What Causes the Oil Can Light to Illuminate?
4 Answers
The oil can light indicates the engine oil warning light. Reasons for the oil light illumination include insufficient oil level, excessively high engine temperature, damaged oil pump components, and clogged oil filter. The details are as follows: Insufficient oil level: Insufficient oil volume or air ingress preventing oil pumping can lead to a drop in oil pressure. Excessively high engine temperature: An overheated engine may thin the oil, causing significant loss and resulting in decreased oil pressure. Damaged oil pump components: Worn or damaged oil pump parts, improper assembly, or excessive clearance can prevent the oil pump from delivering adequate oil. Another factor is improper clearance between the crankshaft and bearing shells. Clogged oil filter: Blockages in the oil filter or oil pickup screen. Upon noticing the oil light, immediate inspection is necessary to avoid unnecessary malfunctions. Check the engine oil level and lubrication circulation system. Some motorcycles trigger this warning light when oil is insufficient or lubrication is inadequate.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered the oil can light coming on several times, mostly due to insufficient engine oil. Oil consumption happens over long-term driving, especially noticeable in older cars or during long trips in hot weather. It could also be a faulty oil pump that lacks the strength to pump the oil up, or a clogged oil filter restricting oil flow. The last time the light suddenly came on while I was on the highway, I immediately pulled over, checked the dipstick, and saw the oil was almost gone. Luckily, I had a spare bottle of oil to top it up. If the light still doesn't go off, you should be cautious—it might be a sensor malfunction or severe internal wear, requiring an immediate trip to the repair shop to avoid engine damage from lack of lubrication, which can be very costly to fix. For safety, developing a habit of checking the oil level before every drive is a smart move.
Last time I went grocery shopping, the oil can light came on and it was really nerve-wracking! I pulled over to check the dipstick, and the oil level wasn’t low, but the light stayed on. After calling a friend, I learned it might be due to dirty or degraded oil affecting the pressure sensor. As a busy office worker, I often neglect maintenance. This time, I had to call a tow truck to get it checked at the shop. Turns out, an oil change was needed, costing just a few hundred bucks to fix. That warning light is no joke—it signals an engine lubrication issue, and driving with it on could cause serious damage. Now, I make sure to change the oil regularly and keep a small bottle of oil in the car for emergencies. If this happens to you, stay calm—safely pulling over is key. Don’t risk driving further just to save time.
I often maintain my car by myself. When the oil light comes on, my first reaction is to pop the hood and check if the dipstick shows low oil level. If the oil level is sufficient but the light remains on, it could indicate a faulty sensor or a short circuit in the wiring. I remember one time when the light came on, I used tools to measure the pressure and found that the oil pump's efficiency had decreased. Replacing the part fixed the issue. New car owners should not attempt to imitate this casually, as mistakes can easily damage the engine. Other possible causes include a clogged oil filter or expired oil. The light indicates insufficient oil pressure, and failing to address it promptly can lead to increased wear and higher repair costs. Now, during every maintenance session, I clean the related components to prevent small issues from turning into big troubles.
