What can this situation mean when the oil pressure lamp is on at idle? On the panel of any vehicle there are corresponding indicators that indicate a malfunction of a particular car system. The mentioned lamp traditionally has a red backlight. If this indicator lights up during engine operation, then there is a clear hint that the driver promptly drew attention to the existing problem and took all necessary measures.
Is it worth it to remind once again what the result of ignoring this signal can lead to? The situation may end in serious problems. For this reason, each driver needs to know what to do in such cases.
General information
In the early years, the dashboard of almost all passenger vehicles was equipped with a special “screen”, where the pressure in the power unit was shown. Here was a scale, according to a specific unit of measurement, - kgf / cm 2 . And the higher the crankshaft speed, the greater the pressure value.
If it fell below permissible limits, then it was not necessary to be surprised that the oil pressure lamp was on idling. Thus, the driver received a signal that indicated the presence of a malfunction.
What is the situation with modern cars now? They no longer have this screen, and for a very long time. Perhaps on some UAZ models they are still preserved, but there will be very few of them, if any. Nevertheless, drivers need to know the pressure parameters that are in compliance with the norm.
What is the result?
While the engine is idling - and this is usually 800-1000 rpm - the pressure level does not fall below 0.5 kgf / cm 2 . For most motors with 16 valves, the threshold can be slightly larger, up to 0.6 kgf / cm 2 . These engines are more revving and the oil that circulates in them is more fluid.
A special mechanical oil pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the system. In the event of a deviation from the norm, it sends a signal to ignite the indicator. The driver, seeing him, understands that not everything is in order with the power unit. When the pressure drops to below 0.4 kgf / cm 2, the lamp blinks or burns for a short time.
The need for oil pressure control
If the driver detects a luminous indicator on the dashboard, which refers to the emergency oil pressure in the engine, he must immediately take appropriate measures to avoid problems. And the very first thing he should do is turn off the engine.
If, despite the fact that the oil pressure light comes on, it will still work, this can end very badly, up to a complete failure. And this is already unreasonably big expenses that will not make anyone happy.
This explains this forced and emergency measure, because the engine, in fact, is the most expensive equipment that is in the car. Of course, it is full of other nodes, mechanisms, but, with the exception of the catalyst (if any), it is the most expensive and complex device.
Functionality
The oil supply system of the car plays a significant role in the operation of the power unit. Its most important functions include:
- Lubrication of friction parts: rings, pistons, crankshaft, liners, valves.
- Partial heat removal from the combustion chamber.
- Flushing chips with its subsequent transportation to the pallet.
- Creating a film that protects metal surfaces from the development of a corrosion process.
Now you can already imagine the picture that will turn out if you do not respond in a timely manner to the situation when the oil pressure lamp is on idle. All these and many other tasks are performed only if the engine supports optimal parameters. The light bulb does not manifest itself in any way, which indicates the proper operation of the entire unit.
If this indicator is active, then there is a good reason. Oil pressure, which is below normal, is an emergency, because the power unit in this case is operating under too much load. In addition, the heat sink is significantly reduced, which threatens overheating of the cylinder block. The complete failure of the piston group cannot also be ruled out.
What could be the reason?
The activity of the emergency indicator can serve as an occasion for scheduled maintenance or be a consequence of the initial symptoms of malfunctions. So, even if the oil pressure light comes on, it is necessary to identify and fix the breakdown as soon as possible.
Otherwise, sooner or later, this may result in inevitable problems that will be of the most serious nature. The death of the engine is unlikely to please the owner of the car.
There may be several reasons for the active manifestation of an emergency lamp in the idle mode of the power unit. Moreover, sometimes the signal lamp may light up for several seconds, and then goes out due to special cases of engine starting, for example, in severe frost.
At low temperatures, the oil is thick and it is difficult for the pump to pump it through the system. Therefore, it creates pressure below normal. This is indicated by the emergency lamp. But after a few seconds or minutes, the temperature of the oil in the engine rises and it takes on a fluid state. As a result, the parameters are normalized, respectively, the light goes out.
If this did not happen, then there is a malfunction. Below we consider what exactly this can be caused by.
Oil and pan
The most common reason is a decrease in oil pressure in the pan or its full leakage. Unfortunately, among many car owners (however, this also applies to owners of various equipment), there is one bad habit that you should get rid of. This is ignoring the instruction manual.
This document clearly states that before leaving the garage, parking, parking, be sure to check the level of all engine fluids. In the event of a deviation from the norm, the loss should be immediately compensated. In other words, it is necessary to regularly inspect the engine, as well as the entire engine compartment, for leaks and leaks. And if the oil pressure lamp is on at idle, the cause can be immediately detected.
