Low Engine Oil Level Light

What it means

Shown in amber as an oil can above a wavy line, sometimes with the word MIN, this light means the engine oil level has dropped near the minimum. It is different from the red oil pressure light: it is an early warning, not a sign that lubrication has failed, and not every car has it. It is normal for it to glow briefly at key-on and then go out.

Related lights: Oil Pressure Warning LightService Due ReminderCheck Engine LightEngine Temperature Warning Light

Symptoms4

• The light or an add-oil message is on.
• The oil level on the dipstick is near or below the minimum mark.
• Oil spots under the car or a burning oil smell.
• Blue smoke from the exhaust if the engine burns oil.

Possible causes5

• Normal oil consumption between changes, which increases as the engine ages.
• A leak from the valve cover gasket, oil pan, filter or oil seals.
• An overdue oil change.
• Oil burning from worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
• A false reading from parking on a slope or a faulty level sensor.

How to diagnose6

1. Park on level ground, switch the engine off and wait a few minutes.
2. Check the oil on the dipstick, or through the display menu on cars without one, as the owner's manual describes.
3. Look for oil spots or residue under and around the engine.
4. Check the date of the last oil change and how much oil you add between changes.
5. If the level is fine but the light is on, have the level sensor checked.
6. If the red oil pressure light comes on, stop the engine immediately.

How to fix6

1. Top up with the recommended oil type and viscosity without going over the maximum.
2. Change the oil and filter if the change is overdue.
3. Fix the leak by replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
4. Replace the level sensor if it is confirmed to read wrongly.
5. Have the cause of oil burning checked at a workshop if consumption is high.
6. Restart, confirm the light goes out and watch the level over the following weeks.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Usually a top-up is enough, while the cost rises for a leaking gasket or seal that needs more dismantling.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions