Causes of the Car Oil Indicator Light Turning On and How to Overcome It
The car oil indicator light being on is essentially normal if the ignition key is in the "ON" position, but the indicator only lights up briefly. So what if the car oil indicator light stays on continuously? What causes it and how can it be resolved?
Causes of the Car Oil Indicator Light Staying On
There are several reasons why the car oil indicator light stays on continuously. The complete list of causes is as follows.
1. Decreased oil volume
A decrease in oil volume is the main cause of the car oil indicator light staying on continuously. As is known, there is a volume sensor embedded in the oil pan of the car. When the oil pan is not filled with oil, the volume sensor will automatically send a warning signal that the oil volume does not meet the threshold set in the Engine Control Module (ECM), causing the oil indicator light to turn on.
The decrease in oil volume in the car is usually caused by various factors, ranging from leaks in hoses, leaks in oil seals, to leaks in spark plugs.
2. Faulty oil pressure sensor
The next cause is usually due to a faulty oil pressure sensor. As is known, the oil pressure sensor is a sensor that functions to open the internal switch when the oil pressure produced by the oil pump exceeds the spring threshold of the sensor. The inaccuracy of the sensor's performance in assessing pressure causes a fault signal to light up and be transmitted. This causes the car indicator light to automatically stay on the dashboard continuously.
3. Faulty oil pump
The oil indicator light staying on continuously can also be caused by a faulty oil pump. As is known, the oil pump is a component responsible for circulating oil to the engine parts and ensuring that the flow is unobstructed. If this component is damaged, it is certain that the oil flow process will be disrupted.
The obstruction of the oil flow process causes the oil sensor to read a command that there is an abnormality in the oil flow pressure, prompting the sensor to send a signal to the ECM to turn on the indicator light.
How to Address the Car Oil Indicator Light Staying On
There are several ways you can take to address the issue of the car indicator light being on. The complete methods are as follows.
1. Pull over and turn off the car engine
If the car oil indicator light comes on while you are traveling, it is advisable to pull over and turn off the car engine immediately. This is necessary to avoid damaging other car components. The oil indicator light being on is a sign that there is an issue with the car's oil components and that the car is experiencing a lack of lubrication.
If the car is forced to keep running, the potential for damaging the car's engine components and other parts is very high.
2. Check the engine oil condition with a dipstick
After turning off the car engine, you need to open the hood and check using a dipstick. The method is very easy; lift the dipstick and wipe the dipstick indicator with a cloth or tissue. Then insert the dipstick back into the tube and lift it again to check the oil capacity on the indicator.
3. Identify the source of the problem
The next tip is to find out the source of the problem as to why the car oil indicator light can be on. You can check the oil volume, oil pump, spark plugs, and hoses. If there is a leak among these components, then it is certain that those components are the main cause of the problem.
4. Add oil if the volume is low
If the problem is caused by a lack of oil volume, you can add oil according to the specified threshold.
5. Contact a towing service or mobile mechanic
If the problem still cannot be resolved, you can contact a towing service to have your car towed to a workshop. Additionally, you can also contact a mobile mechanic service from an official Daihatsu workshop to address the issue.
