Engine oil pressure indicator
Content
Engine oil is an essential working fluid that must be used in any modern ICE vehicle. Thanks to the oil, the engine parts are lubricated, the car functions properly, perfectly coping with the loads put on it. A special system of sensors helps the car owner to monitor the level and condition of engine oil, which sends signals using a special light bulb installed in the passenger compartment on the instrument panel under the “oiler” indicator.
Indicator light: the essence of the work
The signal light illuminates the indicator, made in the form of an oil can. You can find this indicator on the dashboard of any car. This light will only come on if there is a problem with the engine oil supply to the engine. If the indicator beeps, then it is necessary to stop the car, turn off the engine and find out the cause of the alarm.
Features of the sensor system
If the indicator lights up, then there is some problem in the engine oil supply system. The driver is informed about them by a special “electronic engine control unit” or ECM, which all modern cars are equipped with today. This block consists of several sensors, the main ones are two:
- oil pressure sensor;
- oil level sensor.
In the event of a drop in pressure or engine oil level in the engine, the corresponding sensor is triggered. It sends a signal to the control unit, as a result of which a light comes on, illuminating the indicator with the image of an “oiler”.
Features of the indicator
Surely, every car driver noticed that immediately after starting the engine, the “oiler” indicator on the dashboard instantly lights up and continues to glow for a couple of seconds. In the event that the indicator does not go out after this time, it is necessary to turn off the engine and find the reason that will not allow the light to go out, and also try to eliminate it.
It is noteworthy that in the most modern car models, the “oiler” indicator can be highlighted in red and yellow.
In this case, with a red light, the ECM informs the driver that the reason lies in the low level of oil pressure in the engine, and with yellow light, a decrease in the level of the working fluid. Sometimes the indicator may flash, in which case it is necessary to contact the on-board computer, which will provide information about a possible malfunction.
Oiler indicator: why does it light up
It is good if the car is equipped with an on-board computer, but today the fleet of personal vehicles for two/thirds consists of those cars, the design of which does not provide for the presence of a computer device. Therefore, it is still important to know why the engine oil indicator light may come on in one case or another. So, if the indicator lights up:
- At idle during parking, then, most likely, the oil pump broke down, as a result of which the oil pressure in the system decreased;
- At high speeds on the road - in this case, the system may be in perfect order, and the reason for the light bulb to turn on lies in the driver's love for high speeds, at which the oil does not have time to be supplied in the right amount to the engine, which causes its pressure to drop and the corresponding sensor is triggered. In order to test this theory, you need to slow down and see how the sensor bulb behaves.
- After changing the oil - the reason may lie in the leakage of the working fluid from the system. If everything is in order with the tightness of the system, then it is necessary to check the technical condition of the pressure level control sensor itself, perhaps it was he who failed.
- When the engine is cold (especially during the cold season), the oil most likely froze and became too viscous, which makes it difficult for the pump to pump lubricant through the system. Most likely, after the engine warms up and the oil becomes the proper consistency, the light will go out on its own.
- When the engine is hot, there can be several reasons at once, this is either insufficient pressure in the system, or a low oil level, or wear of the lubricating fluid.
Checking the engine oil level
In order to check the oil level, in the engine compartment of a car with an internal combustion engine, you need to find a tube leading to the crankcase bath with engine oil. A special probe with notches is inserted into it, indicating the minimum and maximum levels. With this dipstick, you can independently determine at what level the working fluid is.
How to determine the oil level
In order to establish at what level the lubricating fluid is in the system, it is necessary:
- find the most even surface, drive onto it, turn off the engine, and then wait a bit (5-10 minutes) so that the oil spreads evenly over the crankcase;
- open the hood cover, find the tube, remove the dipstick from it and wipe it thoroughly, then insert it into place and remove it again;
- carefully look at what level the oil boundary remained noticeable.
If the oil boundary is right in the middle between the mark of the minimum level “Min” and the maximum level “Max”, then everything is in perfect order with the liquid level in the system. If the oil limit is at or below the minimum mark, then the liquid must be added.
In addition, using the probe, you can determine the condition of the lubricating fluid and understand whether it is time to replace it with a new one. To do this, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of transparency of the oil, if it is too low, and the liquid has a color close to black, then the engine oil must be changed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will have to capitalize the engine or change it entirely.
How to determine oil pressure
To check the oil pressure in the engine, you must use a special device called a pressure gauge, you can buy it at any specialized store. It is necessary to measure the oil level in the system at the operating temperature of the engine, which varies from 50 to 130 degrees Celsius. To do this, the pressure sensor is unscrewed and a pressure gauge is installed in its place, after which the engine is started, and the readings of the device are taken first at low and then at the highest speed, which gives the engine. "Normal" is considered an average pressure, which ranges from 3,5 to 5 bar. This indicator is normal for both gasoline and diesel engines.
Is it possible to continue driving with the indicator light on?
The short answer to this question is “no”! It is forbidden to continue driving with the “oiler” indicator lit in accordance with the current traffic regulations and the recommendations of car manufacturers. You can independently check the oil level and, if necessary, replenish it, then look at the indicator and if it turns off, you can continue driving. If not, then you need to call a tow truck.
Summing up
The "oil can" indicator light can light up for a variety of reasons, almost all of them are described in detail above. To them, you can add clogging / contamination of the oil filter, which you can change yourself, as well as add lubricant to the system. It is not safe to continue driving a broken car, which should never be forgotten, even if you are in a hurry somewhere!
