Why is the engine oil indicator light on in the car?
2 Answers
The reasons for the engine oil indicator light being on in the car: 1. Insufficient engine oil quantity, leading to reduced oil pumping by the oil pump or failure to pump oil due to air intake, resulting in a drop in oil pressure and triggering the oil light alarm; 2. Malfunction of the oil pressure switch; 3. Fault in the wiring between the oil pressure switch and the instrument panel; 4. Insufficient pressure in the engine's internal lubrication system. When the ignition is turned on, the oil indicator light on the instrument panel should be lit. After the engine starts, the oil indicator light should go off. If it remains lit, first check whether the engine oil is insufficient. If the oil level is normal, inspect the oil warning switch and wiring for any issues. If none of the above problems are found, it is advisable to visit a repair shop to check for engine and oil pump issues.
That day when I was driving home, suddenly the oil warning light came on, and my heart skipped a beat. This could be because the oil level is too low—simply put, there's not enough oil in the tank, and when the quantity is too low, the pressure drops, naturally triggering the warning light. It could also be due to an oil leak. I once checked a friend's car and found cracks in the oil pipe or chassis, causing oil to slowly leak out. Another possibility is issues with the oil pump or filter, such as a broken pump failing to supply oil or a clogged filter preventing oil flow. A false alarm from the sensor is also possible, but don’t take it lightly. The worst-case scenario is increased internal engine wear, leading to insufficient oil pressure. It’s advised to pull over immediately and check the dipstick. If the oil level is normal, top it up a bit. If the light stays on, it indicates a serious problem—head to a repair shop right away. Delaying could lead to engine seizure or severe damage, costing thousands to fix.
