What Causes the Engine Oil Warning Light to Illuminate?
1 Answers
The engine oil warning light may illuminate due to the following reasons: 1. Insufficient oil level. This could be caused by "oil burning" or normal oil consumption. When the oil level is low, the oil pump's output decreases accordingly, ultimately leading to a drop in oil pressure that triggers the warning light. 2. Overheated engine. Prolonged aggressive driving keeps the engine under high temperature and heavy load conditions. Even with sufficient oil, excessive heat thins the oil, causing it to leak through gaps and resulting in reduced oil pressure. 3. Faulty oil pump. Excessive wear or improper assembly of the oil pump components creates excessive gaps, causing abnormal operation. If the pump fails to deliver oil or delivers insufficient oil, the warning light will activate. 4. Incorrect oil selection. Using oil with a lower grade or viscosity that doesn't match the manufacturer's specifications can also lead to oil leaks and insufficient oil pressure, triggering the warning. 5. Improper clearance between crankshaft bearings. Owners who have undergone major engine repairs should check for assembly issues—excessive tightness increases oil pressure, while excessive looseness decreases it. When the oil warning light comes on, immediate repair is crucial. Continuing to drive without identifying the cause may lead to severe engine damage such as cylinder scuffing or crankshaft seizure, necessitating a major engine overhaul.
