The oil light indicator is a very important indicator in your vehicle. The indicator informs you of any impending danger or damage that may happen to your engine if it isn’t properly taken care of. When such indicators turn on, you should try to find a safe place to park your vehicle and check the engine oil as quickly as possible.
The oil light works together with the oil pressure and the oil pressure sensor.
- 1 Oil pressure sensor
- 2 Oil pressure light
- 3 Frequently asked questions
- 4 Bottom line
Oil pressure sensor
What is an oil pressure sensor? How do it works?
You might ask this question.
In order to understand the oil pressure sensor and how it works, you need to understand what the oil pressure does.
The oil pressure is a very important factor that determines how long you engine can function. It goes a very long way in determining the lifespan of your engine.
The process takes effect when the oil is being picked up by the oil pump. The pump then sends the oil through various outlets to every necessary part of the engine such as the main bearing, camshaft bearing, etc. This prevents stiffness in every part of the engine and makes it work properly.
The oil pressure sensor is the sensor which monitors the rate of oil pressure in your vehicle. It sensors and monitors the rate at which oil circulates in your engine to know if it is within the manufacturer’s limit.
Roles of the oil pressure sensor
1. The oil pressure sensor monitors the rate of oil pressure in your engine.
2. The oil pressure sensor sends signals to the oil pressure light whenever there is any problem with the oil pressure.
Oil pressure light
The oil pressure light is the light that alerts you whenever it receives signals from the oil pressure sensor. Since the beginning of modern vehicles, every vehicle has been coming with different types of light on its dashboard and the oil pressure light is one of them.
It has been in vehicles as way back as the 1800s and it is still being used till date because of its importance. The oil pressure light is one of the lights in your vehicle that turns on, blinks or alerts you whenever there is a problem with the oil in your engine. It should not be taken lightly as its notification could mean an impending danger to your engine.
Roles of the oil pressure light
1. Notifies you when there is a problem with the oil pressure.
2. Receives signal from the oil pressure sensor.
Reasons why the oil pressure light turns on
Do you occasionally notice that the oil pressure light on your dashboard is on? Do you see a red light occasionally when using your vehicle?
There are different reasons why the oil pressure light turns on on your dashboard when using your vehicle. They are:
1. Low oil in the engine
If there isn’t enough oil in your engine or if your engine is running low on oil, this can make the oil pressure light to be turned on. Low engine oil is the reason why the oil pressure lights are usually on among many vehicle owners today.
2. Poor oil circulation
This is another reason why the oil pressure light could be on. If the oil isn’t properly circulated around the engine, this could trigger the oil light to be turned on. Most poor oil circulation is used caused by the poor oil pressure system.
3. Bad oil pressure sensor
This is also a major reason why your oil pressure light could be on. If your oil pressure sensor is bad, it could send a constant signal to the oil pressure light even when there is no problem. This leads to the light being on every time.
Your oil pressure light could still be on even after you have successfully changed the oil in the engine. These can also be attributed to a lot of reasons such as bad oil, poor circulation, bad oil pressure system, etc. Make sure you check your engine whenever such a problem occurs.
Problems and symptoms of a bad oil sensor
There are different problems and symptoms of a bad oil sensor. Below are some symptoms of a bad oil sensor:
1. Oil pressure light on despite oil being in the engine.
2. Oil pressure gauge at low or empty even after refilling.
3. Constant blinking of the oil pressure light even when there is oil.
Frequently asked questions
What do you do when the oil pressure light turns on?
The best thing to do is to park safely and check your engine to know if your vehicle is running low on fuel. If it is, it is best to get oil immediately and if it isn’t, take your vehicle to the mechanic to fix the oil pressure sensor.
Can you drive with a bad oil pressure sensor? You might ask
It is dangerous to try with a bad oil pressure sensor. A bad oil pressure sensor means there’s something currently wrong with the engine and if not checked properly, it can cause major damage to the engine and vehicle.
How to test the oil pressure sensor?
This can be done in a simple way. Empty all the oil in the engine and try starting your car. If the light comes on, it might be working fine but if it doesn’t, it definitely has a problem. It is best to take it to experts to be certain of the problem.
How do you check your oil periodically?
You can check your oil periodically by checking the oil Guage. You can also empty the oil and check the oil Guage to know if it reads empty. This will make you know if the Guage is working well. Last but not least, don’t forget to change your oil periodically.
Oil pressure sensor and the oil pressure sensor light are things you should take seriously in your vehicle. Pay good attention to them as they determine how well your vehicle can function. If you love your vehicle, occasionally get good oil and regularly change the oil pressure system to prevent any type of problems.