Most drivers don't think about their oil pump until something feels wrong.
Maybe the oil pressure warning light flickers at a stoplight. Maybe the engine has started making a ticking noise it never made before. Or maybe the oil level is full, but the dashboard is still warning you about oil pressure.
Those situations can be unsettling because they're often associated with a failing oil pump. But the pump isn't always the problem.
The oil pump's job is to circulate oil throughout the engine so moving parts stay lubricated and cool. When oil pressure drops, those parts can begin wearing against each other much faster than they should. The challenge is that several different problems can cause low oil pressure, including a failing pump, low oil, a clogged pickup screen, the wrong oil viscosity, worn engine bearings, or even a faulty oil pressure sensor.
Understanding the symptoms can help you know when it's time to stop driving and have your vehicle inspected.
Your Oil Pressure Warning Light Comes On
For many drivers, the first sign of trouble is the red oil pressure warning light.
This warning doesn't automatically mean the oil pump has failed, but it does mean the engine may not be receiving enough oil pressure to protect itself. That's an important distinction. You could have the correct amount of oil on the dipstick and still have a pressure problem.
Some drivers notice the light only after the engine warms up or while sitting at idle. Others see it briefly before it disappears once they begin driving again. Even if the warning comes and goes, it shouldn't be ignored.
If the oil pressure warning light stays on, pull over as soon as it's safe and shut the engine off. Continuing to drive with inadequate oil pressure can quickly lead to serious internal engine damage.
Once the engine is off, check the oil level if you can do so safely. If the dipstick shows the oil is very low, adding the manufacturer-recommended oil may restore the proper level, but that doesn't explain why it became low in the first place. You'll still want the vehicle inspected for leaks or for burning oil.
If the oil level is normal, the dipstick is full, or you hear knocking, ticking, or other unusual engine noises, don't restart the engine. The problem could be low oil pressure caused by a failing oil pump, a clogged pickup screen, a faulty oil pressure sensor, or another issue within the lubrication system.
In that situation, it's safest to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop rather than risk severe engine damage by continuing to drive.
The Oil Pressure Gauge Drops Below Normal
If your vehicle has an oil pressure gauge instead of (or in addition to) a warning light, pay attention to changes rather than a single number.
A gauge that suddenly drops lower than normal, fluctuates unexpectedly, or falls near zero after the engine reaches operating temperature deserves attention.
A low reading doesn't confirm the oil pump has failed. A technician may need to verify actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge before determining whether the problem is the pump itself, a faulty sending unit, or another issue within the lubrication system.
Ticking or Tapping Sounds From the Engine
Engine oil doesn't just reduce friction. It also cushions and lubricates components in the valvetrain.
When oil pressure drops, those components may begin making a rhythmic ticking or tapping sound, especially during startup or while the engine is idling.
Drivers sometimes describe the sound as a sewing machine, rapid clicking, or light tapping from the top of the engine.
While these noises can have several causes, they should never be dismissed if they're accompanied by an oil pressure warning or changes on the oil pressure gauge.
Knocking Noises Coming From the Engine
Knocking is generally more serious than ticking.
A deep knocking noise can indicate that critical internal components, such as connecting rod bearings, aren't receiving enough lubrication. Instead of a light tap, the sound is usually heavier and more pronounced, especially as engine load changes.
Not every engine knock is caused by a failing oil pump, but low oil pressure is one possible cause.
If you hear knocking along with an oil pressure warning light, avoid driving the vehicle. Continuing to run the engine could significantly increase repair costs.
Rising Engine Temperatures and Overheating
Engine oil helps reduce friction, and reducing friction helps control heat.
When oil isn't circulating properly, engine temperatures can begin climbing because moving parts generate more heat than normal.
Overheating by itself doesn't prove the oil pump has failed. Cooling system problems are much more common causes. However, overheating combined with low oil pressure or unusual engine noises points to a problem that should be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Unusual Noises From the Oil Pump
Despite the name, a failing oil pump doesn't usually announce itself with an obvious pump noise.
Instead, the sounds drivers hear typically come from engine components that aren't receiving enough lubrication.
In some cases, excessive wear inside the pump or problems with its pressure-relief valve may contribute to whining or other unusual sounds, but those symptoms are far less common than warning lights, low oil pressure, or engine noise.
Rather than trying to identify the pump by sound alone, consider the complete picture:
- Oil pressure warning light
- Low or fluctuating pressure gauge
- Ticking or knocking noises
- Rising engine temperature
- Recent changes after an oil change or repair
Looking at all of the symptoms together gives a much better indication that something within the lubrication system needs attention.
What to Do If You Notice Signs of a Failing Oil Pump
The first step is simple: check the engine oil level. Low oil is one of the most common causes of reduced oil pressure and is easy to rule out.
If the oil level is normal but the warning light remains on, the gauge continues reading low, or the engine is making unusual noises, don't assume the oil pump is the culprit, or that replacing it will solve the problem.
A proper diagnosis should confirm actual oil pressure before major repairs are recommended. Depending on the results, the issue could involve the oil pressure sensor, oil filter, pickup tube, internal engine wear, or the oil pump itself.
Most importantly, don't ignore a persistent oil pressure warning. Even if the engine seems to run normally, inadequate oil pressure can cause damage long before drivability changes become obvious.
If your vehicle is showing signs of low oil pressure or possible oil pump failure, pay a visit to your local GreatWater 360 Auto Care shop. Our teammates can inspect the lubrication system, verify oil pressure, and identify the root cause so you know exactly what your vehicle needs and you can get back out and on the road.