What is the reason for the engine oil light coming on and then turning off after restarting?
4 Answers
The reason for the engine oil light coming on and then turning off after restarting is: poor contact of the oil sensor or issues with the wiring, it is recommended to have it checked at a professional repair shop. The oil light is a component that monitors oil pressure, and only normal oil pressure can ensure that oil is delivered to all friction surfaces of the engine. If the pressure is too high or too low, it will affect the normal operation of the engine. When the oil light alarm sounds, the engine should be stopped immediately to find the cause, and work can only continue after the fault is resolved. Reasons for the oil light alarm include: insufficient oil quantity, excessively high engine temperature, damage to oil pump components, damage or failure of the return valve, or improper selection of oil.
As someone who works with cars year-round, I've seen many cases where the oil light comes on but the car runs fine after a restart. The most common causes are intermittent failures of the oil pressure sensor (older sensors tend to give false alarms) or slow oil pressure buildup during cold starts, where the oil pump temporarily can't supply enough oil but returns to normal after restarting. However, don't underestimate this issue—it could indicate more serious problems, such as insufficient oil levels, clogged oil passages, or even engine wear leading to oil leaks. I recommend immediately visiting a professional repair shop to check oil pressure and sensor status, and replacing the oil filter to ensure smooth oil flow. Make it a habit to check the dipstick monthly to confirm oil levels aren't below the normal mark, preventing minor oversights from leading to costly engine overhauls.
I just went through this last week! The oil light suddenly flashed while driving, scared me to death. After pulling over and restarting, everything was fine. Later, I found out it was caused by an aging oil pressure sensor, or possibly engine oil that was too thin or had inappropriate viscosity. Now I regularly check the dipstick myself to ensure the oil level is sufficient and the color is clear, saving myself from expensive repairs later. Remember, this light is no joke—if it keeps coming on, you need to test the oil pump or clean the oil lines to prevent the engine from suddenly failing on the highway. Always choose the right viscosity when changing oil, like 5W-30, which suits most cars and reduces issues. Keep maintenance records so you have evidence for the next visit to the repair shop.
The oil light coming on and then going off after restarting is not a minor issue. Common causes include temporary loss of oil pressure, such as when the oil hasn't circulated properly during a cold start, or faulty signals from a sensor with poor contact. As someone with over 20 years of driving experience, I stress the importance of being alert to deeper problems like oil leaks in the system or a clogged oil filter. Immediately check if the oil level is sufficient (using the dipstick) and top it up with the appropriate oil if needed. If the light persists, take the car to a professional for testing to avoid long-term oil starvation and engine wear, which can lead to costly repairs. It's recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers to keep the vehicle well-maintained and safe on the road.
