Many car owners can relate to that moment of dread when a warning light suddenly lights up on the dashboard. Picture a beautiful day, wind in your hair as you cruise down the highway, only to have it interrupted by the orange glow of the oil light right when you tap the brake to slow down for a stop sign.
But why does this happen? Pinpointing the exact cause without a thorough inspection can be tricky, but it’s likely one of these three scenarios:
While the seriousness of these issues may vary and might not immediately endanger your vehicle, an illuminated oil light is a clear sign not to be ignored. Keeping your car off the road is advisable until you identify the cause. Most auto parts stores offer quick diagnostic tests to help gauge the severity of the issue.
Regarding the oil light coming on while braking, it’s essential to understand a few key points. The oil pressure light, often shaped like an oil can or indicated by a warning to “check the oil level,” is a crucial indicator on your dashboard.
First and foremost, it’s wise to check if your vehicle is due for an oil change. Over time, oil can degrade, losing its ability to maintain proper pressure. Thus, the oil warning light may illuminate as a reminder that an oil change is needed.
Manufacturers typically recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles, and for good reason. As oil ages, the constant cycles of heating and cooling within the engine cause it to deteriorate, diminishing its lubricating capabilities and protective functions for engine components.
Assuming you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and your oil change is not overdue, three primary scenarios could be causing the oil light to come on when you apply the brakes. Each of these will be examined in more detail below.
The most common and, fortunately, the least concerning reason for the oil light to illuminate when braking is a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor.
This sensor plays a crucial role in monitoring the oil pressure within the vehicle and transmitting this data to the combination meter or instrument panel. If the calculation falls outside the acceptable range, it triggers the oil pressure warning light.
This function is of utmost importance due to the following reasons:
The oil pressure in a vehicle varies depending on the engine’s RPMs. When accelerating and revving the engine, the oil pressure rises. Conversely, during braking and a subsequent decrease in RPMs, the oil pressure naturally decreases.
Over time, an oil pressure sensor is subject to wear and tear. This may delay information transmission to the combination meter or control panel. Consequently, a drop in oil pressure while braking might be misinterpreted as abnormal when it’s perfectly normal for oil pressure to decrease as RPMs lower.
If you suspect that the oil pressure sensor might be faulty and you’re unable to test it immediately at an auto parts store, here are some steps you can take:
If your car’s oil levels are within the acceptable range after this initial check, the issue is likely related to the oil pressure sensor.
If you suspect that it might be the oil pump causing the issue, you can perform some additional tests to be certain. Here are the steps you should follow:
After conducting this secondary test, if the oil levels are normal and the engine sounds smooth, the issue is probably related to the oil pressure sensor. You can safely drive your car to an auto parts store and have them connect it to a computer to confirm if the oil pressure sensor is faulty.
If the oil pressure sensor is determined to be faulty, don’t worry; it’s not a very complex repair. You can purchase a new oil pressure sensor for under $20 at most auto parts stores. Here’s how you can replace it, applicable to most cars:
If the oil light persists after running the engine for 10 seconds, turning it off immediately is crucial. This signals that the replacement part hasn’t been installed correctly, or there might be a more severe issue with the oiling system. Continuing to run the vehicle under these circumstances can lead to rapid and irreparable engine damage, potentially amounting to thousands of miles worth of wear in seconds.
Suppose you find yourself in this situation or are uncomfortable performing these repairs alone. In that case, it’s best to have your car towed to a professional shop for a thorough examination.
If the oil pressure sensor isn’t the culprit behind the illuminated oil light, you may be dealing with a faulty oil pump.
The oil pump plays a critical role by circulating pressurized oil to the engine’s moving parts, like the bearings, pistons, and camshaft. This process lubricates these components and contributes to the machine’s overall cooling.
While a faulty oil pump may keep the oil light illuminated all the time, even when not braking, there is a chance that the decreased oil pressure occurring when the RPMs lower could trigger the oil light when applying the brake of a vehicle with a faulty oil pump.
An oil pump replacement is probably not a repair to be attempted by a novice. It is a time-consuming and involved repair that usually requires a full mechanic’s shop to undertake. A professional oil pump repair will cost approximately $400 – $500 for most vehicles.
A Leak Somewhere in the Engine The engine of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle will consist of a series of seals, gaskets, and oil plugs that keep the oil contained. While high oil pressure can prematurely cause a leak from any of these areas, time, cold weather, and everyday wear can also cause any or all of these components to fail, allowing oil to leak out.
An oil leak can lead to low oil levels, and when oil pressure decreases during braking, there may not be sufficient oil in the pan to lubricate the various engine components, causing the oil light to flash on.
Testing for Engine Oil Leaks To test, place a clean piece of light-colored cardboard under the front of the vehicle. If the cardboard collects a light brown fluid, you are looking at an oil leak.
Using the process described in the previous section, locate the oil dipstick and check oil levels. If the dipstick is dry, find the engine oil bay, remove the cap, and use a funnel to add the appropriate engine oil, as described in your owner’s manual.
Since you are leaking oil, there may be a temptation to add “extra” oil to make up for what is being lost. However, this should not be attempted, as too much oil will increase oil pressure, making the existing leak worse or creating a new leak altogether.
If you know that you are leaking oil, it is essential that you check your oil levels every time you set out to drive and that you carry sufficient fat in your vehicle if addition is necessary. Driving a car with low oil levels should not be attempted, as irreparable engine damage will surely occur.
Like an oil pump replacement, fixing an engine leak is not a repair to be attempted by amateurs. It can be pretty challenging to locate the source of the leak, and certified mechanics may need to utilize extensive pressure testing to find where the oil is coming from. There is even the chance that your engine may need to be taken to a shop specializing in engine repairs.
Why Oil Light Comes on When Braking: Final Thoughts Once you have checked that your oil has been changed according to schedule, there is a high likelihood that the oil light comes on when braking due to a faulty oil pressure sensor. Oil pressure is expected to drop ten psi for every 1000 RPMs, and this pressure decreases when braking could cause a defective oil pressure sensor to miscalculate an acceptable range.
If the oil pressure sensor is the cause, the repair is generally simple, straightforward, and affordable. However, if the problem is due to a bad oil pump or engine leak, you must take your vehicle to a professional. Under no circumstances should a car be driven with the oil light on, even if you’re sure it’s just a lousy pressure sensor.
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