The most common signs that may indicate a fault in the oil pressure sensor are the flashing of the red oil warning light on the dashboard or the fact that this warning light light flashes intermittently, although the oil level is within normal limits and the indicator pressure is zero.
If the amount of oil in the crankcase (oil bath) is insufficient, there is a risk of major engine damage. Most car components are made in such a way that they work to maintain the proper oil level, but also an adequate pressure.
The car’s computer must regulate the oil flow, but in order to fulfill this function it is necessary for the oil sensor to work according to the norms indicated by the manufacturer and to transmit correct information.
The pressure sensor is connected to the oil indicator located on the dashboard. When a lower level of oil is detected , the pressure sensor will reflect this problem via the pressure gauge. Often, this type of problem is also signaled by oil warning light on board. The warning light may turn yellow, it may flash or in the worst case you will have a red oil warning light on the dashboard.
Like any other engine component, the pressure sensor may malfunction at some point and may need to be repaired. Ignoring the signs that can indicate the failure of this sensor can lead to lower oil levels, a problem that can have extremely serious implications for the engine.
The most common signs of a malfunctioning oil sensor
Oil pressure warning light (yellow, red, flashing)
The car oil pressure gauge can be a good basis for assessing the engine oil level. If the oil indicator light comes on, it is a good idea to check the engine oil level. If the level is normal, you may be dealing with a faulty sensor.
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When this failure occurs, problems with engine oil readings will appear. When the parameters do not meet the standards, a warning light will come on board. It is good to intervene as soon as possible and change the defective sensor, so as not to affect the subsequent readings of the engine oil.
Blinking oil light
In some cases, this warning light may flash when the sensor fails. This can in some cases alarm the driver, due to the risks that exist when the engine oil is lower than normal.
Regular checking and frequent repairs can be time consuming and a source of stress, but they are essential to keeping oil levels at normal levels. If a fault is suspected, it is more appropriate to intervene and change the sensor in question.
The oil pressure gauge is zero
Most older cars are equipped with an oil pressure gauge. When this gauge indicates zero, even when the engine oil level is appropriate, we are most likely dealing with a faulty sensor.
Modern cars are equipped with an indicator that uses an electronic signal. Its position may indicate zero, full or give erroneous readings when the pressure is not correct.
It is advisable to check the level, but also the oil pressure at regular intervals to prevent any serious engine damage.
Yellow oil warning light vs red warning light, what is the difference between them?
It is imperative that when the oil warning light pops up on your dashboard you know exactly what it means.
A red light indicates a problem with the oil pressure and it is advisable to stop the car immediately. Even if you add more oil it won’t matter, as I said above the red oil warning light can mean a defective oil pump, so more oil does not mean that it will help the pump work better.
A yellow warning light of the oil is a completely different story. It tells you that the oil level has dropped below the minimum required by the manufacturer. In this case it would be ideal to have 1 liter of extra oil, stop the car and add more oil to it.After that you can keep on driving.
Why does the oil warning light come on?
The oil warning light comes on either because the oil pressure is low and in this case the internal parts will not receive the necessary lubrication, or the oil pump has a problem and does not recirculate the oil enough or not at all.
Reasons why the oil indicator light comes on:
- low oil level
- you are using a different oil than the one indicated by the car manufacturer
- Revisions were not done on time , the oil is very old, the car hasn’t been used in years , oil filter clogged
- Malfunctioning oil pressure sensor
- Malfunctioning oil pump
- worn or destroyed bearings
