Car symptom
Oil pressure light on
The oil pressure light is one of the few you must never ignore. Stop safely and check the level before driving on.
Most likely causes
- Low oil level
- Wrong or worn oil grade
- Worn oil pump or bearings
- Faulty pressure sensor
- Blocked pickup / filter
Checks to run
- Check the oil level and top up
- Confirm pressure with a mechanical gauge
- Check the correct viscosity
Tools you may need
Oil pressure gauge
Oil and filter
Confirm before replacing. These are hypotheses to check — never buy parts on a guess. If the fault involves brakes, airbags or fuel under pressure, use a professional.
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FAQ
It depends on the cause. Some causes are cheap and quick; others (like a head gasket or seized caliper) need attention soon. Work through the checks in order and confirm before replacing parts.
Start with the free checks listed here. If they involve high voltage, fuel under pressure, airbags or brakes, let a professional handle it.
The interactive diagnostic asks targeted questions to narrow it down, and every cause must be confirmed with a measurement — never guess.