Oil Pressure Warning Light

What it means

Oil pressure inside the engine has dropped too low to lubricate the moving parts properly. This is one of the most serious warnings, because running an engine without adequate oil pressure can destroy it within minutes.

Symptoms5

• The red light comes on while driving or flickers in corners.
• Ticking or knocking noises from the top of the engine.
• Low oil level on the dipstick.
• Oil spots under the car.
• Engine temperature creeping up over time.

Possible causes6

• Very low oil level from a leak or oil burning.
• A faulty oil pressure sensor giving a false reading.
• Wrong oil viscosity or badly overdue oil.
• A clogged oil pickup screen or oil filter.
• A weak or failed oil pump.
• Internal wear of the engine bearings.

How to diagnose and fix6

1. Pull over somewhere safe and switch the engine off immediately.
2. Wait a few minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick.
3. If the level is low, top up with the recommended oil and watch the light after restarting.
4. If the light stays on with a correct oil level, do not drive and call for a tow.
5. A workshop should measure actual pressure with a mechanical gauge and test the sensor and pump.
6. Repair any leaks and change the oil and filter on schedule.

Repair cost

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

Topping up oil or replacing a sensor is cheap, but a damaged pump or engine from driving without oil can be extremely expensive.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.

Frequently asked questions