Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine: What It Means & How to Fix It

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Causes of a low oil pressure light and what to do when it comes on
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There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than seeing an unfamiliar dashboard light that reads OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE in all caps. Other vehicles may just display a low oil pressure light or an icon of an oil can. In this guide, we’ll teach you what this warning sign means, plus how to diagnose and fix the problem with help from Automotive Experts Charley Helvy and Michael Dey.

What is a low oil pressure light?

A "low oil pressure stop engine" warning light signals that your vehicle's oil is too low to properly lubricate the engine. Low oil pressure is commonly caused by a leak, infrequent oil changes, the wrong type of oil, or a clogged oil filter. Check and replace the oil and filter for a DIY fix or see a mechanic.

Section 1 of 5:

What does low oil pressure stop engine mean?

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  1. An illuminated red oil pressure light appears as an old-school oil can with a drop of oil coming out of its spout. Generally, this alerts you that your oil may need to be topped off. However, in extreme cases, it can signal an oil leak in the engine, a blown piston ring, or a broken oil pump. [1]
    • Low oil pressure warning light differs from an oil change reminder light, which, depending on your vehicle, may appear as a yellow oil pressure light. You may also see a “Maintenance Required,” “Service Required,” or “Oil Change” light on your dashboard. [2]
    • In some vehicles, a continuously low oil pressure light means to top the engine oil as soon as possible. At the same time, an oil pressure low stop engine light that comes on and off may indicate a faulty sensor. [3]
    • Some vehicles have a red stop engine lamp warning light that indicates the engine must be stopped as soon as possible. If it flashes, that tells the driver they have 30 seconds to pull over before the car automatically shuts down. [4]
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Section 2 of 5:

Common Causes & Fixes of Low Oil Pressure

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  1. A common cause of low oil pressure is insufficient oil in the vehicle. If you’ve recently changed your oil and find it low again, you may be dealing with oil or seal leaks.
    • Symptoms: You’ve hit the 3,000-mile mark or 6 months have passed since your last oil change. The vehicle will have a decrease in performance and may produce a burning oil scent if left unaddressed.
    • The Fix: Check your oil level . Remove the oil dipstick, wipe it off, then replace it and pull it back out. Inspect the end of the dipstick and see if the oil is between the maximum and minimum fill lines. If the level is low, add more engine oil using a funnel until it reaches the max line. [5]
    • Cost of Repair: A quart of engine oil ranges from $4 to $20. Engines require four to eight quarts of oil. [6]
  2. Oil viscosity refers to the fluid's flow resistance. Generally, you want to use lower-viscosity oils during colder months and higher-viscosity oils during the summer for optimal performance. If your oil viscosity is wrong, it can trigger the low oil pressure warning light. [7]
    • Symptoms: Look for a decrease in engine performance, an overheating engine, and reduced fuel economy. If this is an issue, your oil pressure or check engine light will appear. [8]
    • The Fix: In the case of high oil pressure, Helvy recommends draining the vehicle of the higher viscosity oil and replacing it with the correct type.
    • Cost of Repair: A quart of engine oil ranges from $4 to $20. Engines require four to eight quarts of oil. [9]
  3. Mechanics recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Dey notes that moisture can affect the oil, especially if the car is left sitting. Because metal is temperature sensitive, the moisture in the air condenses inside of it, causing the oil to degrade over time. When you leave old oil in your vehicle, it can create a sludge that blocks oil flow. [10]
    • Similarly, when an engine is old, it’ll burn more oil, requiring more frequent oil changes than a new vehicle with a modern engine. [11]
    • Symptoms: An overdue oil change will cause the engine to overheat, leading to the check engine light appearing. You may also notice a burning smell or smoke from the exhaust. [12]
    • The Fix: Check your oil level . If the level is low, add more engine oil using a funnel until it's just below the maximum fill line. [13]
    • Cost of Repair: A quart of engine oil ranges from $4 to $20. Engines require four to eight quarts of oil. [14]
  4. Oil filters remove dirt and other debris from the engine oil. Naturally, the oil filter begins to clog up, which prevents perfectly good oil from flowing around the engine. This causes the oil pressure to drop, thus triggering the yellow or red light on your dashboard.
    • Symptoms: A clogged oil filter will cause the low oil pressure or check engine light to illuminate. You’ll also notice your oil is dark or thick, the exhaust fumes are dirty, and the filter may leak. [15]
    • The Fix: To change the oil filter , first loosen the oil fill cap to drain into an oil drain pan. Once the tank has been emptied, find the oil filter by looking for a metal cylinder attached to the engine block. Screw it off by hand or with a wrench and replace it with a new oil filter. Afterward, replace the engine oil with your vehicle’s recommended oil type and a funnel.
    • Cost of Repair: A DIY replacement can cost anywhere from $25 to $70 when synthetic oil is used. A professional service can cost between $65 to $125. [16]
    • Dey highly recommends staying on top of your manufacturer’s maintenance requirements. “Give [your] car a consistent deity of fluids. [Using] the same brand and type of oil, brake fluid, transmission fluids, and coolant [ensures] your vehicle will last a really long time.”
  5. While some vehicles have a flashing oil pressure light to indicate a faulty sensor, with others, you may need to test the oil pump manually to determine if it’s faulty or not.
    • You can also check for signs of wear and metal shavings in the oil. [17]
    • Symptoms: A major sign of a faulty pump or sensor is the illumination of the low oil pressure light, an overheating engine, and excessive knocking sounds.
    • The Fix: Replacing an oil pump is a complex task. See a mechanic for diagnosis and repairs if you suspect this is the problem.
    • Cost of Repair: For a professional mechanic to replace your oil pump, expect to pay about $1,200-1,400. [18]
  6. If your engine has high mileage, low oil pressure may be caused by an issue with the engine bearings. Worn bearings reduce flow restriction and lower the oil pressure. [19]
    • Symptoms: In addition to low oil pressure, you may also hear a knocking noise in the engine. [20]
    • The Fix: Helvy notes that replacing bearings is not an easy fix and should be left to an experienced mechanic.
    • Cost of Repair: On average, an engine rebuild can run between $2,500 to $4,000. [21]
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Section 3 of 5:

