To the Doctor:
What causes the oil light icon to appear when I stop? I checked the dipstick and the oil level is okay. I have another thousand miles or so before another oil change is due.

The Doc Says:
The oil light warning in your vehicle is generally indicative of low oil pressure. This can be caused by low oil level or, more likely in your case, a failing oil pump. Because you've checked the oil level and it appears fine, what is most likely happening is that when you come to a stop and the engine rpm drops to idle, the oil pump, which is powered by the engine, is slowing and not pumping enough oil to keep the oil pressure up. This could be harming your engine, and it's definitely something I'd have a trusted mechanic or auto technician check out immediately!

The advice described above is for informational purposes only. It cannot and should not be used in lieu of an actual, physical inspection and diagnosis by a trained mechanic or automotive technician. The opinions and advice offered herein are not intended to diagnose automotive problems or component failures; they are simply intended to provide information on what could be transpiring. VehicleMD accepts no liability resulting from actions taken as a result of this advice.