Why did my oil light come on AFTER my car cut off?

Question

I was stopped at a stop light. My car cut off and then the oil light came on after it had shut off. It started back up perfectly fine. If my oil was low, wouldn't the light come on before the car got to the point of shutting off?

Answer 1

The light came on when the engine shut off and the ignition switch still in the on position. There is no oil pressure when the engine is not running, therefore the oil indicator came on. That is normal

Answer 2

Damn...when a motor shuts off the oil pump is not pumping any oil pressure so wouldn't you think the light would com on? Just like the battery charge warning light! Notice those lights come on before you crank the motor over?

Answer 3

The oil light always comes on when the key is turned on, but the engine is off. They do this so you know the warning light bulb works!



When your engine dies, the oil light comes back on for as long as the key is on. If the light wasn't on while the engine was running, you probably don't have a problem with your oil pressure.

Answer 4

The oil light was caused by the engine shutting off - oil pressure is produced by the engine running. No running, no pressure.