Each owner of his iron horse should carefully inspect the parking lot under its bottom. Are there oil stains on the ground, on the asphalt, on the engine guard? Such an event allows you to timely detect oil leakage and protect yourself from increased costs.
Attempt to save
Manufacturers who take due care of their work value their reputation. Therefore, they try to make their products as reliable as possible. But, unfortunately, there are "craftsmen" who definitely do not care about quality.
As a result, oil filters come on sale at a very low price. However, such savings do not bode well: these products are not able to withstand pressure during engine operation. Modern and high-quality filters do their job even in such conditions. This fact should not be discounted, since this is also the reason why the oil pressure lamp is lit at idle.
After the engine is turned off, a little oil remains in the original parts, which helps to avoid oil starvation at the time of its next start. In the case of crafts, the sinker completely drains into the pallet, not lingering, due to the technological structure. As a result, when starting the power unit, the risk of developing rubbing surfaces increases. Because of this, the motor crashes faster.
Pressure sensor malfunction
The emergency oil indicator installed in the dashboard of cars is switched on from the sensor, since both of them are powered by one wire. And if the pressure in the system becomes below normal, then the lamp closes to ground. When the parameters are within the normal range, the sensor is open, the indicator does not light.
Failure of the mechanical oil pressure sensor leads to the fact that it is constantly closed and the lamp is always active. Regardless of whether the system pressure is normal or not, the sensor is simply not able to open the contact. Unfortunately, a faulty sensor cannot be repaired and if the problem lies in it, it simply changes to a new device.
Pressure Relief Valve Problems
The pressure relief valve must always be closed when in good condition. However, over time, it may jam or freeze. In this case, the valve is already open and then the pressure in the oil system cannot be maintained at the required level. The indicator notifies the driver of a malfunction.
You can correct the situation in various ways:
- When stretching the spring, replace it.
- If the valve is heavily clogged with debris, it is cleaned and, if not damaged, put in place.
Prevention should be carried out, which consists in the timely replacement of the oil filter and the control of the level of the consumable. What should be the engine oil? Only high quality and no pollution! In addition, before changing the consumable, the entire system should be flushed.
Grid clogged in oil pump
This element is also required, as it protects the engine and oil pump from pollution: dust, chips, abrasive particles.
Clean and filtered oil can pass through filter cells unhindered. When the consumable is very dirty and has a lot of mechanical impurities, it is difficult for him to pass through the filter. As a result, the required pressure level is not created in the oil system. And if the reason is in the grid, it must be dismantled, well cleaned and installed back.
Oil pressure check
As we now know, for the engine to work properly, it is necessary that the optimum pressure level is maintained in the oil system.
The operating parameter is characterized by the following indications on the operating conditions of the power unit:
- Idling mode - 2 bars or 2.04 kgf / cm 2 .
- Increase in crankshaft speed - from 4.5 to 6.5 bar or 4.59-6.63 kgf / cm 2 .
Deviation in any direction threatens with sad consequences for the engine. How to check the oil pressure in the engine if the dashboard is not equipped with a dial or digital indicator? To do this, use an oil gauge.
The entire verification procedure is as follows:
- The engine starts and warms up to its operating temperature (90 ° C).
- The engine is muffled, the hood opens.
- The emergency oil pressure sensor is disconnected and a pressure gauge is connected instead (proceed carefully: the oil temperature in the engine is already high).
- Now you should check the level of the consumable and add oil if necessary.
- Once again, the engine starts.
- Pressure measurement is carried out: first in idle mode, and then at increased crankshaft speed.
To obtain more accurate data, the test should be performed 2 or 3 times, and then calculate the average value of the readings. It is worth considering that when the manometer is disconnected, part of the oil may spill out, so after the procedure it is worth checking once again its level on the dipstick and, if necessary, top up consumables. Just do not need to purchase low quality motor oil.
A small but important note
On some vehicles, the on-board computer system may consider the warning lamp to turn off as a malfunction. Therefore, the vehicle is in emergency mode.
In this case, there is no way to increase the number of revolutions of the crankshaft, which ultimately does not allow you to check the oil pressure. And if the situation takes place, you can not do without the help of a service center.
Conclusion
The situation when the emergency oil pressure warning light comes on may not always be dramatic. The main thing is to respond to the signal in a timely manner and start searching for the reasons as soon as possible. It follows step by step to work out all the possible options. How to check the oil pressure in the engine has already been indicated, so if possible it is worth starting with this procedure.
If the problem is found and fixed on your own, then you can praise yourself for the work done. This will give confidence in their own abilities and partial knowledge of the car.
In case of difficulty, it is best to contact the nearest vehicle service station. It will not be difficult for professionals to find the cause and eliminate the existing malfunctions.