Low Oil Pressure
This indicator should light when the
ignition is ON (II), and go out after
the engine starts. It should never
come on when the engine is running.
If it starts flashing, it indicates that
the oil pressure dropped very low for
a moment, then recovered. If the
indicator stays on with the engine
running, it shows that the engine has
lost oil pressure and serious engine
damage is possible. In either case,
you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page
145
). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page
146
).
4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure light. If the light does not
go out within ten seconds, turn off
the engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving.
(See
Towing
on page
225
.)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
NOTICE
