime, I've encountered the oil light flashing on numerous occasions. In my younger days, I was careless and ignored it, only to have the engine smoke after driving a few dozen kilometers, costing me thousands in repairs. Now that I'm older, I'm more cautious—the moment I see the light flash, I stop and turn off the engine immediately. Usually, it's just low oil, and adding some solves the problem; it could also be a worn oil pump or loose wiring. Older cars are especially prone to this issue, while newer ones are designed better. Remember to pop the hood every month and check the oil dipstick, topping up if it's low. This habit keeps your car safe and saves you money and hassle.