Understanding the Causes of Flashing Oil and Engine Light

When your oil light and engine light are both flashing while idling and you experience a loss of power, it is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the potential causes and recommended actions to take.

Identifying the Causes

Low Oil Pressure: A flashing oil light often indicates low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil levels, a failing oil pump, or a clogged oil filter. Insufficient oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage.

Engine Overheating: Engine overheating can trigger both warning lights. Overheating is commonly caused by coolant leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a failed water pump.

Ignition or Fuel System Problems: A flashing check engine light can indicate misfires, which may be due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel delivery issues like a clogged fuel filter.

Sensor Malfunctions: Problems with engine sensors like the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors can cause erratic engine behavior and trigger warning lights.

Transmission Issues: If the vehicle struggles to accelerate, it could be due to transmission problems, which might also trigger the engine light.

Recommended Actions

Check Oil Level: First, check your oil level. If the oil is dirty or smells burnt, consider an oil change. This step can eliminate the possibility of a low oil level causing the warning light to flash.

Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes can provide more insight into the engine light issue.

Consult a Mechanic: Given the flashing warning lights and power loss, it is advisable to consult a mechanic immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle could lead to further damage.

Specific Case Analysis: Oil Light Flickering

Even though some cars have a low oil level warning light, it is more common for the oil light to reflect oil pressure. Low oil level would be more likely to make the light come on under hard braking or cornering as the oil no longer covers the oil pump pick-up. Additionally, a steady light is more indicative of a low oil level issue.

If the oil light is flickering and not pulsing, it is most likely due to the oil pump design. In most engines, the oil pump is driven directly by the engine. The slower the engine speed, the less volume and pressure are provided. Also, due to the nature of its design, the oil pump produces pulses.

As the pulse ebbs, the light comes on as the sensor sees low oil pressure. As the pulse flows from the pump, the pressure goes up enough to turn the sensor off. High kilometers and using oil that is too thin can cause this.

If you have run high kilometers, the oil level is proper, and the light goes out as soon as you touch the gas, there is no need to worry. However, the presence of the engine light indicates more significant issues that require immediate attention.

Immediate Action Required

An engine light that is on means ldquo;you should check why at your next chancerdquo; as long as it is running OK and there is nothing obviously wrong. However, it is not a raging hurry.

A flashing engine light, however, means ldquo;get me to a garage NOW!!rdquo; The accompanying lack of power means the problem is so severe that the computer has gone into ldquo;limp homerdquo; mode. It is doing this to protect the engine.

The accompanying loss of power means that the issue is severe and requires immediate attention. Get to a garage ASAP. Continuing to drive the vehicle may well cause even more expensive damage. Do not delay in addressing these issues to avoid costly repairs and ensure the safety of your vehicle.