Your car’s oil light is a critical warning sign for any possible problems with the lubrication system. This light flickering on and off might indicate an issue that must be fixed immediately.
Here are the ten likely causes of your oil light going on and off, along with recommended fixes for each problem. You may take the necessary steps to preserve your vehicle’s efficiency and avert expensive engine damage by being aware of these typical reasons.
The oil light may flash on and off for several reasons, including low oil levels, a damaged oil pressure relief valve, a worn or damaged oil pump, clogged oil passages, electrical problems, incorrect oil viscosity, engine wear, and oil filter problems.
1. Low Oil Level
Oil consumption, leakage, or irregular oil changes may all contribute to low oil levels, reducing the engine’s oil amount. Due to this low amount, the oil pump may struggle to maintain proper pressure, resulting in the oil light flashing intermittently.
Regularly check the oil measurement using the dipstick to remedy this problem, and fill up with the proper engine oil if required. Check the engine for leaks, which may happen around seals, gaskets, or other components, if the oil level lowers fast or regularly.
Additionally, ensure you adhere to the suggested oil change intervals listed in the owner’s handbook of your car. Sludge accumulation may decrease oil levels, which can also be prevented by regular oil changes, preserving engine health.
2. Failure of the Oil Pressure Sensor
The dashboard and car’s computer get data from the oil pressure sensor, which monitors the engine’s pressure. Even if the oil pressure is within permissible ranges, a broken sensor might provide false data and turn on the oil light.
A scan tool or a multimeter is often needed to examine a sensor’s resistance, voltage output, or interface with the car’s computer. It will be necessary to replace the sensor if it is the problem. Use a high-quality replacement sensor to guarantee accurate readings and avoid any problems.
3. A damaged or worn-out oil pump
The oil pump is in charge of maintaining optimum oil pressure and distributing oil throughout the engine. The oil light may flash on and off because an oil pump that is worn down or broken may find it difficult to maintain constant pressure. Age, flaws in the manufacturing process, or oil particles may all cause pumps to wear out.
A technician must check the oil pump for wear, damage, or debris to fix this problem. If the pump is determined to be defective, it must be changed, which may be a challenging process that normally calls for expert assistance. To avoid more problems, it’s essential to identify why the pump failed.
4. Obstructions in Oil Passages
Sludge and debris may build up in the engine over time and block oil passageways, reducing oil flow and resulting in changes in oil pressure. Insufficient oil changes, using inferior oil, or other engine problems like poor combustion or excessive blow-by may cause clogged oil passageways.
An engine flush may be required to remove the buildup and restore adequate oil flow to resolve this issue. To address the underlying cause of the accumulation, more involved engine repairs could sometimes be required, such as replacing worn piston rings or fixing problems with the valve guides. The accumulation of sludge and debris may be avoided by performing regular oil changes and using high-quality engine oil.
5. Electricity Problems
The oil light may flicker due to a faulty or loose electrical connection in the oil pressure system. Look for any problems in the wiring and connections connected to the oil pressure sensor and dashboard indication, such as rusted connectors, frayed wires, or broken insulation.
These electrical problems may be fixed by tightening or fixing connections, cleaning corroded terminals, or changing out faulty wires. If the issue continues, a more thorough examination of the wiring or dashboard gauge of the car could be required. Even when the oil pressure is acceptable, a broken dashboard gauge sometimes might provide false readings or turn on the oil light.
6. Unsuitable Oil Viscosity
The performance of your car might be impacted by using the incorrect engine oil, which can also impact oil pressure. According to the owner’s handbook, each vehicle has a recommended oil viscosity based on the performance requirements, temperature range, and engine design.
Variations in oil pressure brought on by using oil with an excessively high or excessively low viscosity might result in sporadic oil light activation. Use the full oil viscosity for your vehicle to fix this problem, and replace any erroneous oil with the right kind at your subsequent oil change.
7. Engine Wear
Low oil pressure may result from excessive wear on engine parts such as bearings, camshafts, and crankshafts. High-mileage or poorly maintained automobiles are more likely to experience this.
The oil pressure may decrease due to wear and tear on the engine’s internal clearances, turning on the oil light. A qualified technician must examine the engine and assess the degree of wear to solve this problem. To restore adequate oil pressure and stop additional damage, it may sometimes be required to substantially replace or repair an engine.
8. Defective or Obstructed Oil Pressure Relief Valve
A vital part that assists in maintaining constant oil pressure by releasing extra pressure when required is the oil pressure relief valve. Changes in oil pressure may activate the oil light if it is broken or clogged.
A technician will need to check the oil pressure relief valve for damage, debris, or incorrect functioning to resolve this problem. Depending on the individual problem, the valve will either need to be replaced or cleaned if it is discovered to be defective.
9. Issues with Oil Filters
Oil pressure swings may be brought on by an oil filter that is blocked or broken, which prevents oil from flowing freely through the engine. A blocked, filthy filter may impede oil flow and lessen the efficacy of the lubricating system by accumulating impurities.
Check and change the oil filter at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals, or sooner if you suspect a problem, to fix this issue. Regular oil changes, which often include replacing the oil filter, may help avoid problems caused by the filter.
10. An inaccurate dashboard gauge
The dashboard gauge may sometimes be the problem rather than the oil pressure or sensor. If the gauge is broken, it could show inaccurate oil pressure readings, turning on and off the oil light.
It may be difficult to diagnose a broken dashboard gauge since it may call for the use of specialist diagnostic equipment and an understanding of the car’s electrical system. If the gauge is the problem, it must be fixed or replaced.
In certain circumstances, replacing the whole instrument cluster could be necessary, while in others, a simple fix or change might be sufficient. To identify and fix a broken dashboard gauge, seek the advice of a qualified technician.
Conclusion
The intermittently going on and off oil, light might indicate a problem with your car’s lubricating system. Low oil levels, defective oil pressure sensors, worn or damaged oil pumps, blocked oil passageways, electrical problems, the wrong oil viscosity, engine wear, faulty oil pressure relief valves, faulty oil filters, and broken dashboard gauges are some common reasons.
Many of these problems may be avoided with routine maintenance, which includes monitoring and topping up the oil level, replacing the oil and filter at regular intervals, and using the right oil viscosity. Consult a qualified technician for aid in identifying and fixing the issue if the oil light keeps coming on or you are unclear about its source.