As a car owner, you may be wondering what is wrong if the oil light on the dashboard comes on when you turn. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.
There are different problems that may cause the oil light of your vehicle to come on when turning, here are some of them:
- Faulty oil pump
- Low oil level
- Low oil pressure
It is advisable to tackle the problem as soon as possible so it doesn't escalate. Keep reading to get detailed information on the possible reasons why the oil light comes on when turning and how to solve the problem.
What Could Be Wrong If Oil Light Comes On When Turning?
If you notice that your oil light comes on when you make a turn, then your car needs attention as it is risky to keep it moving after noticing the problem. The possible causes of this issue are:
Low Oil Level
When the oil level of your car is low, it can lead to engine starvation because when you are making the turn, the oil pan tends to shift from the oil pickup tube thereby causing oil pressure loss. This can cause great damage to your engine.
To avoid spending a lot on repair costs, it is advisable to stop the car and check the level of your engine oil as soon as possible. For safety reasons, you can let the car settle for 10 - 15 minutes before you check the oil level.
To top your engine oil, you would have to follow the due process and use the exact oil as recommended by your manufacturer. Making use of the wrong oil will cause damage to your engine in the long run.
When topping the engine oil, begin by adding the oil in a small amount, then you can use a dipstick to check the oil level. Avoid overfilling as it may damage the engine of your vehicle.
Low Oil Pressure
When the oil light comes on, it is advisable to turn the vehicle off and get the problem solved before using it. Most times, this light shows up when the sensor needs to be changed. Changing the sensor is an easy-to-do task and it is very affordable.
Faulty Oil Pump
If you have checked the oil level of your car and the sensor is also working properly. Then, the possible reason why the vehicle's oil light is coming on is that the oil pump is faulty.
You'll find the oil pump underneath the engine inside the vehicle's oil pan. However, replacing it is not easy. You can call a professional and let them handle it.
What Should I Do If My Oil Light Comes On When Turning?
This problem is usually caused by a low oil level and this can prompt your vehicle to make a knocking noise. What you should do if the oil light comes on when turning is to stop the car and check the oil level as fast as possible.
If your vehicle needs a refill, avoid overfilling as this may cause damage to your engine's components and also the converter. The most annoying part of this is the knocking sound that it produces which can cause permanent damage to the engine. Also, make sure to check for leaks too.
How Long Can You Drive A Car After The Oil Light Comes On?
If the oil light of your vehicle comes on, you should have it checked immediately. But, driving for a short period won't cause damage.
Generally, you can still drive for two weeks before the oil light coming up on your dashboard becomes a major problem. Once it has gotten to this point, things can get worse and may result in serious mechanical damage. The best thing to do is to contact a professional mechanic before the problem worsens.
What Does A Flashing Red Oil Light Mean?
When it comes to a vehicle showing an oil light warning, getting to know what brings about the warning light and getting a professional mechanic for any repair is very important.
If the oil light of your vehicle is flashing, chances are that the oil in your vehicle is not lubricating the moving components of the engine which is a result of overheating. It can even make your engine produce a clicking sound.
When the oil in your vehicle is overheated, it may start acting like water rather than oil, which means it will not lubricate the engine. If this happens and the problem isn't dealt with, it might lead to wear and tear of the engine, and in most cases, the damage is irreparable.
With a whole lot of issues that are making your engine overheat, the quicker you put a call through to a professional mechanic, the better you get your engine back to life.
How Can I Test Oil Pressure?
The oil pressure of your engine is important for its longevity and integrity as this pressure ensures that all moving parts of the vehicle are lubricated and operate smoothly. The oil helps to reduce wear and also keeps the engine cool when driving. To check your oil pressure manually, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Find The Engine Oil Pressure Sender
Lift the front end of your vehicle and find the engine oil pressure sender located beside the oil sump. Next, put an oil drain pan under the engine in case of oil spillage.
Step 2: Detach The Electrical Connector
Detach the electrical connector from the part that sends oil pressure and take away the oil pressure sender using the recommended socket which is usually 11/16.
Follow the attached instructions for the oil pressure kit and get the tester mounted. Check to see if the engine oil is properly filled and you can top off if the need arises.
Let the engine remain idle until it acquires operating temperature. You can use your owner's manual to know what RPM is needed to carry out the oil pressure test.
Step 3: Determine The Oil Pressure Range
Use the repair guide to find out the oil pressure range for an RPM. Let your helper maintain the RPM of the engine as instructed by the test kit. Get the oil pressure readings and note them down.
Turn off the engine and allow it to cool then take away the oil pressure tester. Install the oil pressure sender again.
Step 4: Fix The Electrical Connector
Install the electrical connector of the oil pressure sender again. Lower the vehicle and top off the oil to make sure it is in the proper level. When all these are done, you have successfully checked your oil pressure manually.
What Does An Orange Oil Light Mean?
You may have noticed an orange oil light on the dashboard. When this happens, you don't need to panic. If you are driving a new vehicle, you are more likely to see the orange and red oil lights on your dashboard.
The Orange serves as a reminder. When this light comes on, it means that it is time to change your oil. You don't have to panic when this comes on, just know that you need to change your oil soon. But if the red comes on, it's a big problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
How Much Does Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost?
On average, the cost of replacing your oil pressure sensor is between $50 - $250 and this also depends on the model of your car and the labor costs. The cost of the oil pressure sensor is between $30 -$100 while the labor cost is between $20 - $150.
What Does A Yellow Oil Light Mean?
The oil light comes on when there is a drop in the engine's oil pressure. This is because the engine can not lubricate if there is no adequate oil pressure. Therefore, constant lubrication is important for the engine to work perfectly.
When the oil level light on your dashboard is showing "yellow," it means that you need to stop the car as soon as you are in a safe position and address the problem before it worsens.
To Wrap Up
The oil light is a vital part of the vehicle and it tells you what might be wrong with the engine. There is a yellow, orange, and red light. When you see red oil light, it means that your engine needs urgent attention.
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