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

[McKeira]

The oil pressure light, also known as the oil warning light, illuminates when there is insufficient oil pressure. If the light comes on during idle but turns off when accelerating, the most likely cause is a malfunctioning oil pump. However, before checking the oil pump, 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: 1. 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 delivering oil from the oil pan through oil passages to components like the camshaft, ensuring adequate lubrication during high-speed operation. 2. Types of oil pumps: There are two main types of oil pumps—rotor pumps and gear pumps. At idle, they typically provide oil pressure around 300 kPa. If the oil pressure is too low, some components may not receive sufficient lubrication, leading to increased wear and tear.