Why does the oil pressure light come on at idle but goes off when accelerating?

[LaTaylor]

The oil pressure light, also known as the oil warning light, illuminates when the oil pressure is insufficient. If the oil light comes on at idle but goes off when accelerating, the most likely cause is a malfunctioning oil pump. However, before checking the oil pump for faults, it's advisable to first inspect simpler and more easily identifiable issues such as whether the oil level is sufficient and whether the viscosity of the oil used meets the required specifications. Below is an introduction to the function of the oil pump: How the oil pump works: Most oil pumps are driven by the crankshaft via a belt or gears, meaning the oil pump starts working as soon as the engine is started. The oil pump is responsible for pumping oil from the oil pan through the oil passages to the upper parts of the engine, such as the camshaft, ensuring that components are adequately lubricated during high-speed operation. Types of oil pumps: There are two types of oil pumps: rotor pumps and gear pumps. At idle, they can provide oil pressure of around 300 kPa. If the oil pressure is too low, some engine components may not receive sufficient lubrication, leading to increased wear.