What is the fault when the oil light occasionally flashes?
2 Answers
The reasons for the oil light flashing 1. Engine overheating: Engine overheating causes the oil to become too thin, resulting in insufficient oil pressure. At this time, the oil light will flash continuously. 2. Excessive oil viscosity: The viscosity of the oil is closely related to its quality. The higher the viscosity, the better the oil's resistance to high temperatures. However, higher viscosity is not always better; you should use oil that matches your engine. 3. Insufficient oil quantity: This reduces the oil pump's output or causes it to fail to pump oil due to air intake, leading to a drop in oil pressure. 4. Clogged oil filter: When the oil filter is clogged and not circulating, the bypass valve on its base opens, allowing oil to enter the main oil passage without filtration. If the opening pressure of the bypass valve is set too high or too low, the oil pump's pressure will rise or fall, which can also cause the warning light to come on.
I noticed the oil light flashing last time when driving on the highway at midnight. In your case, it's most likely due to low oil level—insufficient oil pump pressure during cold starts can cause the light to flash. It's advisable to stop immediately and check the oil dipstick; if it's below the midline, top up some oil. For older cars, also consider minor filter clogging or oil pump wear issues. My neighbor's car with 150,000 kilometers had the light flashing at idle due to excessive clearance in the oil pump vanes. Neglecting this long-term could lead to cylinder scoring. If the light flashes, it's best to visit a repair shop within three days to test the actual oil pressure.
