Will the engine malfunction light come on if the engine oil is low?

[McPenelope]

If the engine oil is low, the engine malfunction light will not come on, but the oil warning light will illuminate. The oil warning light is shaped like an oil can with a wavy line underneath. Insufficient engine oil can easily cause engine damage, so it is important to pay attention to this indicator while driving. Below is some relevant information about engine oil: Principle of action: Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in a base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. Engine oil: Engine oil, or engine lubricant, serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine.

[LaKinsley]

After driving for so many years, I can say that low engine oil usually doesn't directly cause the check engine light to come on. The check engine light mostly illuminates due to issues detected by the exhaust system, sensors, or the computer, such as abnormal combustion. However, a severe lack of engine oil can cause a sudden drop in oil pressure, and that's when the small red oil can symbol on the dashboard will definitely light up. This oil pressure light is much more dangerous than the check engine light because insufficient lubrication leads to direct metal-to-metal contact inside the engine. Just driving a few kilometers with low oil can score the crankshaft. I once encountered a driver who kept driving despite the warning, and the entire engine seized up, requiring a major overhaul. That's why it's essential to check the oil dipstick every month, especially for older cars that tend to burn oil. Always check before a long trip.

[MacLukas]

This is a common question we get at auto repair shops. Actually, the check engine light primarily monitors the exhaust and electrical systems, while engine oil level isn't within its detection scope. However, insufficient oil will trigger a separate oil pressure warning light - that red oil can icon. When the oil pump can't draw enough oil, pressure drops below safe levels, forcing the protection system to illuminate the warning light. If driving continues, you might hear engine knocking sounds within half an hour. Turbocharged vehicles require extra caution since turbo bearings rely entirely on oil lubrication. We recommend checking dipstick levels every 5,000 km - if consumption exceeds half a liter, investigate potential leaks or oil burning issues.

[AdelynRose]

I have a 15-year-old car that frequently burns oil quickly. I've noticed that the check engine light never comes on when the oil level is low, but the oil pressure light has illuminated twice. The first time, I didn't know better and kept driving, which resulted in blue smoke coming from the engine. The mechanic explained that these are two completely different systems: the yellow check engine light monitors emissions, while the red oil can light is the lubrication system warning. Since then, I've been checking the oil level with the dipstick every two weeks—making sure it's between the upper and lower marks when the engine is cold is safest. If the oil light comes on, you must stop and turn off the engine immediately, otherwise the connecting rod bearings can seize due to lack of lubrication.