Engine oil pressure light

Everyone knows that engine oil is necessary for the normal operation of the engine. Without it, internal combustion engine elements are subjected to increased mechanical and thermal loads, which can lead to engine failure. Problems with oil level or pressure in a diesel or gasoline engine are warned by the driver's pressure light located on the dashboard.

What is a light bulb

The oil can gauge was invented to monitor the oil pressure in the system, as well as its level. It is located on the dashboard and is associated with special sensors, the task of which is to constantly monitor the level and pressure. If the oiler lights up, you need to turn off the engine and look for the cause of the malfunction.

The location of the low oil pressure indicator may vary, but the icon is the same on all vehicles.

Device Features

An oil pressure indicator indicates problems with the engine's oil system. But how does the machine know? The ECU (electronic engine control unit) is connected to two sensors, one of which is responsible for constantly monitoring the oil pressure in the engine, and the other for the level of lubricating fluid, the so-called electronic dipstick (not used in all models) machines). In the event of a malfunction, one or another sensor gives a signal that “turns on the oiler”.

How does work

If everything is in order with the pressure / level, then when the engine is started, the oil pressure lamp lights up only for a short time and immediately goes out. If the indicator remains active, then it's time to look for the problem and the fastest ways to fix it. On modern cars, the "oiler" may be red (low engine oil pressure) or yellow (low level), in some cases it may flash. If the above problems occur, a description of the malfunction may also be displayed on the on-board computer screen.

Why does the light bulb turn on

Sometimes the on-board computer can duplicate the error message and provide more detailed information.

There are several reasons why the light bulb lights up. Let's take a look at the most common ones below. In all situations, the problem can be related to a faulty oil level/pressure sensor indicating a pressure problem in diesel and gasoline engines.

Idle

If the oiler does not turn off after starting the engine, we recommend checking the oil pressure immediately. Most likely the oil pump has failed (or is starting to fail).

On the move (at high speeds)

The oil pump cannot generate the required pressure under heavy load. The reason may be the desire of the driver to go fast. Many engines at high speeds "eat" oil. When checking with a dipstick, the lack of oil is not noticeable, but for electronics, a sharp drop in level, even by 200 grams, is a very important "event", so the lamp lights up.

After oil change

It also happens that the oil in the engine seems to have been changed, but the “oiler” is still on. The most logical reason is that oil is leaking from the system. If everything is normal and does not leave the system, then you need to check the oil level sensor. The problem may be in the pressure in the system.

On a cold engine

A malfunction may occur if an oil of an inappropriate viscosity for the engine is filled in. At first it is thick and it is difficult for the pump to pump it through the system, and after heating it becomes more liquid and normal pressure is created; as a result, the lamp goes out.

On a hot engine

If the oiler remains on after the engine has warmed up, this could indicate several reasons. Firstly, it is a rather low level / pressure of the oil itself; the second is oil of the wrong viscosity; thirdly, the wear of the lubricating fluid.

How to check the oil level

A special sealed tube is provided in the engine compartment, which connects directly to the crankcase oil bath. A dipstick is inserted into this tube, on which measuring marks are applied showing the oil level in the system; specify the minimum and maximum levels.

The shape and location of the dipstick may vary, but the principle of checking the fluid level in the engine remains the same as in the last century.

Oil must be measured according to certain rules:

1. The machine must be installed on a level surface so that it is evenly distributed over the crankcase.
2. You need to take action with the engine off, you need to leave it off for about five minutes so that oil can enter the crankcase.
3. Next, you need to remove the dipstick, clean it of oil and then insert it again and remove it again and then look at the level.

It is considered normal if the level is in the middle, between the "Min" and "Max" marks. It is worth adding oil only when the level is below "Min" or a few millimeters below the middle. Oil should not be black. Otherwise, it must be replaced.

The level is determined very easily. If you do not see a clear level on the dipstick, the check technology may be broken or there is too little oil.

How to check pressure

How to check engine oil pressure? It's simple, for this there is a manometer. It is very easy to use. The engine must first be brought to operating temperature and then stopped. Next you need to find the oil pressure sensor - it is located on the engine. This sensor must be unscrewed, and a pressure gauge must be installed in its place. Then we start the engine and check the pressure, first at idle, and then at high speeds.

What oil pressure should be in the engine? When idling, a pressure of 2 bar is considered normal, and high - 4,5-6,5 bar. It should be noted that the pressure in the diesel engine is in the same range.

Can you drive with the light on?

If the “oiler” on the dashboard lights up, further movement of the car is prohibited. First of all, you need to understand what the oil level is now, and top it up if necessary.

The pressure / oil level warning lamp may light up in various cases: too little oil in the system, pressure has disappeared (the oil filter is clogged, the oil pump is faulty), the sensors themselves are faulty. It is not recommended to operate the car when the indicator is on.