Your vehicle's instrument cluster has a low engine oil pressure warning light. To ensure reliable engine operation, the lubrication system must be kept at a sufficiently high pressure at all times.
Usually, during long-term operation of the car, as a result of wear of the main and connecting rod bearings of the crankshaft, the pressure in the lubrication system gradually decreases. The first sign of severe wear is the "winking" of the emergency oil pressure drop indicator lamp when the engine is idling. Over time, the lamp begins to light more and more often, and finally there comes a time when it does not go out at all when idling. As a rule, this indicates critical wear of the crankshaft bearings, but other reasons are possible. Therefore, if the emergency oil pressure drop lamp begins to light when the engine is idling, check the lubrication system (see "Checking the lubrication system"), even if the lamp immediately goes out when the crankshaft speed increases.
WARNING: If the low oil pressure warning light comes on unexpectedly while the engine is running at high speed (not idling), you must immediately stop driving, stop the engine and find out the reason. Further operation of the engine with low oil pressure can lead to serious damage and large financial costs for repairs.
Checking the lubrication system
1. Open the hood. Do not rush to check the oil level in the engine right away - let it drain into the oil pan, this will take two to three minutes. During this time, carefully inspect the engine - are there any fresh oil leaks on it.
2. Look under the front of the car to see if the engine oil pan is punctured or if there is a leak.
USEFUL TIP: If an oil leak is detected in a punctured oil pan, try to temporarily seal it on the spot. A good result can be achieved by using modern repair materials such as "cold welding", which are available in auto shops.
3. Pay attention to the oil filter. Oil may leak from under the rubber sealing ring of the filter cover if it is damaged or the cover is loose. Sometimes it is enough to turn it a little clockwise.
WARNING: Hot engine parts can cause burns, so wear gloves and long sleeves.
4. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth and reinsert it. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.
5. If the oil level is below the lower mark, add oil to the level.
USEFUL TIP: If you don't have a funnel for adding oil, you can use a funnel made from a plastic bottle.
6. Start the engine. If the oil pressure warning light goes out when the level is normal, you can continue driving.
If the light does not go out, you will have to call a tow truck, because to check the oil pressure warning light sensor, you need to put the car on a lift. The sensor is located at the bottom of the front of the cylinder block, next to the water pump (under the exhaust manifold and water distribution pipe) and covered with a heat-insulating cover made of aluminum foil.
1. Remove the engine crankcase guard (see "Removal and installation mudguards and engine crankcase protection"), move the heat-insulating cover and check the reliability of the wiring harness connector fastening to the sensor.
2. If the connector is securely fastened and the warning light is on, try replacing the low oil pressure warning light sensor with a new one (see "Replacing the oil pressure warning light sensor") and check the electrical circuit of the indicator lamp (see "Diagnostics of faults of on-board electrical equipment").
NOTE: If possible, before purchasing a new oil pressure warning light sensor, measure the pressure in the lubrication system with a mechanical pressure gauge, which should be installed instead of the removed sensor. If the pressure at normal idle speed is less than 0.1 MPa, replacing the sensor will not lead to a positive result. Diagnostics and engine repair at a service center are required.
3. If it turns out that the oil pressure in the engine lubrication system is insufficient, the reason may be a decrease in the oil pump supply or wear of engine parts. To diagnose and eliminate these faults, you must contact a car service center.
[For details, visit the website ChevyMan.ru]