Is it safe to drive with a low oil pressure light on?

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  1. Unfortunately, it is not safe to drive with a low oil-pressure light. Running out of oil can cause serious engine damage by causing it to seize up and refuse to turn over. The car can even abruptly stop while driving, putting you and others at risk of an accident. Call a local mechanic or towing company immediately for assistance. [22]
Section 4 of 5:

What is normal oil pressure?

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  1. A vehicle’s oil pressure will vary depending on the make and model. However, a range of 25 to 65 pounds per square inch (PSI) is generally acceptable for most vehicles. Refer to your car’s dashboard and look for a gauge between 0 and 8 or 0 and 80 to read the pressure PSI. It’s often located next to an oil icon. [23]
    • You can also use your owner’s manual to determine the appropriate range for your vehicle.
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Section 5 of 5:

Preventative Maintenance

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  1. The frequency of oil changes may vary depending on the type of oil you use and the age of your engine. For instance, if your vehicle requires full-synthetic motor oil, it can go as far as 15,000 miles between services. Regular changes can improve your engine’s performance and prolong its lifespan. [24]
  2. Even if you change your oil regularly, using the wrong oil can cause damage. Check the engine cap or owner's manual to figure out which kind of oil your vehicle needs. A common grade of engine oil is 5W-30. The first number, 5W, indicates how well it pours in the winter. The lower the number, the better it performs. The second number, 30, indicates the oil’s weight at normal temperature. The higher the number, the thicker it is. [25]
    • Look for your vehicle’s grade on your engine oil cap or in the owner’s manual.
  3. Use the dipstick to gauge how high or low your engine oil is at least once a month. However, some mechanics recommend checking it each time you gas up. This will help you stay on top of any engine-related issues quickly, like burning oil or a slow leak.
  4. Aggressive driving can lead to a faster degradation of oil, and decrease its pressure. A moderate driving style, like maintaining a consistent speed and following state speed limits, can help prevent excessive oil loss. [26]
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      Warning

      • If the oil pressure low stop engine light comes on, pull over into a safe location and avoid driving until you or a professional can diagnose the problem. Driving with this light on your dashboard can cause severe engine damage and may put your life at stake. Drive responsibly.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
      2. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/oil-change-light
      3. ↑ https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/owners-and-services/my-car/warning-light/engine-oil-level.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/files/brochures/Cummins%20Driver%20Lamp%20Identification%20Card%204971518.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/change-oil.php
      6. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/what-oil-does-my-car-take
      7. ↑ https://www.lubezone.com/blog/what-causes-low-oil-pressure/
      8. ↑ https://www.repco.com.au/know-how/wrong-oil-car
      9. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/what-oil-does-my-car-take
      1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a24676402/old-motor-oil/
      2. ↑ https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/31182/low-oil-pressure
      3. ↑ https://www.benmynattnissan.com/blog/overdue-oil-change-symptoms
      4. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/change-oil.php
      5. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/what-oil-does-my-car-take
      6. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/oil-filters/10-signs-you-need-a-new-oil-filter
      7. ↑ https://www.kbb.com/oil-change/
      8. ↑ https://www.gopurepower.com/blog/how-to-increase-oil-pressure/
      9. ↑ https://repairpal.com/estimator/oil-pump-replacement-cost
      10. ↑ https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/31182/low-oil-pressure
      11. ↑ https://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/signs-of-a-worn-out-engine-bearing
      12. ↑ https://www.carparts.com/blog/rebuilding-an-engine-purpose-benefits-and-cost/
      13. ↑ https://www.chloesautorepair.com/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-your-oil-light-on
      14. ↑ https://www.rymax-lubricants.com/updates/what-is-high-oil-pressure-and-how-to-solve-it/
      15. ↑ https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/How-Often-Should-You-Change-Engine-Oil
      16. ↑ https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/what-oil-does-my-car-take
      17. ↑ https://store.advancedenginetech.com/blogs/blog/how-to-fix-low-engine-oil-pressure

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