Oil light blinked very rapidly twice

2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
180 MILES
Avatar
DALTON0115
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Just curious if a car sliding sideways n coming to a rather quick stop onto blacktop.Could that cause the oil in oil pump to be thrown out of pump and burn it up very quick?

While I was sliding and when car to rest.Now it has a slight knock and I was just curious if the oil pump or oil sending unit got messed up since the slide.
Apr 6, 2012 at 6:36 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,308 POSTS
Yup. It's common for the oil to run to the side of the oil pan and allow the pump to momentarily suck up air. Since air compresses, it can't build up pressure, so the low pressure warning light will turn on until oil starts getting pumped again. That just takes a few seconds. That's not enough time to do serious engine damage.

If you're hearing a ticking noise up high in the engine, that is from a lifter collapsing from the air in it. It will pump back up in time. Normally that only takes a few seconds, but I had one car years ago that had one lifter that took about 30 miles of highway driving after every oil change before it would quiet down.

If you're not sure where the noise is coming from, have a mechanic take a quick listen for an opinion.
Apr 6, 2012 at 6:58 AM
Advertisement