What Does the “No Oil Pressure” Dashboard Light in Volvos Mean?

Cars from different manufacturers behave and perform differently. Due to differences in design, engineering, and execution, there are variations among all vehicles—and not just vehicles from differing manufacturers. In fact, there are many variations between vehicles from the same manufacturer. For instance, all Volvos are made by the same company; however, not every model is the same. The same rule applies to the common issues that Volvos often encounter.

One such issue that Volvo drivers typically experience is the “No Oil Pressure” symbol illuminating in the dashboard, often accompanied by “Stop Engine.” This is a common occurrence in numerous Volvo models. When your car alerts you of an issue, it’s important to follow-through with diagnosing the problem quickly—otherwise, the reliability of your car could be in jeopardy.

Function of the Warning Light

All the warning lights on your dashboard are to warn you of a problem occurring in your vehicle that needs attention in order to keep you safe while driving your car. The warning light that lets you know that your engine’s oil pressure is low should not be taken lightly—in fact, your engine usually doesn’t let you know there’s a problem with the oil pressure until it’s a serious issue. If you notice that this light is on, you should immediately bring your Volvo to a specialist.

Common Volvo Issues

As previously mentioned, Volvos have issues that occur often in some models over others. However, these issues may not ever arise under the right circumstances. Following a routine maintenance plan for your Volvo is always recommended, as they modify their maintenance schedule based on typical issues and when they occur. Furthermore, you may be able to avoid common Volvo issues all together by monitoring your driving habits. Sometimes a particular driver’s patterns can heighten the likelihood that a specific problem may occur.

Normal Oil Pressure Loss

Over time, it is normal and expected for all vehicle to lose some oil pressure. Therefore, the higher in mileage your Volvo is, the more likely it is to experience low oil pressure. In order to combat this problem, regular oil changes are critical to maintain. Furthermore, frequently checking the condition of your oil and oil filter is always recommended.

Potential Causes of the Problem

There are several different sources of low oil pressure in a Volvo, and it’s important to have a Volvo specialist who is familiar with the brand perform a diagnostic procedure to isolate the issue. Any number of the following could be the origin of low oil pressure:

Oil Type, Level and Oil Filter

Oil changes are often given a bad rap because they’re an ongoing vehicle expense. While oil changes themselves are important, it’s more about the quality of the oil change. If the technician uses the wrong type of oil, for instance, it can greatly affect the oil pressure in your engine. If the oil isn’t kept full, or if it begins to leak, this can lead to other engine problems. Lastly, it’s important to keep your oil filter clean so the oil can freely flow through your engine.

Sending Unit

Sensors and gauges comprise of a sending unit that essentially measures the amount of oil pressure and sends this information to the car’s ECU. If something is off with the sending unit, this can unnecessarily cause the ECU to alert the driver that something is not working properly with the oil pressure.

Faulty Oil Pump

Lastly, the oil pump can become clogged or worn and begin to malfunction. The oil pump is responsible for keeping the oil circulating through the engine with pressure. If that pressure diminishes, the oil will not adequately lubricate your engine.

What You Should Do to Fix the Problem

There are a variety of reasons why your Volvo’s oil pressure is off, and it could just be a technical glitch alerting you of an issue for no apparent reason. However, even if your Volvo’s engine is running well, it’s important to investigate any trouble codes with accuracy and immediacy. Here at Cerrone’s European, located in Redwood City, CA, we tailor our approach to Volvo maintenance and repair based on each individual case. Since we have been a family-owned shop since 1976, we treat every client as if they were part of our own family. To schedule an appointment or to simply learn more about our business philosophies, please contact one of our professionals directly. We look forward to helping you keep your Volvo running smoothly for years to come.