There is one of the indicators on the dashboard of cars that informs the driver about a decrease in oil pressure in the engine unit. The so-called oil pressure light in the form of an oil can signals a critical condition of the engine - insufficient amount of lubricant. On the panels of VAZ “classic” cars (six, seven, nine) there is also such an indicator. And if it suddenly lights up while driving or at low speeds while parked, this is a signal that there is a malfunction in the engine.
When might the warning light come on?
The oil pressure in the engine can drop for various reasons, some of them are insignificant and do not cause harm to the engine, while others, on the contrary, can cause serious damage to the power plant, which can only be eliminated by carrying out a major overhaul.
Therefore, the lighting of a special warning lamp is a serious reason to start looking for the cause.
The oil pressure light can come on in a variety of situations, starting with the fact that it simply does not go out after starting the engine and glowing while driving.
This problem can appear both “hot” and “cold”, at medium loads and at idle, as well as after a planned replacement of the lubricant (especially when switching to a new brand of oil).
When the pressure warning light comes on, this is not a situation where “I’ll just get home and see.” When such a signal appears, measures should be taken immediately.
The first thing to do is to immediately turn off the engine and stop driving. And then look for the cause on the spot or organize delivery of the car to the repair site (by tug, tow truck).
Note that sometimes failures in the sensor occur, so as one of the first measures you should wait 3-5 minutes and start the engine again and let it run in different modes.
If the sensor is “silent”, you can try to continue driving, but it is better not to leave the problem unattended and, if possible, check the components of the lubrication system. If the lamp comes on when the engine is restarted, the car will have to be towed.
oil pressure at zero | Topic author: Gobnet
I encountered such a problem that the oil pressure indicator is at zero, as soon as the engine warms up to 80 degrees the red light comes on and this is at idle speed, as soon as you raise the speed a little the light goes out, what could be wrong? help if it's not difficult
Alexander (Tylda) it seems like the light shouldn’t come on when the engine is running
Vanya (Gawahir) but it’s burning for me
Has Yura (Tsukina) changed the oil recently?
Vanya (Gawahir) less than a year ago and has driven about 7 thousand
Alexey (Jannette) let's start with the level, what does the level show?
Vanya (Gawahir) in the middle between min and max
Alexey (Jannette) along the way the oil receiver or oil pump is broken, I had this happen on a six, now it’s the same on a five.
Vanya (Gawahir) will this affect the further operation of the engine? If it's not a secret, how much does an oil pump cost and is it difficult to replace?
Alexey (Jannette) the price is cheap, you can fit into the piece anyway, for work you will at least have to lift the engine, remove the pan and change everything, of course it can affect the work, I’ve been riding like this for 2 weeks already, I’ve been riding a lot and it seems like nothing
Pavel (Aminadav) I had the same problem, the oil pressure sensor was faulty, start with that
Alexey (Jannette) but it’s unlikely to be a sensor. Maybe an oil pump drive? (the so-called fungus) or the oil pickup is clogged. Of course, it will affect the work; it will just jam one day and you will have to overhaul the engine, that’s all.
Vanya (Gawahir) thank you very much for possible reasons
Pavel (Aminadav) my oil pressure lamp was on on a warm engine at 1000 rpm, I set the speed to 1200, the lamp stopped burning (the oil was filled with Lukoil) I changed the oil to Visco 3000, the man filter, I also replaced both pressure sensors, now at 2500 rpm the pressure almost 4, at idle 800 rpm the pressure is somewhere around 1-1.5
Alexey (Jannette) can you try 10w60 especially for dead engines?
Alexander (Tylda) had such a problem, replaced the oil filter, everything is fine now)))
Roma (Harsimran) what kind of oil would you recommend? The engine has been overhauled while I'm running it in..
Vener (Ferdzik) the cause of “fungus” disappears immediately, because if the fungus splines are worn out, there is no pressure at all at any speed. The reason the sensor also disappears is because... When cold there is pressure. In general, if there is no pressure on a warm engine, 99% of the time it is wear of the knee liners, or the gearbox or the camshaft. sooner or later a major overhaul is due.
