What Causes the Red Engine Oil Light?

[AlainaFitz]

Generally, when the engine oil light illuminates in a vehicle, it indicates a fault in the engine's lubrication system. The full name of the oil light is the engine oil pressure indicator. This indicator is used to show whether the oil pressure is normal; if the oil pressure is abnormal, it will light up. Similar to the engine self-check indicator, the oil pressure light also turns on when the vehicle starts. If the oil pressure is normal, it will subsequently turn off. However, if the oil pressure remains abnormal, the light will stay on. In such cases, further inspection of the vehicle is necessary to diagnose the issue. Common causes for the oil pressure light to illuminate include: 1. Insufficient oil level leading to inadequate oil pressure. The oil pump's output decreases, resulting in reduced oil pressure and the illumination of the oil pressure light. It is essential to check for any engine leaks or faults causing oil consumption. 2. A malfunction in the oil pressure sensor itself, causing the vehicle's computer to receive incorrect oil pressure data, thus triggering the oil pressure light. 3. Faults in the wiring harness of the oil pressure sensor, such as open circuits or short circuits, leading to the illumination of the oil pressure light.