Cars wouldn’t be what they are today without their engines. In order to function properly, it is made up of a number of different pieces. Lubrication is essential when all of these components are working together in a high-temperature and heavy-load environment. An oil pump ensures that all engine components receive lubrication.
A malfunctioning oil light error signal will appear on the dashboard of your automobile if your car’s ECU detects a problem with the oil. This light may stay on or flicker frequently.
The most prevalent causes of an oil light flashing include:
Separate oil light error colors are available on newer car models, however older models have only one color. When the oil pressure in the engine crankcase is low, the oil light comes on. If you see a yellow or red oil light on your dashboard, it usually implies that you have low oil pressure or a low oil level.
Two sensors, the level sensor and the oil pressure sensor, are responsible for activating the oil light faults, which can be triggered independently. A low-oil pump can still generate appropriate pressure even if the oil level is low. In spite of this, pressure will still be felt even when levels are low because it is exactly proportional to the amount of water in a certain area.
There are many reasons why an engine may not be properly lubricated, such as an oil filter that is blocked or a low oil level.
When the crankcase fails, the low pressure oil light comes on first, followed by the low oil level indication.
Here are some of the more common reasons why an oil light comes on in the dashboard. When the oil light is on, it rarely or never flashes for a variety of reasons. The ones that cause a red oil light to flash will be the ones we concentrate on.
Using a low-quality or incorrect engine oil
Oil light error is one of the most typical reasons for this. The lack of concern on the part of the automobile owner leads to the inappropriate usage of oil viscosity. No, but he also doesn’t consult the owner’s handbook to see what type of oil he should use.
Using a poor-quality or a clogged oil filter
Keeps oil clean by preventing foreign material, dust, and other debris from getting into the engine through the oil filter. When the engine is shut off, the oil filter will store a tiny amount of oil in it to prevent oil starvation.
As soon as the engine is started again, the friction will be done without oil, and this could lead to premature engine wear.
After a few seconds, the low oil light error will turn on and may even flash.
In contrast, if the oil filter is blocked, the check oil pressure light will be triggered most of the time, and it can exhibit odd behavior, such as blinking or turning on and off.
The normal flow of engine oil will be impeded if the oil filter becomes clogged. As a result, the oil pressure in the system drops, and the oil pump’s resources are depleted as a result of the added burden.
A failing or dirty oil pump
It is possible that the water pump will fail and need to be replaced at some point in the future. The oil light will blink if the pressure in the system can’t be maintained by these oil pumps.
It’s also possible that the oil pump’s mesh is blocked, which results in a lower pressure and lower level in the system. Furthermore, this will cause the oil pump to wear down more quickly.
Oil leaks
Broken pipes and oil channels can also allow oil to escape through worn out seals, gaskets and rings. If there is a major oil leak, the pressure in the system will drop, resulting in a flashing or steady oil light (pressure error).
Bad oil pressure sensor and its wiring
Additionally, the oil sensors, particularly the low pressure sensor, may be faulty. It is possible that this sensor will malfunction, in which case it will be necessary to replace it. Consider paying particular attention to any wires connected to the sensor in case there are any kinks.
A bad pressure reducing valve
It is the job of a pressure lowering valve to maintain a proper oil pressure in the pump, and if it fails, it causes the engine’s oil level to drop since the oil is unevenly distributed. An oil light will begin to flash as a result of this action.
Possible solutions of a flashing oil light
When the engine is running or when you are driving, the dashboard may show a blinking oil light error signal. Turning off the engine and allowing it to cool for 10 minutes in cold weather or 25-30 minutes in summer is an easy fix. The engine will cool and the oil level will be precise as a result.
Adding more oil may fix the problem if the dipstick shows a low oil level. Replace the oil in the engine with the same brand. Try to avoid mixing oil viscosities, as this is not advisable.. You can, however, mix engine oils till you go to a repair shop, flush the engine completely, add fresh oil and also change the oil filter in order to get out of this issue.
If that doesn’t work, don’t drive with your oil light flashing. This can cause additional engine damage that can be costly to fix. Take it to a repair shop for a complete inspection instead.