Vanya (Gawahir) Vener, what can be done to extend the life of the engine and how long can I drive like this?
Main causes of malfunction
Structurally, the lubrication system is quite simple, but its functioning can be affected by other engine elements. Therefore, there are quite a few reasons why the warning light comes on:
- Oil pressure sensor malfunction;
- Damage to the sensor-indicator light circuit;
- Exhaustion of lubricant life or its inadequacy;
- Low oil level;
- Clogged oil filter element, malfunction of its bypass valve;
- Clogged oil intake;
- Oil pump wear;
- Reducing valve jammed;
- Critical wear of engine components (crankshaft and timing gear);
- Penetration of other technical liquids into the pan.
Note that these are only the main and general causes of a drop in oil pressure, which are typical for any engine. But there are also reasons that occur only on certain car models.
Possible reasons for VAZ 2106, 2108, ZMZ 406, 405
But there are also reasons that may appear on specific cars, since there is another factor that influences the occurrence of the problem - the design features of the engine.
For example, on carburetor engines of the same VAZ-2106 or 2108, fuel can penetrate into the sump through the fuel pump. This unit on such engines is mechanically driven by a timing belt.
And due to damage to the pump membranes, fuel will penetrate inside the engine and mix with the oil, diluting it and increasing the level.
But on the ZMZ-406 engine, the cause of the pressure drop, in addition to those described, may be damage to the oil pump drive. Because of this, the unit simply will not function normally, which will affect the performance of the lubrication system.
Mechanical breakdowns inside the engine should not be discounted, as a result of which the operation of the lubrication system is affected. For example, a break in the timing chain tensioner shoe, for example, on the same VAZ-2106, will lead to the torn part starting to hit adjacent surfaces, knocking out small pieces of metal.
The chips formed as a result of such a breakdown will enter the lubrication system, and then settle in the filter, leading to a drop in pressure in it.
Or on the same ZMZ-405, the pump is driven through an intermediate shaft, which is driven by a timing chain. If the sprocket of this shaft breaks (it can rotate separately from it), the pump will stop working.
And there are enough such nuances. But in any case, without eliminating the cause of the malfunction, you should not use the car, so as not to end up with expensive repairs later.
Emergency measures
So, the oil pressure light on the dashboard came on while driving. As already noted, you should immediately stop and turn off the engine. Since while on the road there is no way to accurately determine the cause of the problem, the only diagnostic method is a visual inspection.
After stopping the engine:
- Carefully inspect the power plant for oil leaks - valve cover, pan, oil filter, end surfaces of the engine (near the auxiliary drive pulley and on the gearbox side);
- Check the condition of the circuit to the oil sensor, while monitoring (as far as possible) the integrity of the wire;
- During the time it takes for a visual inspection, the oil will drain into the pan, so we check its level with a dipstick.
Depending on the results of the inspection and level check, we take further actions. If a slight leak is detected, and the dipstick shows the amount of lubricant below o, you can continue moving to the repair site, but first replenish the oil loss and check whether the warning lamp lights up.
To top up, you should use the same lubricant that was filled in (it is not for nothing that it is recommended to always carry oil with you for topping up) or purchase a similar one. During the movement, you should stop periodically and replenish the level.
READ ON THE TOPIC: What oils should be poured into the engine.
We do the same in the case when no leaks are detected, but the level is below normal. We just add lubricant, make sure that the control light does not light up and continue on our way, periodically stopping and checking the dipstick.
If there are no leaks and the oil level is normal, it is possible that the pressure sensor is acting up. Restarting the engine after a short pause (the time it will take to inspect the engine and assess the amount of lubricant) will help verify this.
If the lamp lights up even when you restart it, it is better not to experiment, but to call for help to transport the car to the repair site.
It is strictly forbidden to operate the machine if the dipstick shows a level higher than normal or if there is a foamy whitish coating on it - emulsion (you can additionally check for the presence of emulsion on the oil filler cap).
This indicates that other technical fluids, such as antifreeze or fuel, are leaking into the pan. An excessive level of oil (liquid mixture) in the pan has a strong negative effect, as does its lack.
