What is the fault when the oil light occasionally flashes?

[McCamila]

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.

[DelJayla]

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.

[VanAdriana]

Just after washing the car, the oil light is flashing? It could be water seepage in the sensor connector. But most of the time, it's an issue with oil viscosity—like using summer oil in winter, which has poor low-temperature fluidity, causing insufficient oil supply during startup. Once, my light flashed after maintenance because I used an unsuitable high-viscosity oil. Sludge buildup in the engine blocking the oil pickup can also trigger intermittent warnings, requiring an oil pan cleaning. Remember, don’t wait until the light stays on—occasional flashing means the engine is calling for help.

[LeJesse]

Let me get to the point: The flashing oil light essentially indicates unstable oil pressure. There are four common causes: First, insufficient oil level, causing the oil pump to draw in air; Second, a stuck pressure relief valve in the oil pump leading to pressure fluctuations, especially in vehicles over 10 years old; Third, excessive bearing wear causing pressure loss; Fourth, loose connections in the sensor wiring. The most bizarre case I've encountered during repairs was a slow leak caused by a poorly installed oil filter gasket. You can start by topping up the oil, but if the light continues to flash, a professional inspection is necessary.

[KathrynRose]

This kind of sporadic malfunction is the most dangerous! Last month, my colleague's car had flickering lights that were ignored, and it ended up with a seized camshaft. Don't panic yet: When the engine is hot, turn it off and wait for three minutes, then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and confirm the oil level is between the marks. Check the ground for any oil stains, as an aged oil pan gasket can leak. Vehicles using 5W-30 oil are prone to this issue in winter. Once, during a rescue, I found that the oil pressure sensor wiring harness had been gnawed by a rodent, causing a short circuit and false alarm.