What Causes the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light to Illuminate?

[Cruz]

The engine oil pressure warning light may illuminate due to the following reasons: 1. Insufficient engine oil level, which reduces the oil pump's output or prevents it from pumping oil due to air intake, leading to a drop in oil pressure. 2. Overheating of the engine, which can thin the oil, causing it to leak excessively through the gaps and resulting in decreased oil pressure. 3. Clogged oil filter or oil suction screen, which reduces oil supply and lowers oil pressure. 4. Oil leaks or blockages in the oil passages. Here are the steps to take when the oil pressure warning light comes on: 1. First, turn on the hazard warning lights, shift to neutral, coast to the roadside, and turn off the engine. 2. Open the engine hood, pull out the dipstick, and check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, try to top it up before continuing your journey. 3. If the oil level is normal, check the oil viscosity. Dip your thumb and forefinger into the oil and pull them apart; there should be a 2-3mm oil thread between them. If not, the oil viscosity is too low. 4. If the oil level and viscosity are normal but the oil pressure warning light remains on after starting the engine, it indicates internal engine issues such as a faulty oil pump, clogged oil passages, excessive bearing wear, blocked oil filter, malfunctioning oil pressure relief valve, or a fault in the warning light control circuit. In such cases, the vehicle should be taken to a repair shop immediately for inspection.