Why doesn't my oil light come on until after the oil is so low it doesn't even reach the dipstick?

Question

About 2000 miles after an oil change my oil light on the dash will light up, usually intermitantly at first, like when I'm taking one of those long turns onto the highway. I check the dipstick and its bone dry. Shouldn't the oil light go on before that? I'm not leaking oil either- where's it going? What's the deal?

Answer 1

That light isn't a light to warn you of low oil level, it is there to tell you when you have no pressure. It is assumed that you would have the sense to check the level at peast periodically, like at least every other fuel fill-up.

Answer 2

The oil light comes on when the oil pressure drops below a certain point. When you make a turn the oil sloshes to one side of the oil pan and the oil pick-up is sucking air. What you are likely thinking is that there is some type of float like in a toilet that senses when the oil is low. That isn't how it works.

If it's not leaking, you are probably burning the oil. Is there some bluish white smoke coming out of the tailpipe? There's not many places it can go besides on the ground in into the air.

If you have a blown head gasket it could be leaking into the cooling system, but you haven't described any of these symptoms.

I would suggest that you check your oil level once every two weeks.

Good luck

Answer 3

Nah, it is coming on when it is suppose to. It is giving you a heads up that you are getting to the bottom margin of being able to keep the oil pressure up. From mark to mark that is a quart(or litre) then there is some more allowed before the oil sump pump gets bared(maybe another quart). But that varies from car to car. When the light is on full and steady, well expect it to seize up. That is a motor job. What more can the manufacturer do? That is why they call it an "idiot light". Only an idiot would not pay attention to the warnings.
You are suppose to do a pre-trip inspection, that is - look under the hood every trip to make sure that all is cocher in there,... rad coolant is up, washer fluid is there, brake fluid is there, oil is where it is suppose to be, all belts and hoses are in good condition, tires are all good, brakes are good, and that you have a good spare and a jack and wheel wrench.
It is really no different than making sure you got your drivers license and insurance, and your grocery list. Oh yeah, you got your shoes and pants on too.
That's the deal. The manufacturer made the car. You have to upkeep the car for troublefree driving. It is all in your manual(which absolves them of any responsibility.)

Answer 4

The light is triggered by oil pressure. It is possible to be a litre down and still have plenty of oil pressure. Your light will come on before the engine starts making noise because of the low pressure. Your dipstick does not go down to the bottom of the oil pan. And how do you know you aren't leaking oil when the engine is how and running? Many engines use a little oil anyway, by the way.

Answer 5

These lights are notorious for providing little or no warning of imminent engine damage. Oh, for the days of gauges for oil pressure, water (coolant) temperature, and battery charging voltage. So the others are right - they are "idiot lights". Like they say, check your dipsticks (oil, power steering, auto transmission) once a month or so. Do the other fluid levels as well - coolant and battery.

Answer 6

It is normal the light is there only to make you stop and attend to the problem straight away . Your engine is worn and the engine is getting your oil past the rings and burning it up You now know you are using oil you should check it every 500 miles and top up.

Answer 7

Try changing your oil yourself (if you don't already) so that you will know that the right amount of oil has been put into your motor. Check it every so often, and see if the oil level keeps dropping. The people at oil change stations don't always fill it to the right level, i have friends that have that experience. Good luck

Answer 8

Most cars can run on 1 or 2 liters of oil just enough to provide oil pressure (this is what the idiot light works on). Your engine is burning oil and you don't check it regularly.

Answer 9

The "oil uncomplicated", as you position it, will in trouble-free words come on even as it is truly too late and your oil stress has dropped to a risky factor. As already stated, it isn't a "time to correctly up" uncomplicated, the dipstick is there to allow you to recognize that. properly it up on the on the spot and then evaluate investigating the position the oil is going. you ought to dip your oil a minimum of month-to-month, Ours are finished on a weekly foundation alongside with the coolant factor, screenwasher fluid and tyre pressures. Then there is little probability of nasty surprises.

Answer 10

Once that light comes on it's too late, so get into the habit of checking your oil weekly especially since you're loosing that much. Check for leaks if you don't see a leak you must be burning it, blue smoke out the tail pipe.