What Causes the Oil Can Light to Illuminate?
3 Answers
The reasons for the oil can light to illuminate are as follows: 1. Insufficient engine 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. 2. Damaged or malfunctioning oil return valve: If the main oil passage's return valve spring is fatigued, softened, improperly adjusted, or if the valve seat and steel ball's mating surface is worn or stuck by debris, causing improper sealing, the return oil volume increases significantly, and the main oil passage's pressure drops accordingly. 3. Incorrect oil selection: Using the wrong oil or an inappropriate grade can cause excessive leakage due to low oil viscosity during engine operation, resulting in reduced oil pressure. 4. Overheating engine: Excessive scale in the cooling system, poor heat dissipation, prolonged overloading, or delayed fuel injection timing can cause the engine to overheat, accelerating oil aging, degradation, and thinning, leading to leakage through various clearances, pressure drop, and illumination of the oil fault light.
During a long-distance drive, the oil can light suddenly came on, so I immediately pulled over. The cause could be insufficient oil that wasn't topped up in time, or a failing oil pump leading to low pressure. After inspection, it turned out the oil filter was clogged, restricting oil flow, and replacing the part solved the issue. Continuing to drive could have quickly destroyed the engine, leading to a costly repair of several thousand dollars. Common triggers include older vehicles leaking oil or neglecting regular oil level checks. Now, I've made it a habit to check the oil level monthly and top it up before long trips. Safety first—when the light comes on, don't hesitate to stop immediately and call a professional. Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine; running low on it has serious consequences. Developing preventive habits is crucial.
I've handled quite a few cases of oil pressure warning light illumination during work. Typically, the issue stems from insufficient oil lowering the pressure, triggering the light when the oil level drops below the marked line. Other common causes include oil pump failure or sensor false alarms, such as loose connections. I usually start by checking the oil level with the dipstick, and if that doesn't help, I proceed with diagnostic tools. Sometimes, clogged filters or poor oil quality can also be the culprits. Immediate engine shutdown is crucial, as continuing to drive could lead to bearing damage and expensive engine overhauls. For prevention, I recommend changing the oil and filter every 5,000 kilometers, and regularly cleaning the engine compartment to reduce dust accumulation issues. Proper maintenance significantly reduces problems and lowers risks.
