What Causes the Oil Can Light to Illuminate?

[IsabelleMarie]

There are several reasons why the oil can light on the car dashboard may illuminate: 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. Damage to oil pump components or excessive gaps due to wear and tear or improper assembly, which can lead to the oil pump failing to deliver oil or delivering insufficient oil. 4. Improper clearance between the crankshaft and the bearings (big and small), where too tight a fit increases oil pressure and too loose a fit decreases it. 5. Clogging of the oil filter or oil pickup screen, which can reduce oil pressure. 6. Leaks or blockages in the oil lines.