Why does the oil light come on when there is enough oil?
2 Answers
The oil light may come on even when there is sufficient oil due to reasons such as excessively high engine temperature. The specific possible causes are as follows: 1. Excessively high engine temperature: This can easily thin the oil, causing it to leak excessively through the gaps and leading to a drop in oil pressure. 2. Damage or wear to oil pump components, or assembly issues: These can result in the oil pump failing to deliver oil or delivering insufficient oil. 3. Improper clearance between the crankshaft and bearings: If the clearance is too tight, oil pressure may increase; if too loose, oil pressure may decrease. 4. Failure or malfunction of the oil return valve: If the main oil gallery return valve spring is fatigued, softened, or improperly adjusted, or if the valve seat and ball bearing mating surface is worn or stuck by debris, preventing proper sealing, the return oil volume will increase significantly, leading to a drop in the main oil gallery pressure.
I encountered the same situation last time I drove. The engine oil was clearly full, but the oil light suddenly came on. Actually, the oil light doesn't just monitor the oil level; it's more concerned with oil pressure. When the oil pressure is too low, the light will come on. This could be due to a faulty oil pump failing to generate sufficient pressure, or the oil passages being clogged with dirt, causing poor oil flow. Sometimes, a malfunctioning sensor can also trigger a false alarm. Don't take it lightly—continuing to drive with insufficient engine lubrication can easily lead to engine damage. Stop the car immediately and find a shop to have a mechanic check the oil pressure readings with the right tools. Regularly changing the oil filter during maintenance can help reduce this issue.
