Possible causes
Low oil level
The most common cause is that too little oil is left in the engine because of a leak or consumption. Check the level on the dipstick after switching off, waiting a few minutes on level ground.
Lubrication system fault
Pressure can drop because of a blocked oil pickup, a worn oil pump or worn engine parts. These causes can only be found by diagnostics.
Sensor or wiring
Sometimes the light comes on because the pressure sensor is faulty. But the warning can only be treated as false after the pressure has been measured with a gauge.
What to tell the mechanic
- Whether the light stays on, flickers at idle or comes on in corners.
- What the dipstick shows and when the oil was last changed.
- Whether knocking or noises from the engine appeared at the same time.
What you can do
Stop safely and switch off the engine. Check the oil level. If the level is normal but the light stays on, do not start the engine again; it is better to bring the car to the workshop on a tow truck.
Where the check starts
The mechanic finds the exact cause during the inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I top up the oil and drive on?
If the level was low and the light went out after topping up, you can carefully drive to the workshop to find out why the oil was lost. If the light is still on after topping up, do not drive.
How is the yellow oil level light different?
Some cars have a separate yellow warning for low level. It warns you in advance. The red pressure light means you need to stop now.