Engine Oil Level and Sensor Indicators

Engine Oil Level

These are alternative to or in addition to Engine Oil Level Warning Indicator symbols. They are used by a handful of manufacturers. The added text or images point the way. Despite the yellow/amber color, these two symbols should be addressed as soon as possible. The exclamation point added to the oil can is also a Sensor Malfunction Indicator and is shown in red or yellow/amber. In these cases, the oil level cannot be sensed by the vehicle. More below…

• Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
• Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The first, with the wrench or spanner on one side, is a warning to check the oil level. If the vehicle tracks the mileage since the previous oil change, the light is a warning that an oil change is due.

The second, with the word SENSOR in it, says that the vehicle can no longer warn you if the oil level or pressure drops dangerously low. The wavy line is meant to indicate ‘level’ and the drop represents oil. This symbol should frankly be red as either condition can severely damage your engine and make for a very bad day. Have your dealer or authorized service center repair it immediately.

More Versions

The same symbol with the added text MIN, says that the engine’s oil level has dropped to its minimum level for safe operation. Alternatively, the symbol shown as a dip stick with a drop of oil falling from it in red also indicates that the oil level is too low. In either case, add some oil as soon as you can or better yet, use this as an opportunity to get an oil and filter change.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.