Tag: oil can

Oil Warning Dashboard Lights

Oil Warning

Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolLow Oil Level SymbolOne of the first idiot lights, the warning light to the far left, featuring an old-school oil can or what could be even Aladdin’s lamp, is the Oil Warning Light, either level or pressure symbol. A wavy line below the oil can is more specific and indicates the oil level is low, as seen in the second symbol. Without the wavy line, your engine is telling you that the oil pressure is low.

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

So, what do you do next?

Oil Level IndicatorIn either case, the oil level must be checked. The text symbols Oil Level or Low Oil Pressure are used by some manufacturers and is also an admonition to check the oil. In either case, if the oil level is good, the engine needs servicing as soon as possible as an oil pump failure is likely and will lead to serious engine damage.

Low oil pressure indicatorThis is also a Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator.  The exclamation point in the warning indicator, accompanied by a dial and a pointer, indicates that the engine’s RPM has been reduced. The dial and pointer are intended to be a gauge, however, there are no markings to indicate actual oil pressure. As with the text messages above, low oil pressure can result in serious engine damage, even at reduced RPMs, so have the engine serviced as soon as possible.

oil temperature indicatorThis one is an Oil Temperature Indicator symbol. It adds a thermometer above the image of the oil can. It is found in vehicles with high-performance engines that may be run very hard. If it is seen on the instrument panel, pull over and shut down the engine as soon as possible to allow it to cool down.

Related Symbols

Engine Oil level Minimum IndicatorEngine Oil Level SensorAre you seeing one of these to the right?? Follow this link.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/oil-warning-dashboard-lights/

Engine Oil Level and Sensor Indicators

Engine Oil Level

Check oil level indicatorEngine Oil Level SensorOil pressure sensor malfunctionOil Level Sensor FailureThese 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

Engine Oil level Minimum IndicatorLow oil level indicatorThe 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.

——————————————————————-

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/08/engine-oil-sensor-and-level-indicators/