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What Does the Engine Oil Symbol on my Dashboard Mean?

I’m seeing my engine oil symbol light up on my dashboard even when my car is running. What does this light mean?

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Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Funky lights on your dashboard can stir up feelings of anxiety for any car owner! When you don’t know what a light means, it can feel even scarier. The engine oil symbol on your dashboard looks like a tiny oil can (or maybe just a little bit like the genie’s lamp from Aladdin), and will glow red when your car is running to indicate there’s a problem.
Usually, your engine oil symbol will light up when there’s a problem with your oil pressure. Low oil pressure or problems with your car’s oil pump could trigger this light to turn on. Sometimes, however, it’s also an issue with the senor that may require you to reset the button manually.
If your engine oil symbol is lighting up, it could potentially become a profound issue—driving with low oil pressure or a faulty oil pump could cause your car’s engine to seize while driving. So, it’s a dashboard light you’ll want to take seriously.
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