What is the solution when the engine oil indicator light comes on and then goes off?
3 Answers
The solution when the engine oil indicator light comes on and then goes off is: 1. Replace with high-quality engine oil; 2. Replace the oil pump; 3. Check the clearance between the crankshaft and the connecting rod bearings. The reasons why the engine oil indicator light comes on and then goes off are: 1. Insufficient engine oil level, which reduces the oil pump's output or causes air intake, leading to a drop in oil pressure; 2. Overheating of the engine, which can thin the oil, causing excessive loss through clearance gaps and resulting in low oil pressure; 3. Damage to oil pump components or excessive clearance due to wear or improper assembly, which can cause the oil pump to fail to deliver oil or deliver insufficient oil.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered the oil light flickering on and off many times. It's usually a minor issue, but there are risks. The most common reason is low oil pressure during startup, like when the oil is too thick in cold weather and can't circulate properly until the engine warms up. Or it could be slightly low oil level—just top it up. But be aware of aging sensors; older cars often give false alarms. Once, my old Ford had this issue—the light flickered and went off. I checked the dipstick myself and found no problem, but the mechanic tested the sensor and found abnormal resistance. Replacing it fixed the issue. I recommend checking the oil level after each refuel and having the sensor inspected during maintenance—don’t skip this step, as unstable oil pressure could damage the engine. In short, simple checks can be done yourself, but frequent issues require professional attention.
Last week when I was driving back to my hometown, the engine oil warning light suddenly came on for a few seconds and then went off. I was wondering if something was wrong. Later, I checked the owner's manual, which said this might be caused by an overly sensitive oil pressure sensor or temporary alarm due to oil sloshing during acceleration. I pulled over at a service station, checked the dipstick, and found the oil level was slightly low, so I bought a bottle of oil to top it up. The warning light hasn't appeared since. Now before every long trip, I make it a habit to check the oil level and quality, as aged oil can also affect pressure. In my opinion, don't panic if it happens occasionally, but keep it in mind and remind the mechanic to test the sensor during the next maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Safety comes first when driving, and regular maintenance saves both peace of mind and money.
