When the dashboard of your Subaru displays the ‘no oil pressure’ warning light, it indicates that the oil pressure in the oil line is low, and the components are not receiving adequate oil due to this low pressure.
Proper oil pressure ensures the engine oil reaches the engine components. This helps in the proper lubrication of engine components, cooling of the engine, and cleaning of contaminants such as microscopic metal shavings and sludge.
Causes and Signs of No Oil Pressure in Subaru
The various causes which prompt the no-oil pressure in your Subaru are;
- Insufficient engine oil or a low oil level is usually the most common factor behind the ‘no oil pressure’ warning. This low oil level could stem from oil leaks and inadequate oil changes.
- Excessive wearing of the engine bearing also triggers the no-oil pressure.
- Clogged oil filters block the oil flow to critical oil components, which causes the triggering of the ‘no oil pressure’ warning light on the dashboard.
- Damage to the oil pump causes the flow to stop, resulting in no oil pressure.
- Wrong engine oil with viscosity incompatible with the engine affects the oil pressure, causing damage, and the ‘no oil pressure’ light triggers.
Before the no-oil warning light, there are several signs that indicate low or no oil pressure in the engine. These include engine knocking, reduced engine performance, engine overheating, and an oil-burning smell.
Addressing the No-Oil Pressure
The “no oil pressure” warning in your Subaru is the final stage of an oil pressure malfunction. Thus, this warning must be considered with utmost seriousness. The no-oil-pressure warning is handled in two phases. When you receive the warning while diving, you must take some initial steps to preserve the vehicle until it reaches the professionals. Then the technicians will address the issue and do the necessary repairs and replacements.
Here are the crucial steps you must take when you get a no-oil-pressure warning while driving;
Do Not Drive More
When you get the ‘no oil pressure’ warning in the middle of driving, do not drive anymore. Do not try to reach home or a garage, even if it is close. Safely pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible. The warning is the last straw to the oil damage; thus, each moment you drive the vehicle, the damage increases exponentially in the engine.
Turn Off The Engine
As soon as you pull over, turn off the engine immediately. Do not let the engine run idle, as the engine movement, no matter how small, must be halted. Also, do not restart the engine to see if the warning sign is gone or not.
After doing this, call for a tow, which will take your Subaru to a quality repair shop like Professional Automotive in Marlborough.
Professional repair for the no oil pressure warning starts with determining the origin of the issue. This is done through several diagnostic inspections. First, the oil level is checked using the dipstick after the engine has cooled down. Suppose the oil level is very low or nonexistent. In that case, it is likely due to a significant leak or a history of neglecting oil changes, resulting in the vehicle consuming excessive oil. However, if the oil level is normal, then a serious underlying issue is creating this ‘no oil pressure’ warning.
A physical test will be conducted to find the point of origin in the case of a leakage issue. A diagnostic scan and pressure test are performed to identify the mechanical or sensor issue if the problem persists. According to the diagnosed issue, appropriate repair or replacement is performed. These are;
- Leaks are sealed if an oil leak is identified as the issue. Then the oil is topped off to restore pressure.
- If the issue is due to low oil level only, then oil top off and filter cleaning are done.
- A clogged filter is often replaced as it is more suitable than cleaning and reinstalling.
- The clogged oil pickup screen is removed. Analyzing the condition of the screen, it may need to be replaced, cleaned, or reinstalled.
- If the oil pressure sensors are malfunctioning, then they are replaced.
- A failed oil pump is removed and replaced with a new one.
- If the engine bearings are severely worn out, then major engine repair is required. This sometimes involves engine rebuilding or replacement.
- If the wrong engine oil is used, the old oil is drained and replaced with new, high-quality, brand-specific engine oil.
Where to Go When Faced with a No-Oil Pressure Warning in Your Subaru
If you face a ‘no oil pressure’ warning in your Subaru while driving near Marlborough, then call our shop, Professional Automotive, for all the diagnosis and repair assistance. We are the premier auto repair shop of Marlborough for all domestic, Asian Import, and European auto brands.
Operating since 1994, we house expert and experienced technicians who have been working with all types of vehicles for decades. Our facility features factory-grade diagnostic scanners and advanced repair tools, enabling accurate diagnosis and repair of your Subaru. We use OEM parts and brand-specific fluids for our repairs.
Our shop offers a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty, same-day turnaround for most repairs, and loaner cars for the convenience of our customers. Situated at 19 Mechanic Street, our store has been serving the auto owners of Marlborough and its surrounding areas, including Hudson, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Westborough, Stow, Bolton, Berlin, and Framingham, since 1994.