The problem is diagnosed by the non-characteristic color of engine oil and smoke from the exhaust pipe.
These are all the measures that can be taken in an emergency situation - when the lamp lights up while driving and there is no necessary equipment and tools for a more detailed search for the cause.
Oil pressure warning light
Probably every driver has encountered such an unpleasant situation: as soon as you start the engine at idle speed, an emergency light comes on, warning either that there is high oil pressure in the engine or there is no oil pressure. Extraneous sounds, knocking or grinding noises appear. This problem cannot be left; it must be addressed urgently.
But in order to fix the damage, it is important to first understand where it lies. Therefore, the first thing to do is to conduct serious monitoring of the system
You need to pay attention to the sensors and wiring; perhaps it is leaky and this causes a malfunction. To check the functionality of the sensor, it should be replaced with another one that is exactly in working order.
If after such castling the emergency light is still on, then the problem is different, you need to look further.
Now you need to check what the oil pressure is. A simple device will help with this - a pressure gauge, which can be easily purchased at any auto store; its cost is quite acceptable for any budget. Armed with the device, remove the decorative panel of the motor and dismantle the cables from the sensor. We take the key for 21 and remove the emergency pressure controller. We put a pressure gauge in place of the unscrewed sensor.
The next step is to start the engine and carefully look at the instrument readings. If everything is fine with the pressure, then when the engine is idling, the pressure gauge should show a pressure of 0.6-0.8 bar. If this indicator already drops to 0.5 bar, then the problem is obvious. This means that the oil pressure has disappeared and the engine needs to be repaired. If higher, then the opposite happened, which is also unacceptable.
To prevent this problem (missing or high oil pressure) from occurring unexpectedly, a comprehensive check must be carried out regularly. This procedure will not take much time, but it will save your nerves and save time on repair work. You can check the engine oil level using a dipstick.
If the oil pressure is lost, you should also take into account the fact that, most likely, there is a leak somewhere. If the engine is leaking, this can be detected by the oil stains that form in the parking areas. Inspect the area where the car was recently parked, and if oil stains are noticed, take measures to eliminate the leak. But not only leakage can affect the oil level.
Oil fluid tends to evaporate during engine operation, but only slightly, so just keep an eye on the level and add fluid when needed. Problems with the oil level are expressed not only in the warning light being on - this is the last stage when we can say with confidence that there is no oil pressure. Before the light gives a warning signal, the engine usually begins to stall.
True, it may work again later, and the driver hopes that if it worked this time, it will work the next time. But such an attitude is unacceptable, because the equipment breaks down. How to fix a leak in the engine? Not only the old, but also the new engine can leak. Therefore, to prevent this problem, despite the year of manufacture of the power unit, you should regularly check the condition of the crankcase ventilation.
Consequences of ignoring the problem
Stopping the engine when the pressure lamp lights up is a mandatory measure. Ignoring the signal can result in very serious problems:
- As a result of “oil starvation”, the contacting surfaces of components and mechanisms will begin to work “dry”, which will lead to their intense wear and high heating. If you take a crankshaft, the main and connecting rod bearings will begin to melt and “wrap” around the journals, which will lead to jamming of the crankshaft;
- Lack of lubrication will lead to intense wear of the camshaft “bed”;
- Wear products - small metal shavings - will spread through the channels of the lubrication system, which can lead to their clogging. Also, chips can cause jamming of the pressure relief valve and damage to the oil pump gears.
Elimination of such malfunctions is only possible through a major overhaul of the power plant.
Looking for a fault
Until the cause of the oil pressure light coming on is eliminated, it is better not to operate the car. To solve the problem, you can contact a service center, or identify and fix the problem yourself, saving on service station services. Much depends on the make of the car.
If there are no visible causes of the problem - there are no leaks, and the level is normal, we carry out diagnostics.
Self-testing is carried out “from simple to complex.” The main working element of the system is the lubricant. Therefore, we check it first.
If the lubricant is not changed on time (every 8-10 thousand km), perhaps the oil has exhausted its resource and has become very liquid, which is why the oil pump is not able to pump it in the required quantity, creating the necessary pressure.
