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Cause of oil pressure light??

73K views 22 replies 9 participants last post by  KLS 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey,

New to the forum but not new to cars or forums.

I have a 2012 Sorento SX with the V6 with 52,000KM. I live in a very cold place (regularly -30 to -50 all winter). I do not have a Kia Dealer within a 12 hour drive plus a ferry ride. The only local dealers are Ford and Chev and I do not trust either to correctly diagnose my vehicle and to be honest I doubt they would really try hard as it is not a domestic vehicle.

Anyway, to my issue. My oil pressure light is coming on but not staying on. I checked the oil level yesterday and it is completely full. When I was driving it yesterday, drove like 30min then got to town and when I hit stop light and started braking the light started to flicker then stayed on while I was stopped and went out when I started again. It sure seems like oil level is right at the point where it would make the light come on but I checked again and it is full.

Anyone have any thoughts on what the cause of this might be?

Thanks!
 
#3 · (Edited)
What's the service history?

When last was an oil and oil filter change done, and was an OEM filter used.

My experience is that an oil light coming on intermittently at low engine speed is due to sludge and/or choked oil filter due to poor servicing.
Worn oil pump or bearings can also cause low oil pressure.

It could be a faulty oil light pressure switch, but until that's confirmed with a pressure gauge, I'd be trusting what its telling you.
 
#4 ·
1--mail order a KIA filter and install it.
2--Assuming Canada (pls put some info in your profile), are you running 5W-20 or 0W-20 in those temps? I'd prefer the 0W-20. The 0W-20 has better flow at very low temperatures than even synthetic 5W-20.
3--Have a local shop put on their oil pressure gauge they use for testing and see what you get. I don't know the spec...you might call Kia Motors Canada, 1-877-542-2886, or a Kia dealership, tell them you're 12 hours from the nearest dealer, and ask what the oil pressure spec should be. Or, maybe someone on this forum has the specs.
 
#6 ·
Are your RPM's low at idle? Should be 900 to 1000 RPM. If they are low this would cause your oil pressure light to come on or at least flash. If this is the case, troubleshoot low RPM issue.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for all the responses guys.

I do use OEM filters, bought a bunch before I came up here. Last filter/oil change was in November, app. 3000KM ago. Change oil every 6 months or 6000KM's, both of which usually occur around the same time.

Not sure the weight of the oil, I will check my receipt once I get up tomorrow along with the idle RPM's. The light did not come on when the engine was cold when I first started it, only after I drove 40KM and stopped at red light.

I will have to get local shop to put an oil pressure gauge on it to see what it says. So should be around 18-19 psi while at idle at 1000RPM? Does it matter if it is warm or cold?

Thanks again!
 
#8 · (Edited)
I go along with the other guys... but I'd like to add ... Put a real oil pressure gauge in your car... "Idiot lights" only tell you when the oil pressure is too low... and living where you are it's critical that you KNOW what the oil pressure is at those temperatures...
They don't cost a lot and are pretty simple to install...You don't want your car to strand you somewhere at those temperatures... It's nice to know what the car's oil pressure is when it's running normal, then you can compare and SEE what you really have...
I added a gauge to my 06 Spectra SX... It adds peace of mind...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-YuNuTyh57XczYzbk1GTS1iSkU/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-YuNuTyh57XM2NlTnpvUTdBeTA/view?usp=sharing

Mounting was simple.... I bought a stainless steel hose clamp... drilled two holes in the clamp and screwed the clamp to the dash...then I just tightened the clamp around the gauge... Looks good too!

Dave
 
#9 ·
Is your engine reaching normal operating temperature in a reasonably short time? - if not, that could lead to sludge formation operating at low engine temp for extended periods.

I've seen this sludge accumulate on an engine with a stuck open thermostat.
 
#12 ·
While looking into getting this fixed, is it an issue if I continue to drive the vehicle? It is my only means of transportation and I really can not do without it.

I believe it is getting to normal operating temp normally, I have not noticed and I would notice if I was not getting heat in a reasonable time due to how cold it is here.
 
#13 ·
While looking into getting this fixed, is it an issue if I continue to drive the vehicle? It is my only means of transportation and I really can not do without it.

I believe it is getting to normal operating temp normally, I have not noticed and I would notice if I was not getting heat in a reasonable time due to how cold it is here.
The light coming on at low RPM's is a sign that overall the oil pressure is lower than design, and how much lower, and if it's still safe, you cannot know until the pressure is measured with a gauge.

I'd probably drive it gently, for a day or two, while waiting to get it checked out ASAP.
 
#19 ·
Our snow is coming your way blinky44...
I see you are in Newfoundland...I used to watch your TV on a BUD (big ugly dish)...
Beautiful countryside...
Try to stay warm...
Dave
 
#23 ·
In your cold climate it might be something as simple as the cold leg of oil in the line to the pressure sensor not activating the sensor. Some types of pressure sensors have internal moving parts, and the oil must push against this. Normal low at-idle oil pressure will move it, but maybe not always, in your case, when parts are in frigid air. But, do check it. And do use 0W-20 oil.
 
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