How do i get my oil pressure warning light to go off in my hyundai elantra?

Question

I have a 2002 elantra. The oil pressure warning light came on about a month ago. I assumed it needed an oil change, as it did, and was done on the car, at home. I thought that would make the light go off but it didn't. I read the manual and it said it was serious and that it should be taken to a hyundai dealer ASAP to be checked out. But aren't those indicator lights one of the biggest scams out there? You bring it to the dealer and they charge you $100 to disconnect the battery and have it reset. Does anyone know how to get it to go off and should I be worried that it doesn't go off on its own?

Answer 1

No indicator lights are not scams.  They in fact are a great asset to car owners to insure that there vehicles are working properly and being properly maintained.  The reset procedure you are refering to is for the Check Engine Light which is related to the emissions components of the vehicle.  However, your oil light refers to a perceived lack of oil pressure in the engine.  This could be due to a failed sending unit, a clogged port in the engine, low output from the oil pump, or simply a disconnected wire.  This light is trying to warn you that your car may be in danger of burning up its engine.  Though with you having driven it this long without major damage it is most likely simply a sensor failure, you should have this checked out immediately.  If it is indeed clogged oil ports or a weak pump you could be slowly killing your car.

Answer 2

All of these answers are the possible culprit.  You may also be looking at a defective oil pressure switch.  There may not be anything wrong internally with oil pressure or the pump, the switch simply may have failed.  

If you have not noticed any leaking oil (puddles under the car), you're doing good.  Does the vehicle blow black smoke from the exhaust pipe?  If not, it isn't burning oil.

The oil pressure switch is located on the side of the head and will run about $12.00 from a dealer.  It is not an uncommon problem as the vehicle ages and is an easy in and out fix.  If you replace the switch, the light should go out.  If it doesn't, there is something else wrong.

Answer 3

When the oil pressure light comes on it's to warn you that there is not enough oil pressure to meet your engines' needs. This happens for a couple of reasons. Most common is that there isn't enough oil in the crankcase to build pressure, less common is the possibility that the oil pump may not be working properly or not at all. After those two comes the possibility that the oil pressure sending unit is not functioning properly. If you check your oil and it's up to the line on the dipstick then the first possibility is eliminated. Your next diagnostic option is to take your car to a car care place that will check to see if you have any engine faults on the cars' computer. (this can rule out the sender). When that's done (if the sender is O.K.) that only leaves the oil pump. Be advised that your manual is correct. Loss of oil pressure is serious. If it's not the sender then there is a distinct possibility that you could ruin your engine.  Don't blow this off.

Answer 4

this light is due to your oil pressure sending unit has failed so it does not know that the motor has oil in it. You would be better off taking it to the dealership.

Answer 5

I would say I agree with the last person you need to take it to the dealer and get it looked at. Your car probably has a faulty switch so yeah take it to the dealer