In cases where the lubricant has been changed relatively recently, make sure that the tolerance and specification of the engine oil that was filled in matches the car’s engine.
Next, we move on to the next stage of testing - measuring the pressure in the system.
Engine injection mechanism
Regardless of the power supply system, pressure is created for all units by a specially designed pump. The main parts of this pump are gears that rotate during engine operation, thereby creating pressure and ensuring its supply to all parts of the unit.
If the oil pump does not operate properly, so-called oil starvation may occur, when the lubricant is not able to move along the internal walls of the engine and evenly lubricate its parts, thereby reducing their level of friction. Starvation can also occur due to a simple lack of necessary oil volume.
If such a situation occurs, a red light of a certain configuration lights up on the dashboard.
Problems with oil pressure may be indicated by increased noise from a running engine. If you do not stop the car and then carry out work to eliminate the problem, you can provoke the following problems:
- camshaft wedge;
- block head damage;
- formation of scoring on the surface of the cylinders;
- turning the liners.
What pressure should be in the system?
The sensor serves only to determine the pressure drop, but it does not indicate the exact indicator of this parameter. Therefore, a conventional 10 bar dial pressure gauge is used for measurement.
For measurements, you can use any device, adapting it to the engine or using a pressure gauge specially designed for this.
To use a conventional pressure gauge, you will have to improve it a little so that it can be connected to the motor. To do this, you will need the pressure gauge itself, a piece of thick-walled rubber tube, clamps and a threaded fitting for the hole for installing the pressure sensor.
We connect all this into one structure, and securely clamp the joints of the tube with the pressure gauge and fitting with clamps.
With a special pressure gauge for measuring oil pressure on engines, such a procedure is not required, since it is already equipped with a fitting and adapters for connecting to the engine.
Measurement is performed using the following technology:
- Disconnect the wire and unscrew the pressure sensor;
- We screw the pressure gauge into the sensor seat and tighten it well (but do not overdo it, since the thread in the hole is aluminum and breaks easily);
- We briefly start the engine (a short period of engine operation will not cause any damage);
- We look at the device readings.
If the pressure gauge shows pressure above 1 Bar, the lubrication system is functioning normally and the cause should be sought in the sensor or wiring.
Checking the lubrication system components
If replacing the sensor and ringing the wiring did not bring any results, and the lamp still works, you should look for the cause further.
The next steps are:
- REPLACE THE OIL FILTER. This element is equipped with a bypass valve and if this valve does not work, then after starting the engine the system needs time to pump oil (this problem manifests itself in the form of a constantly burning light after starting). Another problem associated with the filter is its severe clogging, which is why it creates a strong obstacle to the movement of oil, preventing it from rising to the cylinder head where the sensor is installed;
- REMOVE THE PAN AND INSPECTION THE OIL PICKUP. Over time, the intake mesh becomes clogged with various deposits (this is especially true with frequent changes of oil brands and the use of additives). Due to deposits, it is difficult for the pump to “pull” the required amount of working fluid from the pan, so the pressure will be insufficient;
- CHECKING THE OIL PUMP. Backlash and wear marks on the gears will indicate severe wear. Due to the gaps, the unit is simply not able to pump oil and a loss of pressure occurs;
- WE ASSESS THE CONDITION OF THE REDUCTION VALVE. This element is designed to relieve pressure when a certain value is exceeded. But if the valve gets stuck in the open position, it will leak oil, preventing the pump from pumping up the required pressure.
These indicate the causes of pressure drop associated with the lubrication system.
Reasons for the oil pressure indicator to light up in VAZ cars and their elimination
Before moving on to listing the reasons for turning on an oil lamp, one important note should be made. The disadvantage of the pressure indicator on classic VAZ models is that it lights up not only when there are problems in the engine lubrication system. The car owner can remove and completely overhaul the engine, but the oil pressure light will remain on. The fact is that the sensor itself may be faulty, its wiring may be damaged, and the oil level in the system may drop naturally, simply because the oil has exhausted its service life.
A water pump, also known as a water pump, is responsible for circulating antifreeze in the system. Details of its repair are set out in the following material: https://vazweb.ru/desyatka/ohlazhdenie/remont-pompyi-vaz-2107-svoimi-rukami.html
If there is a malfunction in the lubrication system, the oil pressure indicator on the car dashboard lights up
Oil filter malfunction or poor quality
A failed or malfunctioning oil filter is the most common reason for the indicator to turn on. As a rule, it is because of problems with the filter that the oil indicator lights up at idle and goes out after accelerating .
If the filter fails or its quality leaves much to be desired, then it simply cannot retain the oil, and it begins to flow down into the crankcase. If the oil has leaked out completely, then the next time the engine is started, it will begin to experience so-called oil starvation, which can lead to jamming of its main parts. This is a serious problem that cannot always be eliminated even with expensive repairs.
Oil filter on a VAZ 2106, due to a malfunction in which the oil pressure light comes on
Solution: replace the oil filter. Moreover, when purchasing this part, you should always pay attention to the brand and country of origin. You should also read the vehicle's owner's manual and become familiar with the filter models recommended by the manufacturer. It should be remembered that a high-quality filter cannot be cheap, and saving on this part is categorically unacceptable.
The effect of replacing the oil filter on a VAZ car - video
General decrease in oil level in the system
Sometimes the oil level in the lubrication system of a VAZ car can drop sharply, which will cause the light to turn on. The reason may be a leak of some kind of oil seal, gasket, etc. This phenomenon is especially noticeable when leaving the parking lot, when oil stains remain where the car was parked.
Oil flowing from under the engine cover of the VAZ 2106 helps turn on the low lubricant pressure indicator
Solution: open the hood and carefully inspect the car engine for oil stains. If nothing can be found, the car must be placed on an inspection hole and its underbody and crankcase protection must be inspected (you should use a powerful flashlight for this work). In the vast majority of cases, the leaking connection or gasket can be found. After this, it must be replaced, and oil must be added to the system, bringing the lubrication level to an acceptable level.
The oil pressure sensor is faulty
The oil pressure sensor, like any other car part, can break down over time. After this, it begins to give incorrect readings, misleading the driver.
A faulty oil sensor for a VAZ 2106 car can cause the lubricant pressure indicator to trigger
Solution: check the sensor and replace it. To understand that it is the oil pressure sensor that is faulty, it should be replaced with another sensor that is definitely working (if the repair is carried out in a garage, then a working sensor can be temporarily borrowed from a neighbor who has a similar car). Having installed a working sensor, you need to start the engine. If the light does not light up after starting the engine, then the cause of the problem can be considered established. After this, the car owner can only purchase a new sensor and install it on the car (since this part is practically irreparable).
Oil pressure sensor is clogged
A clogged oil pressure sensor is another reason why the indicator on the dashboard lights up. Unlike the previous case, here the car owner can do without replacing the device.
Solution: first of all, it is necessary to establish that the sensor is clogged and not broken. To do this, the engine starts at idle speed. Then their number is increased to one and a half thousand per minute. If after this the light on the panel goes out, then the sensor should be removed and cleaned. It is convenient to clean the outside of the sensor with an old toothbrush. And dirt from the oil channels should be removed with a piece of thin steel wire.
The oil pump has failed
Oil pump failure is the most difficult problem. If this unit does not work correctly, then it cannot maintain the pressure in the system necessary to lubricate all rubbing parts of the engine. The sensor will detect that the pressure has dropped and the driver will see a light on the dashboard.
An article dedicated to repairing and replacing the fuel pump on “classic series” cars is located here: https://vazweb.ru/desyatka/pitanie/remont-benzonasosa-vaz-2106.html
The oil pump is removed from the VAZ 2106 engine manually after first loosening the mounting bolts
Solution: remove the oil pump and inspect it for any malfunctions. If there are no faults, the pump must be thoroughly cleaned. After this, the engine oil is completely drained and replaced with new oil. This will prevent the oil pump from clogging again.
Removing and disassembling the oil pump - video
Sensor wiring fault
The electrical wiring of the pressure sensor may become frayed, a short circuit may occur due to insulation failure, or one of the many plugs may come off, which will lead to a breakdown in contact.
Solution: Thoroughly inspect all wiring associated with the pressure sensor. It is necessary to find out whether there are any traces of a short circuit in the form of melted insulation on the wires, or whether there are any kinks in the wires. If nothing of the kind could be found, you should remove and reconnect all plugs and contact connectors that are in one way or another connected to the sensor. If the wiring is not damaged, this will be enough to restore the correct operation of the pressure indicator.
Components affecting the operation of the lubrication system
But as already noted, other components and mechanisms can affect the functioning of this system.
Such mechanisms primarily include the KShM. If the engine has worked a significant life without major repairs, then wear of the elements of this mechanism will negatively affect the operation of the lubrication system as a whole.
Due to the large gaps between the crankshaft bearings and journals, there is a strong loss of oil pressure, which is why the lamp comes on. In this case, the problem can only be solved by a major overhaul.
The lubricant itself can aggravate the problem of component wear. The exhaustion of the resource or the mismatch of the oil brand can cause it to become very liquid after heating, which is why the pump cannot create pressure. You should pay attention to the condition of the oil if the lamp constantly comes on after the engine warms up.
Filling with thicker oil allows you to delay the overhaul or eliminate the “hot” signal, but this measure is temporary - eventually the engine will have to be repaired.
Third-party liquids in the pan
As for the increased oil level, it is not necessary to check the lubrication system, since the reason for the lamp to operate is the ingress of technical fluids into the pan. And here it is necessary to establish where they are leaking from and eliminate the damage.
If instead of oil an emulsion of asphalt or another color is found, this is an antifreeze leak. Coolant usually ends up in the sump due to a damaged head gasket, which will have to be replaced to fix the problem.
But if there is no emulsion, but the level is higher than normal, and the oil itself is very liquid, fuel penetrates into the pan. The main reasons for this phenomenon are:
- Occurrence of rings;
- Misfires;
- CPG wear.
As a result of such malfunctions, the fuel supplied to the combustion chambers does not burn, but flows down the cylinder walls into the sump.
Another factor is winter.
The season of operation of the car can also affect the lubrication system. In winter, in severe frosts, the oil can harden so much that the first time after starting the engine the pump is not able to pump it in the required quantity. Preheating the pan before starting the engine can eliminate this problem.
Another reason for the pressure lamp to light up after starting the engine in winter is condensation. Due to temperature changes, moisture accumulates inside the engine, which then settles and freezes on internal surfaces, including the oil intake screen and oil channels. In this case, letting the car sit in a heated place will help - after the engine heats up, the condensate will melt and drain into the pan.
Note that the above describes the general causes of a drop in engine oil pressure, which are typical for any car - VAZ-2109, 2101, Priora, Niva, 2110, 2114, etc.
Low engine oil pressure, causes
Signs of low oil pressure in a car engine are: a warning light in the form of an oil can on the instrument panel that lights up or flashes periodically and increased noise and vibration when the engine is idling.
There are several reasons for this malfunction, some of them can be easily fixed on your own, some require serious engine repairs. Using the example of engine 21083 of VAZ 21083, 21093, 21099, we will consider most of them. We will also determine what needs to be done immediately when a problem is detected in order to avoid major engine repairs, since oil starvation is contraindicated for its rubbing parts.
Causes of low oil pressure in a car engine
— Low engine oil level in the engine sump
After parking the car, you need to remove the dipstick and check the level. It should be midway between the minimum and maximum marks or closer to the maximum. Below the middle level is considered low and requires adding engine oil. Otherwise, the oil pressure in the engine lubrication system will be low.
Add oil through the oil filler neck, keeping in mind that there is about a liter between the minimum and maximum marks. In the future, you need to establish the reason for the decrease in oil level.
Engine oil level on dipstick
— Engine oil is not suitable for this engine
It's too runny. For example, when low-viscosity synthetic motor oil is used on an engine with a mileage of under 200 thousand km and large gaps in the rubbing parts. Or, when changing the engine oil, oil was added whose characteristics do not meet the factory requirements and tolerances for this particular engine. In any case, if there is a suspicion that low oil pressure in the engine is due to poor quality or inappropriate oil, it should be completely replaced.
